Vision Fund backs Japan's AI Medical Service

The two iterations of SoftBank Vision Fund had invested USD 129bn in AI technology as of year-end 2021. However, AI Medical Service represents its first foray into healthcare AI in Japan. Other participants in the round included existing investors Globis Capital Partners, World Innovation Lab (WiL), and Incubate Fund.

Japan originated endoscopic medicine and remains at the forefront of its development and practice globally, according to a statement. Gastrointestinal cancer is also the country’s most prolific form of cancer. It is responsible for 30% of cancer mortality globally, although successful treatment is possible if the condition is detected at an early stage.

AI Medical Service is looking to increase the accuracy of endoscopic diagnostics through the utilisation of AI. It claims that more than 20% of lesions are overlooked in exams used to detect gastrointestinal cancer and endoscopists are overburdened due to a high volume of double-checks.

The company’s endoscopic AI will first be distributed on-site in hospitals, but the goal is to transition to a cloud-based platform. The Series C proceeds will go towards the development of a cloud platform and accelerating global adoption of the product.

“AI Medical Service’s software, built with the cooperation of leading hospitals nationwide and key opinion leaders, has the potential to demonstrate unrivalled accuracy and play an important role globally,” said Kentaro Matsui, a managing partner at SofBank Investment Advisors.

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Google plus  
• Save this article  
• Send to  

• Topics
• North Asia
• Expansion
• Healthcare
• Technology
• Japan
• medical devices
• Growth capital
• Softbank
• Incubate Fund
• World Innovation Lab (WiL)
• Globis Capital Partners