#Japan #Tokyo #Smart Care #Zenko Research Institute #CAICA DIGITAL

Zenko Research Institute Joins CAICA DIGITAL Group to Transform Care Services

Zenko Research Institute's Strategic Move to Join CAICA DIGITAL Group

Zenko Research Institute, based in Minato, Tokyo, is pleased to announce its decision to join the CAICA DIGITAL Group as of December 23, 2025, pending approval at their shareholder meeting. The collaboration aims to tackle issues in the elderly care sector, particularly in the context of Japan's super-aged society. These challenges include a shortage of care staff and the pressing need for sustainable care services and data integration within regional healthcare.

Zenko Research Institute has developed various systems and services, with a focus on the "Smart Care Platform (SCOP)" and “Smart Caregiver,” to enhance operational efficiency in care settings. This partnership will combine Zenko's expertise in on-the-ground operations with CAICA DIGITAL's strengths in system development, financial services, and AI technology. The goal is to create next-generation social infrastructure that leverages both operational prowess and cutting-edge technology.

Background of the Partnership

Zenko Research Institute originated from the research division of Zenko Welfare Corporation, located in Ota, Tokyo, and was established with the vision of becoming a model for operational excellence in digital transformation (DX) within the care sector. Its flagship product, the SCOP series, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to reduce indirect operational time by approximately 75%. Zenko has contributed to the scientific promotion of caregiving and the establishment of productivity improvement guidelines through collaborations with institutions like the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

As the care sector faces the impending “2040 issue,” there is an urgent need to not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure the sustainability of management and implement AI-driven reforms in caregiving practices. By collaborating with CAICA DIGITAL, which specializes in financial DX, communication infrastructure, and advanced AI technologies, Zenko aims to mobilize the value of data derived from SCOP, driving innovation through IoT and AI technology in pursuit of improved management and care quality.

This collaboration represents a strategic partnership focused on long-term value enhancement, leveraging CAICA DIGITAL's advanced technology and capital strength alongside Zenko's operational capabilities and brand reputation.

Five Strategic Synergies Through This Collaboration

The partnership will combine resources from both companies and enhance business operations in the following five areas:

1. Next-Generation Development of the Smart Care Platform (SCOP): Zenko will enhance its SCOP platform by incorporating CAICA DIGITAL's blockchain and IoT communication technologies. This integration will enable unified management of care equipment data, user records, and facility operational data, creating a new model for service value visualization.

2. Providing IoT/Communication Solutions for Facilities: CAICA DIGITAL's IoT, M2M, and 5G communication modules will be integrated into Zenko’s experimental environment, CARE Tech Zenko-kai Lab, facilitating user behavior analysis through sensor devices and assistive care robots. Data gathered by monitoring sensors will be secured and analyzed in a cloud environment.

3. Financial and Care Service Package: Leveraging CAICA DIGITAL's expertise in digital financial services, the two companies will research incentive systems linked to payment, rewards, and human resources evaluation to ensure facilities can provide trustworthy and comfortable services amidst an aging population.

4. Value Creation Through Data Analysis and AI: By combining CAICA DIGITAL's DX and big data expertise with Zenko's ground-level knowledge, they will jointly develop AI models for improving operations and predicting outcomes, such as workforce allocation and accident prevention, which will expand Zenko's service offerings.

5. Strengthening Consulting Services for Care Providers: Zenko will integrate CAICA DIGITAL's seasoned consulting team, capable of handling IT implementations and operations, with its knowledge in care business management consulting. This will enhance their capacity to not only introduce systems but also support organizational transformation across the care sector.

Future Services

Zenko Research Institute will continue to provide its existing product series, including SCOP and Smart Caregiver certification programs, ensuring uninterrupted support for care facilities and public agencies. There will be no alteration to existing contracts or pricing structures. Additionally, new features developed in collaboration with CAICA DIGITAL, such as AI analysis options and IoT/communication functionalities, will be gradually introduced to offer greater value to users.

About CAICA DIGITAL

CAICA DIGITAL specializes in developing banking payment systems and customer management systems for the financial sector, while also focusing on expanding its Web3 business. The company possesses extensive experience in delivering high-reliability systems for financial institutions, which has organically led to the development of blockchain-based solutions. On October 16, 2025, CAICA DIGITAL acquired Nex Co., thereby adding cutting-edge IoT and communication infrastructure capabilities to its portfolio.

About Zenko Research Institute

To enhance productivity and quality in care services, Zenko focuses on digital transformations within the caregiving sector, aiming to lead its DX platform project both domestically and internationally.