INDEE Japan Hosts International Selection for Healthcare Innovation in Singapore

From February 12, 2023, INDEE Japan has established a significant partnership with the Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) in Singapore, which is under the National Healthcare Group (NHG). This partnership aims to enhance healthcare innovation exchanges between Japan and Singapore through a formal agreement.

As part of this collaboration, INDEE Japan will act as the official gateway on the Japanese side to organize the `Healthcare Innovation Booster`, a selection program for the global healthcare validation initiative `CHISEL Healthcare InnoMatch`. Together with Link-J, INDEE Japan seeks to amplify international opportunities for Japan's advanced medical technologies, facilitating their introduction and validation in Singapore's healthcare sector.

The `Healthcare Innovation Booster`

The program is designed for Japanese startups and SMEs, allowing them to compete for validation opportunities in Singaporean public healthcare institutions. Up to ten teams that pass the domestic selection process will gain immediate entry into the `CHISEL Healthcare InnoMatch 2026` finals, exempting them from preliminary rounds. Following the finals, a maximum of six winning teams will be chosen based on feedback from healthcare professionals during their pitches in October 2026. Winners will have the chance to receive grants of up to S$500,000 (approximately 60 million JPY) and are guaranteed opportunities to conduct pilot trials within Singapore's public healthcare system.

This program aims to address common challenges faced by both Japan and Singapore, particularly rapid aging populations and shortages of medical personnel. By focusing on AI diagnostics, robotics in medical support, and digital health innovations, the collaboration strives to improve healthcare quality and solve societal issues.

Benefits of Participating in the Japanese Selection Program

Participants will enjoy several perks:

- Ability to submit applications in Japanese
- Assistance in preparing English submissions for winning teams
- Direct mentoring from professionals with a history of success in CHI

Highlights for Participants in CHISEL Healthcare InnoMatch

- Opportunities for grants up to S$500,000 (around 60 million JPY)
- Chances for validation trials in national hospitals
- Increased exposure to medical professionals and decision-makers
- Networking with hospital stakeholders

Application Overview

The program is open to Japanese startups and SMEs. The application deadline is set for April 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The applications will be evaluated in the following language: Japanese (also allowing English submissions).
Details regarding the program can be found on the official site: Healthcare Innovation Booster

The program will be held at Nihonbashi Life Science Hub on May 29, 2026.

Selection Process

The process includes:

- Document review from late April to mid-May
- Pitching sessions for up to ten teams to seize the opportunity to advance to the CHI finals
- Support for application document preparation until mid-June
- Selection for the Singapore finals beginning in August 2026

About CHISEL Healthcare InnoMatch

The CHISEL Healthcare InnoMatch program has been witnessing considerable growth since its inception in 2021, with the upcoming fifth edition focusing on the theme, “Future Digital Health,” attracting 538 applications from 58 countries by 2025.

Winning teams not only stand the chance to receive significant grants but are also ensured practical validation tests within Singapore's public healthcare environments.

Voices from Leadership

Associate Professor Wong Hon Tym, Clinical Director of CHI at NHG Health, expressed, “We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Japan's vibrant healthcare innovation ecosystem. This partnership will facilitate connections with excellent innovators who may have previously been unaware of opportunities in Singapore. We aim to adequately equip them to address the actual challenges within our healthcare system effectively.”

Shingo Tsuda, President of INDEE Japan, added, “The systematic approach of CHISEL and the clinical testing environment in Singapore perfectly aligns with the real-world validation requirements of Japanese innovators. Our goal is to foster bilateral cooperation, ensuring that innovators from Singapore also have opportunities in Japan through INDEE's network.”

We are eagerly awaiting the endeavors of companies aiming for implementation in overseas public healthcare systems.

About INDEE Japan

Since its establishment in 2011, INDEE Japan has specialized in corporate innovation, providing consulting, business development assistance, and venture capital services. In 2019, it selected Singapore as a gateway for overseas expansion, establishing INDEE Singapore to broaden its support scope. Since its inception, INDEE Singapore has been promoting business development across sectors like robotics, bio, and healthcare in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Looking ahead, INDEE aims to foster deep-tech startups through its venture capital arm, INDEE Capital, creating pathways for growth in both business and funding.