#Japan #Tokyo #elderly care #KII #Z-Works

KII Invests in Z-Works to Enhance Elderly Care

The Keio Innovation Initiative (KII), based in Minato, Tokyo, has made a strategic investment in Z-Works, a company that aims to revolutionize elderly care with its innovative LTE-integrated sensors and cloud systems. This investment is aimed at addressing the pressing social challenges of an aging population and caregiver shortages. Through a recent funding round, Z-Works has secured a total of ¥700 million, combining capital from third-party allocations and venture debt to maximize its growth potential.

Innovative Technology for Better Care

Z-Works is making waves in the caregiving industry with its product, Live Connect. This advanced system employs LTE-enabled sensors to accurately monitor vital signs such as heart rate and respiration, as well as track patient behaviors. By allowing real-time assessment of care recipients, Z-Works strives to transform monitoring tasks in caregiving facilities, improving the overall efficiency and reducing the burden on caregivers.

As Japan faces a rapid increase in its aging population, solutions like those offered by Z-Works become vital. The company's technology not only streamlines monitoring tasks but also helps mitigate risks associated with caregiving, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients. With the new funding, Z-Works plans to expand its presence in more facilities and explore opportunities in in-home care and international markets.

About the Companies Involved

Z-Works Overview

Company Name: Z-Works, Inc.
Location: 6F Mejiro Nakano Building, 2-17-22 Takada, Toshima, Tokyo
CEO: Tatsuya Takahashi
Founded: April 2015
Business Focus: Research, development, and sales of IoT solutions, sensor devices, and AI systems in the healthcare and elderly care sectors.
Website: Z-Works

About Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)

Founded in December 2015, KII supports startups born from research at Keio University. Beginning in January 2020, KII has emphasized the mission of turning academic research and innovations into practical solutions for societal challenges. This initiative exists to accelerate the implementation of research outcomes into the real world, particularly those that address issues in healthcare and technology transformation.

In October 2023, KII launched Japan's first university-affiliated impact fund, the KII No. 3 Impact Fund, with a focus on creating a society where everyone can achieve a healthy and happy life. This fund aims to not only generate financial returns but also positive, measurable social and environmental impacts through investments focusing on academia-driven startups.

Conclusion

The strategic investment by KII into Z-Works highlights a significant step toward improving elderly care with technology. As the sector evolves through digital transformation, solutions like Live Connect will play a crucial role in tackling the challenges posed by an aging population and caregiver shortages. With this financial backing, Z-Works is poised to make a lasting impact in both the domestic and international care markets, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all involved.