Second Heart Selected for Government's Digital Infrastructure Project to Tackle Diabetes Issues

Second Heart Selected for a Major Initiative

Kyoto-based Second Heart, under the leadership of CEO Yukihiro Ishida, has recently secured approval from Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for its initiative on enhancing digital infrastructures aimed at supporting overseas ventures, particularly focusing on diabetes care. This initiative is part of the 2025 Safety and Reliability Digital Infrastructure Overseas Expansion Project. The company's innovative platform, Steplife, aims to eliminate the risk of foot amputations associated with diabetes by providing advanced foot care solutions.

The Importance of the Initiative

Steplife is a cloud-based system designed to detect and address foot-related conditions that arise from diabetes. Gaining traction within healthcare facilities across Japan, it is regarded as a pivotal tool in preventing foot amputations tied to diabetes complications. The project forms the backbone of Second Heart's strategic plan to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, starting from Malaysia, and deepening collaborations with local healthcare institutions and government agencies.

The Ministry's support signifies a crucial step toward establishing a model that demonstrates how Japanese digital health technologies can address global challenges associated with diabetes complications and hindered social engagement for affected individuals.

Objectives of the Overseas Expansion

Second Heart’s strategy focuses on three key areas to effectively kickstart its overseas operations:

1. Building Local Partnerships: The aim is to secure a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with Malaysia's Social Security Organization (PERKESO), establishing a robust public-private partnership framework.

2. Co-creative Verification with Users: Along with promoting a culture of foot health awareness, the company plans to incorporate feedback from local healthcare providers and patients to enhance their solutions.

3. Design for Localization: The company intends to adapt its solutions for multilingual capabilities, including English and Malay translations, while also considering cultural and religious contexts for their AI-powered nursing solutions.

A Message from CEO Yukihiro Ishida

Ishida commented on the significance of this initiative, stating, "By protecting people's feet, we enable them to live their lives authentically. We aspire to realize this fundamental principle beyond borders. This selection marks a major milestone for us, and our next target is to expand across the ASEAN region."

Ongoing Funding Initiatives

Currently, Second Heart is actively pursuing seed funding to further its technological advancements and market penetration. Through these financial efforts, the company aims to not only promote the integration of existing products in medical institutions but also to explore the development of new medical devices and entry into international markets.

Future Plans

The initiative aims to complete preparatory work and network establishment in Malaysia by February 2026. Following this, Second Heart plans to extend its outreach to other ASEAN countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines.

About Second Heart

Second Heart is a MedTech startup founded in the Kansai region, dedicated to the mission of preventing foot amputations related to diabetes—often referred to as the 'second heart.' Their ecosystem includes Steplife, along with products like AI nursing assistants, peripheral neuropathy screening devices, educational VR for patients, and specially designed diabetic socks.

Recent Press Releases

- April 28, 2025: Launch of the official online shop for the diabetes protective socks LYRICS.
- March 18, 2025: Findings revealed in the Diabetes Stakeholder Survey 2025 regarding solutions to team-oriented diabetes care.
- February 25, 2025: Recognition at the 6th Startup Business Contest where Second Heart won the Grand Prize.
- January 10, 2025: Establishment of a new branch in Osaka to strengthen its framework for providing diabetes-related solutions.
- November 14, 2024: Release of Steplife VR, a service allowing users to experience risks related to diabetic amputations through virtual reality.