#Japan #AI Model #diabetes #Second Heart #Nagaokakyo

Second Heart's Leap Towards Zero Diabetes-related Amputations

Second Heart Co., Ltd., based in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto, and led by CEO Yukihiro Ishida, has recently been accepted into the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "ICT Startup League (Support2)" for the 2023 fiscal year. This initiative will support the development of an innovative AI diagnostic model aimed at detecting warning signs of foot conditions related to diabetes.

The Urgent Challenge of Diabetes

Every 20 seconds, someone loses a limb due to diabetes, with the five-year mortality rate after lower limb amputation soaring to 56.6%. In response to this alarming reality, Second Heart was founded by medical professionals deeply familiar with clinical practices, committed to ensuring that everyone can continue walking, regardless of their health challenges. Their remote foot disease monitoring app, "Steplife®," has been rolled out not only in Japan but also internationally.

In its overseas efforts, Second Heart has formalized a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with Malaysia's Social Security Organization (PERKESO), progressing in vital trials. However, as they plan to scale operations across Asia, particularly in Japan and Malaysia with a target audience of millions, the current reliance on expert visual verification of countless uploaded foot images has become a significant bottleneck.

AI Diagnostic Support Model Development

The project's focus is the development of an AI diagnostic support model designed to automatically detect early signs of foot ailments from images taken with smartphones. This AI technology will assess the risk of severe complications and perform automated triage, facilitating timely interventions.

The successful implementation of this model is expected to revolutionize how foot image assessments are conducted. It significantly enhances the capabilities of healthcare professionals, allowing just four medical staff to effectively oversee the care of 20,000 patients. By automating these labor-intensive tasks, Second Heart is poised to transform a traditionally manpower-heavy operation into a streamlined digital infrastructure.

Future Aspirations: Expanding Horizons

Following the establishment of a successful operational model in Japan and Malaysia, Second Heart plans to extend its reach to Indonesia and India, aiming to address similar challenges in these vast markets. Their ultimate goal is to eradicate the tragic phenomenon of foot amputations caused by diabetes, making a meaningful impact on global healthcare.

Company Overview

Second Heart Co., Ltd. has its main office located at 22-9 Katsuragiji Meguri Hara, Nagaokakyo, Kyoto. They also maintain several branches: one in Osaka and another in Tokyo, further emphasizing their commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility.

Group Company

SECOND HEART ASIA Sdh. Bhd. operates in Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia, under the direction of CSO Yusuke Mori, continuing the mission to provide innovative solutions.

About the ICT Startup League

The ICT Startup League is a program initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, aimed at supporting budding startups with funding for research and development. This initiative not only aids businesses financially but also promotes collaboration with the media to enhance visibility for participating startups, thereby contributing to regional revitalization and growth.