Smart Opinion Expands AI Capabilities with Mayo Clinic

Smart Opinion, a Tokyo-based company specializing in AI-powered breast cancer screening tools, has been selected to participate in Phase 2 of the HealthTech Gateway “AI Medical in the US” program. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Mayo Clinic Platform_Accelerate, aiming to support Japanese digital health startups in expanding into the U.S. market.

Program Overview

The HealthTech Gateway program is designed to provide comprehensive support for AI-driven digital health companies. Phase 1, which concluded in December 2024, involved 16 Japanese startups, including Smart Opinion, in a foundational program focused on acquiring knowledge for U.S. market entry and establishing connections within Mayo Clinic. Phase 2, starting in January 2025, will offer a more intensive 30-week program for five selected startups, including Smart Opinion, Splink Inc., Ubie Inc., YStory Inc., and Yuimedi Inc.

Key Benefits of Phase 2

Participants in Phase 2 will gain access to Mayo Clinic’s extensive medical data platform, which contains millions of anonymized patient data points. This access will be crucial for AI model development and validation, enabling startups to refine their products using real-world clinical data. Additionally, the program includes one-on-one mentoring by experts, feedback from clinical teams, and participation in pitch events targeting the Minnesota ecosystem and investors.

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Smart Opinion’s Goals

Smart Opinion’s participation in Phase 2 is focused on leveraging Mayo Clinic’s expertise to further develop its AI technology, “METIS Eye,” for breast cancer screening. The company aims to validate the effectiveness of its AI model in the U.S. market and explore methods for its clinical implementation. By collaborating with healthcare professionals and accessing Mayo Clinic’s resources, Smart Opinion seeks to expand its business and contribute to saving lives from breast cancer.

Strategic Partnership

The collaboration between JETRO and Mayo Clinic Platform Accelerate highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in healthcare innovation. Mayo Clinic, recognized as one of the world’s leading medical institutions, brings its vast patient data network and clinical expertise to support startups in refining their AI-driven solutions. This partnership not only aids Japanese startups in entering the U.S. market but also fosters global innovation in digital health.

FAQs

1. What is Smart Opinion’s AI-powered tool called, and how does it work?

Smart Opinion’s tool is called “Smaopi,” which uses AI technology to analyze ultrasound images of the breast to detect suspected breast cancer through image diagnosis. This approach complements traditional mammography by leveraging ultrasound for enhanced detection, particularly in cases where mammography may be less effective, such as in dense breast tissue.

2. What is the HealthTech Gateway “AI Medical in the US” program?

The HealthTech Gateway program is a collaboration between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Mayo Clinic Platform_Accelerate. It aims to support Japanese startups in the digital health sector by facilitating their entry into the U.S. market and providing access to medical data for product improvement.

3. What is the significance of collaborating with Mayo Clinic for Smart Opinion?

Collaborating with Mayo Clinic provides Smart Opinion with access to one of the largest patient data networks in the U.S., expert clinical feedback, and opportunities for AI model refinement. This partnership is crucial for validating Smart Opinion’s technology in a clinical setting and expanding its business in the U.S. market.

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Conclusion

Smart Opinion’s selection for Phase 2 of the HealthTech Gateway program marks a significant step forward for the company and the broader Japanese digital health sector. By accessing Mayo Clinic’s resources and expertise, these startups are poised to accelerate their growth and contribute meaningfully to the global healthcare landscape. The program’s focus on AI model development and validation underscores the critical role of data-driven innovation in advancing medical technology and improving patient outcomes.

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