#Japan #Kyoto #Doshisha University #HVC KYOTO #INPIT Award

A Spotlight on Healthcare Innovations at HVC KYOTO 2026

On July 14, 2026, the stage was set for Japan's premier healthcare-focused pitch event, the HVC KYOTO 2026 Demo Day. This significant gathering, organized by JETRO, the Kyoto Prefectural Government, the City of Kyoto, and the Kyoto Research Park Corporation, celebrated groundbreaking innovations in the healthcare sector. Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of the prestigious INPIT Award, bestowed upon Hiroaki Kitagishi from Doshisha University for his remarkable development of an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is HVC KYOTO?

HVC KYOTO, or the Healthcare Venture Conference KYOTO, serves as a vibrant innovation platform where promising startups from around the globe, possessing revolutionary technologies in healthcare, converge. The event aims to foster collaboration between these startups and various partner organizations, including established businesses keen on open innovation, as well as venture capital firms and incubators.

The primary focus of HVC KYOTO is to provide invaluable opportunities for early-stage startups, especially those in the seed and pre-seed phases, to connect with partners that can support their growth trajectory. During the Demo Day, participants showcased their business ideas in English, engaging in effective pitching sessions that caught the attention of potential collaborators, research partners, and investors.

The INPIT Award: Recognizing Innovation

A hallmark of the HVC KYOTO 2026 Demo Day is the recognition of promising companies and researchers through various awards. The INPIT Award, specifically, is given to those who exhibit a strong potential for social implementation through the use of intellectual property, along with superior technological uniqueness. The award is intended to promote innovation that can make a significant societal impact.

In this year’s event, Hiroaki Kitagishi was honored for his groundbreaking research, which focuses on a completely synthetic hemoglobin compound known as “hemoCD” that serves as an antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning. His innovative approach towards tackling such a critical health crisis reflects the kind of forward-thinking solutions the HVC KYOTO seeks to promote.

As a recipient of the INPIT Award, Kitagishi will benefit from prioritized support from INPIT’s extensive support programs, which aim to nurture and propel innovative ideas into actionable solutions.

Kitagishi expressed his gratitude in a brief statement, remarking, “Receiving this award has boosted my motivation. This is not the end goal; I will continue to strive in my research and development endeavors.” Such commitment and passion exemplify the spirit of innovation that events like HVC KYOTO foster.

Conclusion

The HVC KYOTO 2026 Demo Day was not just a contest of business pitches; it was a celebration of ambition, creativity, and collaboration in the healthcare sector. As startups like Kitagishi’s continue to emerge and gain recognition, the future of healthcare innovation shines bright—celebrating not just technological advancements but also the lives those advancements can save. The ongoing support from partners and institutions like INPIT is essential in propelling these initiatives forward, ensuring that innovative solutions reach those in need.

For more detailed insights into the pitches and winners of this year’s event, see our related article on the HVC KYOTO 2026 Demo Day.