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LIAQUS Portable Achieves Recognition in Small Business Innovation

In a remarkable achievement, the LIAQUS Portable ultrasound bone density measurement device developed by Japan Sigmax Co., Ltd. has received the Encouragement Award at the 38th Small Business Excellence Awards, co-hosted by the Resona Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion and Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun. This accolade acknowledges LIAQUS Portable's compact and lightweight design, which allows for versatile usage in diverse settings.

Overview of the Awards

The Small Business Excellence Awards aim to foster technological advancement in small and medium enterprises, thus contributing to industrial development in Japan. Held annually since 1988, it features two main categories: the General Sector and the Software Sector. Each year, after a meticulous judging process, outstanding new technologies and products are recognized through various awards, including the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Award and the Excellent Product Award. To date, a total of 12,373 entries have been submitted across 38 editions, with 1,239 winning submissions honored.

Notable Features of LIAQUS Portable

The LIAQUS Portable device stands out for its small size and light weight, enabling it to be easily transported and used in various environments. Engineered with an internal battery, it can operate continuously for approximately six hours even in the absence of an external power supply. This device is compatible with both AC and battery power sources, weighing just 2.3 kg. It is thus suitable for a range of applications, from hospital settings to home healthcare and community health screenings.

Users can effortlessly obtain measurements with just a single button press, leading to results within 10 seconds. Since its launch in June 2024, LIAQUS Portable has been adopted by various healthcare providers, including internal medicine clinics, home medical service providers, hospitals, educational and research institutions, and gynecological clinics. By the end of January 2026, over 200 units have been sold, reflecting the product's growing success in the healthcare market.

Insights from the Development Team

Yoshito Tsukahara, the development lead for LIAQUS Portable, shared insights into the vision behind the product. “We aimed to create a society where everyone can easily understand the condition of their bones,” he said. Tsukahara highlighted the significant impacts of osteoporosis-related fractures on healthy life expectancy. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of their high risk for osteoporosis, as screening rates remain low.

LIAQUS Portable’s lightweight design and user-friendly operation facilitate widespread bone density testing in various locations, including home healthcare and community health initiatives. Tsukahara emphasizes that with features such as rapid measurement, flexibility in usage, and simplicity, the device aims to help more people discover their bone health status, ultimately aiding in fracture prevention and extending healthy life spans.

Development Journey of LIAQUS Portable

Japan Sigmax launched LIAQUS Portable in June 2024, marking its first foray into compact ultrasound bone density measurement devices. The development journey spanned approximately seven years, as the team faced numerous challenges associated with producing an effective medical device capable of addressing societal health concerns. Interviews with team members involved in the development process detail the behind-the-scenes efforts and inspirations that led to the realization of LIAQUS Portable. More insights into the development journey can be explored in a dedicated interview article.

About Japan Sigmax Co., Ltd.

Founded in June 1973, Japan Sigmax Co., Ltd. is based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The company, led by President Yosuke Suzuki, operates within the domain of physical activity support, offering a diverse range of products and services associated with bodily health. Since its inception, Japan Sigmax has specialized in orthopedic products, providing innovative medical devices, rehabilitation products, and cooling systems tailored for treatment and diagnosis.

Their sports care brand, "ZAMST," has garnered accolades both domestically and internationally, while the company continues to expand its brand offerings across various fields, including daily care and workers' support products under the "MEDIAID" brand. This dedication to health and comfort aligns with their mission to foster a healthier society through their products and services focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of musculoskeletal disorders.

For more information on Japan Sigmax and its innovative offerings, visit their official website.