AA Health Dynamics and Tokyo BioDesign Association Collaborate to Tackle Healthcare Issues in Developing Countries

AA Health Dynamics and Tokyo BioDesign Association Join Forces to Improve Healthcare in Developing Nations

AA Health Dynamics Corporation, based in the Chuo Ward of Tokyo and led by CEO Kenta Hara, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tokyo BioDesign Association, located in Bunkyo Ward and headed by Director Yujiro Maeda. This collaboration aims to address healthcare challenges by enhancing the development of medical devices and healthcare services in developing countries, particularly in the Global South, starting from September 16, 2025.

Background of the MOU

Expanding the market for medical devices in developing countries requires a thorough understanding of local needs through design thinking. It is crucial to consider environments where funding is limited and user skills and knowledge may be insufficient. By understanding these factors, it becomes possible to develop user-friendly medical devices tailored to local conditions. Furthermore, with the rising presence of emerging manufacturers in countries like China and India, Japanese companies must accelerate the development of healthcare devices and services that are firmly rooted in local demands. In response to this situation, AA Health Dynamics and the Tokyo BioDesign Association have signed this MOU to leverage their strengths and effectively tackle these challenges.

Purpose of the MOU

The MOU aims to combine the expertise, networks, and resources of both AA Health Dynamics and the Tokyo BioDesign Association. By utilizing a field-driven, problem-solving approach in bio-design, the partnership seeks to accurately identify and analyze unmet needs in developing countries. The ultimate goal is to promote the co-development and commercialization of medical devices and services, thereby establishing a sustainable medical ecosystem with significant social impact in these regions. By merging their strengths, the two organizations aim to contribute to the resolution of healthcare issues in developing countries.

What is BioDesign?

BioDesign is an innovative educational program that creates new medical devices based on unmet needs in healthcare, merging insights from medicine, engineering, and business. Launched in 2001 at Stanford University, it has expanded to several major universities in Japan. This approach avoids reliance on existing technologies and focuses on designing solutions derived from observing challenges in the field. BioDesign features a three-stage process: identifying unmet needs, developing medical devices, and implementing business strategies.
The Tokyo BioDesign Association consists of members who specialize in bio-design and support medical device innovation in Japan by promoting practical educational programs grounded in the needs of healthcare settings.

Key Collaborative Activities

Both organizations have agreed to pursue the following collaborative activities:

- Conduct research and analysis of medical needs in emerging and developing markets.
- Assist in evaluating and conducting proof-of-concept studies regarding the local suitability of medical devices.
- Provide insights and support for the enhancement of developing medical devices.
- Facilitate networking and collaboration with local stakeholders and partner organizations.
- Other activities related to initiatives in emerging and developing countries that both parties agree upon.

Future Outlook

AA Health Dynamics has been setting up structures for the deployment, education, and funding of medical devices primarily in Africa. With this MOU, the company plans to combine its existing initiatives with innovative medical device development know-how and networks provided by the Tokyo BioDesign Association. This partnership aims to create a sustainable medical ecosystem in developing countries.

Messages from Company Leaders

Kenta Hara, CEO of AA Health Dynamics:
"Since our inception, AA Health Dynamics has supported the introduction and education of medical devices across Africa, delivering training to over 10,000 medical professionals. This collaboration with the Tokyo BioDesign Association allows us to utilize their advanced medical device development technology and innovation methods, aiming to design and develop user-friendly and effective medical devices that cater to diverse local needs. We aim to accurately solve issues present in healthcare settings and contribute to the establishment of a long-term medical ecosystem. Our ongoing commitment is to bolster local healthcare systems through the dual approach of device dissemination and educational support."

Yujiro Maeda, Director of Tokyo BioDesign Association:
"Our association develops practical innovation educational programs by integrating medicine, engineering, and business based on unmet healthcare needs. We have collaborated with major universities both domestically and internationally, supporting the development of innovative medical devices. With this partnership with AA Health Dynamics, we will leverage their extensive local networks and educational expertise to tackle specific healthcare challenges in the Global South, aiming to accelerate practical and sustainable medical device solutions to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare in these regions. Our ongoing mission through innovation and collaboration is to make a meaningful impact on global healthcare environments."

Company Overview

AA Health Dynamics Corporation
Location: 3-3-13 Kyobashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
Representative: CEO Kenta Hara
Business Activities: Training of healthcare professionals, support for the introduction of medical devices, medical financing
Website

Tokyo BioDesign Association
Location: 3-38-10 Hongo, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
Representative: Director Yujiro Maeda (Head of the BioDesign Department at the Translational Research Center, University of Tokyo Hospital)
Business Activities: Bio-design education and research, support for medical device development