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Unveiling the Voice Retriever: A Groundbreaking Solution

In a remarkable achievement, the project known as Voice Retriever, spearheaded by the Tokyo Medical and Dental Institute, has been honored with the Prime Minister's Award at the 8th Japan Open Innovation Awards. This accolade acknowledges its outstanding contributions to the field of voice restoration technology. The award ceremony held on February 9, 2026, showcases not just the product but the collaborative effort that embodies open innovation.

Recognition by a Leader in Science and Technology

During the award presentation, Minister of Science and Technology Policy, Norimi Onoda, acknowledged the hard work and determination of Daishi Yamada, the CEO of the institute. Minister Onoda emphasized how Yamada, through the startup he established, has effectively partnered with various enterprises and medical institutions to tackle challenges that could not be resolved independently. This synergy is a definitive model of open innovation, leading to significant advancements.

The Challenge of Voicelessness

In Japan, approximately 4,000 individuals annually lose their voices due to conditions such as laryngeal cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or the need for artificial ventilation. Traditional alternatives to voice reproduction often take months of training to master or fall short in acoustic quality. Consequently, this loss severely affects the quality of life (QOL) for many patients.

The Game-Changer: Voice Retriever

The Voice Retriever is a revolutionary mouthpiece-type artificial larynx that transforms slight movements in the mouth into audio. The unique features of this device stand out:

Immediate Usability

Unlike alternatives that require complex training, the Voice Retriever can be used from the first day of fitting as long as the patient can move their mouth and tongue to some extent.

Versatility

It caters to patients with quadriplegia, ensuring they can communicate with a clear and noise-free voice.

Proven Success

Launched in April 2025, the product has already helped 200 individuals reclaim their own voices, a testament to its effectiveness and contribution to the community.

Significance of the Prime Minister's Award

The recognition from the Japan Open Innovation Award Board is primarily due to the project’s embodiment of ideal open innovation, which goes beyond just product development. It exemplifies seamless collaboration within Japan's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Collaborative Efforts

The project has integrated expertise from various fields: Tokyo Medical and Dental Institute provided patented technology; partnerships with startups ensured practical applications; and established manufacturers contributed components vital for development and production.

Driven by Clinical Needs

The project is led by dental professionals who have been instrumental in crafting business plans and refining a direct-to-consumer sales model, ensuring that the developments are genuinely aligned with patient needs.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2028

Following its display at the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo, the project has outlined an ambitious roadmap:

• - 2027: Application for medical device regulations.
• - 2028: Rollout of the product to 5 million individuals with speech disabilities worldwide.
• - Technological Innovation: Development of AI for generating more natural voices, including singing and support for multiple languages.

A Message from Daishi Yamada

Responding to the winning of such a prestigious award, Daishi Yamada expressed gratitude towards all collaborators. He emphasized that this achievement was not due to any individual effort, but rather a team endeavor that brought together researchers, skilled professionals, and external partners. Yamada envisions maintaining strong ties with clinical environments and research facilities to ensure ongoing innovation and progress in medical technology.

Conclusion

The Voice Retriever represents a beacon of hope for individuals facing voice loss, showcasing how collaborative innovation can lead to groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. As the project continues to gain momentum, the ripple effects will undoubtedly be felt by millions around the world, revitalizing the joy of conversation and connection.