As one of the young entrepreneurs chosen as Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia” 2017 from Japan, Yuki Shimahara, founder of LPixel Inc has successfully integrated Life Sciences and Information Technology by utilising artificial intelligence to develop an accurate medical image analysis software to improve the standard of medical diagnosis and research in Japan. What motivates him is the will and action to seize the opportunities in digital era from turning a simple idea to reality. According to DotAsia’s Youth Mobility Index (YMI.Asia), Japan is ranked the 3rd among 20 localities and especially leading in employment mobility as well as sustainability factors. In particular, those digital related advantages causes an significant influence to inspire Asian young people to start to change the world.
Without studying abroad, Yuki Shimahara completed his postgraduate and master degree at the University of Tokyo. Before founding LPixel, he started his career in IT related industry which had brought him experience about global business development and network with partners in Asia and western countries. During his research on cell organelle image analysis and simulation genetic engineering, he found only a few of people has the biological background as he did. It inspired him to integrate life science and technology and turned out Image analytics as a business opportunity. He believes that image analytics can become a pioneer in this area and if big data and AI are wisely used for medical diagnosis, which are good for the community. Since 2014, LPixel has focused on offering research facilities top-tier image analysis technologies and medical diagnosis support systems by adopting advanced AI technology. Three years later, LPixel successfully developed their brand products, including IMACEL, a cloud-based image analysis platform catered for life science images, and EIRL, a medical image analysis diagnostic support system designed to detect cancers and diseases. The 3 main feature prodcuts under LPixel includes the followings:-
1. AI Medical Image Diagnostic Support Technology
Advancing modalities such as CTs and MRIs have given rise to an immense volume of image data in modern medical service. However, Japan is facing lack of radiologists to meet the rising demand. LPixel aims to provide highly accurate and efficient medical image diagnostic support technologies by analyzing a variety of information required for diagnosis, serving as a reliable partner and a powerful set of eyes to provide top quality medical care.
2. AI-based Image Analysis Cloud Platform
With the rapid development of medical devices and image-capturing technology, researchers in the life sciences field including the medical, pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors are presented with an immense collection of images to extract meaningful data for research and diagnostic purposes. While this manual process of image analysis is time-consuming task which resulted in heavy workload for researchers and hindering overall research efficiency as only 1% of researchers learn how to properly process images. IMACEL is anticipated to become the de facto standard for image analysis, as its easy-to-use AI-supported capabilities serve as a powerful solution for researchers working in the life science industry.
3. Medical Information Security
With vast support from Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd., this AI-based Image Analysis Cloud Platform is built on Microsoft Azure, meaning that users can be ensured that all of their important image data will be protected. IMACEL was awarded with the Jury’s Special Award from Microsoft Innovation Award 2016.
An Era of Life Science x Information Technology
All these revolutionary AI-supported capabilities serves as a powerful facilitator in image processing and analysis, enabling researchers to extract important data from digital images in a faster way and with accuracy. By now LPixel is a leader in advanced image analysis and processing technology encompassing the life science field in Japan. In 2017, El Pixel has obtained Angel Investment for its further expansion across Asia, e.g. Singapore. LPixel is selected as one of the 50 Most Promising Enterprise Startups by APAC CIO outlook, Shimahara was also invited to join the Next Innovator 2015 Project in Silicon Valley, which was hosted by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
His Vision: Create a Google version of Life Science in Japan
Currently the company is working with the National Cancer Center Japan and other research institutions to further the development of AI-based medical diagnosis software. Regarding future dreams, Shimabara wishes to engage life science in our everyday life, not only in japan but also across the globe through the Internet to create an environment like Google for talents engaging together for the advancement of medical science and technology. We look forward to the day when L Pixel conquering the world !
For the full report on Youth Mobility Index, visit http://ymi.asia
