Accelerating Healthcare Innovations Through Co-Creation at Sports Healthcare One Day 2026

The world of sports healthcare is poised for transformation with the introduction of the Healthcare Venture Co-Creation Zone. This new initiative, spearheaded by Keep Up, aims to bridge the gap between startups and established companies during the Sports Healthcare One Day 2026 exhibition on June 4, 2026.

In an era where the advancement of AI and sensing technologies has led to a surge in health tech startups, many innovative solutions remain trapped in what has been termed the 'valley of death.' Many promising projects struggle to find practical testing grounds—such as hospitals, healthcare facilities, and gyms—where they can gather evidence and prove their applicability. This exhibition is designed to help combat that challenge by offering a collaborative space where uncompleted technologies can find their footing in the market.

Purpose of the Healthcare Venture Co-Creation Zone

The Healthcare Venture Co-Creation Zone is not just another exhibition area but is defined as a laboratory that experiments with various technologies to bring new innovations to the forefront of Japanese healthcare solutions. This initiative allows startups to present their technologies directly to potential partners and asset holders within the industry, thereby enhancing the likelihood of social implementation.

Key Features of the Co-Creation Zone

1. Focus on Proof of Concept (PoC) Matchmaking:
Participants can expect more than just business card exchanges. Startups are encouraged to propose direct testing of their technologies to visiting corporate representatives. The exhibition allows for presentations of prototypes and beta versions, ensuring that even early-stage developments can gain valuable exposure.

2. Gathering of Decision-Makers Seeking Solutions:
The event will attract serious decision-makers from various fields within healthcare and sports, ensuring that the environment is conducive for meaningful discussions and transactions. Companies from fitness, medical, care, infrastructure sectors, as well as corporate venture capital firms are expected to participate, looking for effective solutions to their business challenges.

3. Hands-On Support From Planning Committee:
The Keep Up team will play an active role in the execution of the event by facilitating preliminary discussions, providing opportunities for pitching, and offering expert feedback through various channels. Their dedication is aimed at enhancing conversion rates and supporting budding enterprises in their journey towards market acceptance.

Open Call for Partner Collaborations

As the project takes off, there is an open call for businesses and facilities willing to act as proof-of-field partners. This collaboration comes at no cost, giving them the chance to explore and test emerging health technologies ahead of the curve, an opportunity that many have already shown interest in.

Event Details

- Event Name: Sports Healthcare One Day 2026 Vol.1
- Date: June 4, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00
- Venue: Bellesalle Roppongi A & B Hall
- Organizer: Keep Up
- Target Participants: Startups and ventures focused on healthcare, sports, nursing, and medical DX. Corporate representatives from new business segments, healthcare facilities, and investors are also welcome.

Future Outlook

Keep Up’s mission is to create atmospheres where connections are made, and value is generated. Through this initiative, they are not only hosting a single event but are also laying the foundations for a sustainable innovation ecosystem in Japan’s healthcare industry. Such strategic engagements aim to enhance public health and foster industry growth, contributing to a longer and healthier life for citizens.