UTokyo Innovation Platform Company

RoboTruck develops autonomous driving technologies for huge trucks, as well as practical applications.

Instalimb, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company focused on developing low-cost prosthetics and orthotics through advanced technology, specifically 3D printing and machine learning. As a pioneer in the field, Instalimb utilizes 3D-CAD and modeling software equipped with algorithms that optimize design and production processes. This innovative approach significantly reduces the cost of prosthetics to approximately one-tenth of traditional methods and shortens delivery times, allowing amputees to access high-quality, customized prosthetic solutions more quickly and affordably.

Leading Mark Inc. is an employment agency based in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on enhancing the recruitment process through its online platform. The company aims to streamline job searches by aggregating listings tailored to users' interests, thereby improving the match between job seekers and employers. Recognizing the needs of the average job seeker, Leading Mark prioritizes providing essential information and support to applicants, differentiating itself from larger, traditional agencies that may favor the interests of hiring companies. Additionally, Leading Mark is expanding its services to include mid-career and international hiring, with a dedicated team in China to connect top Japanese-speaking Chinese students with opportunities in Japan. This approach seeks to alleviate common frustrations in the job market and foster more fulfilling career paths for candidates.

Developer of healthcare devices intended for weight management. The company's product is a bath mat that automatically tracks the weight of all the members of the family, records daily weight changes and provides data in the application synced with the mat and is equipped with various modes which fulfill the lifelong weight management needs of various stages of life including babies to elder people, enabling users to monitor their weight and body mass index for lifestyle improvement.

BlueWX is a software company that develops predictive content services that supports in forecasting, and weather analysis.

OptQC commercializes cutting-edge optical quantum computing technologies developed by the Furusawa-Endo Laboratory. Because optical quantum computers are more scalable than superconducting and other quantum computing implementations, OptQC's optical quantum computers should reach this scale. They also have benefits like faster processing and reduced power consumption, which makes optical quantum computers a possible long-term pinnacle of quantum technology.

Orbital is a space tech company that provides space debris business to remove debris and a satellite LiDAR business to provide surface data.

OOYOO is a Tech venture, which researches and development of gas separation membranes for carbon dioxide, hydrogen, etc.

Visban is a technology company that specializes in utilizing mmWave signals for connectivity both indoors and outdoors. Their primary focus is on providing reliable and fast network solutions that eliminate dead spots and offer uninterrupted connections. By utilizing mmWave signals, Visban can achieve this with fewer base stations, leading to more energy-efficient operations and extended battery life for mobile devices on their network.

EX4Energy is a telecommunications company focused on developing distributed energy interconnection infrastructure that facilitates the monitoring and control of distributed power systems. The company specializes in connecting systems for various distributed energy resources, including solar power, storage batteries, and electric vehicle chargers. By providing these solutions, EX4Energy aims to help businesses navigate the complexities of interconnection, ultimately promoting a carbon-neutral environment.

Trans-N aims to introduce advanced AI technologies, accelerating digital transformation and promoting its AI transformation. Trans-N offers management consulting, AI system development, and sales of AI-related products, including meeting minutes and contract analysis tools, serving major trading companies.

LiberoThera provides drug discovery research and development services. It focuses on making drugs with GPCRs for membrane proteins. LiberoThera was founded in 2018 and is located in Tokyo.

Girasol Energy Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development and installation of an Internet of Things (IoT) platform tailored for photovoltaic plants. The company's innovative technology utilizes solar radiation statistics derived from satellite data, making it applicable across Japan. Girasol Energy's platform features a cloud engine that collects data from sensor networks, allowing for detailed analysis at the individual panel level. By employing an artificial intelligence engine, it automatically identifies abnormalities and degradation in photovoltaic panels. This capability enables businesses to monitor their solar panel modules remotely, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional consulting services in the industry.

HarvestX is a company that specializes in robotic technology for agriculture, emerging from a project at the University of Tokyo. Initially focused on adapting robotics to farming, the company identified the potential of indoor vertical farms for fruit production through extensive discussions and trials with various stakeholders in the food industry. It has developed a unique automated pollination robot that addresses a significant challenge in fruit cultivation. This technology utilizes a depth camera and image processing algorithms to recognize flowers and fruits, facilitating effective pollination and harvesting. By providing solutions to the labor shortages in agriculture, HarvestX aims to enhance the stability of food production in controlled environments.

Spectronix is a company dedicated to the development of innovative laser technologies and applications, specifically tailored for microprocessing and microfabrication. By focusing on advancements in laser technology, Spectronix aims to enhance manufacturing processes, offering faster processing speeds that vary according to the materials used. This efficiency allows manufacturers to achieve competitive pricing and reduced operational costs, positioning Spectronix as a key player in the laser technology sector.

TopoLogic is a research establishment focused on the development and commercialization of topological materials and their applications. The company designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance heat flux sensors and memory devices that utilize these innovative materials. By leveraging advances in quantum science, TopoLogic aims to enhance energy efficiency and performance across various industries. Additionally, the company provides software solutions related to devices that incorporate topological materials, promoting effective energy utilization and sustainability.

Yoii Fuel develops and operates the future assessment-type funding platform. It also offers a future assessment-type funding platform that assesses future sales based on past sales and financial data and provides funding.

QSimulate is a Boston-based company that develops cloud-based quantitative simulation tools aimed at addressing complex challenges in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. By harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics, QSimulate’s platform facilitates quantum molecular simulations, allowing clients to tackle industrial-scale problems more effectively. The tools offered by the company automate workflows, relieving computational scientists of routine tasks and thereby increasing productivity. This innovation enables organizations to accelerate their research and development processes, ultimately enhancing their capacity to innovate and solve critical issues in their fields.

Better Place operates a pension fund focused on the welfare and medical sectors. The company manages a defined benefit pension system designed to support the financial well-being of individuals who contribute to societal development, particularly in areas like childcare and long-term care. This approach allows clients to ensure their employees' financial security after retirement, fostering a supportive environment that aligns with Better Place's vision of promoting kindness and enabling individuals to work without financial concerns.

Takumi Giken Kogyo specializes in developing price technology that aids parts manufacturers in quickly identifying appropriate product prices. The company offers solutions that facilitate estimate calculations and enhance product functionality through advanced AI capabilities, including drawing searches and project determination. This technology allows manufacturers to customize product functions flexibly according to specific customer requirements, streamlining the pricing and development process.

Heartseed Inc., founded in 2015 and located in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on developing myocardial regeneration medicine using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company is dedicated to advancing the clinical application of regenerative medicine for heart disease, specifically through the development and commercialization of iPS cell-derived cardiomyocyte replacement therapy aimed at treating advanced heart failure. Heartseed's mission is to transform heart disease treatment by pioneering innovative solutions in myocardial regeneration.

Logomix is a synthetic biology company focused on advancing human genome engineering through its innovative Geno-Writing™ platform. This technology enables precise and large-scale manipulation of genomic sequences within human cells, facilitating the development of super-functionalized hypoimmune cells. These advancements aim to address significant challenges in current cell therapy approaches, opening new avenues for treating solid tumors and a vast array of genetic diseases. By empowering researchers to implement targeted genetic alterations, Logomix fosters collaborations that enhance the development of cell therapy modalities, positioning the company at the forefront of regenerative medicine and synthetic biology.

BionicM is a Tokyo-based company focused on researching, developing, and commercializing advanced mobility devices that integrate robotics with the human body. Established as a joint-stock company in 2018, BionicM specializes in high-performance robotic prosthetics, including ankle-foot and knee joints, designed to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. The company has been engaged in innovative technology research since 2015 at the University of Tokyo's Information Systems Engineering Laboratory, working under the guidance of Professor Inaba. BionicM's products aim to enable users, including both handicapped and non-handicapped individuals, to perform essential daily activities such as standing, walking, and climbing stairs.

Targeting pathways that modify RNA to deliver novel cancer therapeutics.

ImaCreate is a virtual reality company focused on developing training solutions that leverage virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies. The company aims to enhance the effectiveness of training programs in industrial and medical fields, enabling users to work more freely and conveniently beyond traditional barriers of time and location. ImaCreate is also engaged in research and development related to embodied extended reality, striving to implement these technologies socially for broader accessibility and utility. Through its innovative approach, ImaCreate seeks to create a world where individuals can overcome real-world limitations and engage in more effective learning and work experiences.

DEM BioPharma is an immuno-oncology company that is working to eradicate cancer by targeting novel innate immune system checkpoints.

Carbon Biosciences focuses on developing genetic medicines to address serious diseases. The company utilizes a proprietary platform that employs novel parvoviruses, which are designed to target specific tissues and carry larger therapeutic cargo. This approach minimizes the risk of neutralizing immunity and allows for repeat dosing, making it particularly effective for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, where targeting lung and upper airway tissues is crucial. By leveraging industrial-scale viral production platforms, Carbon Biosciences aims to extend the reach of gene therapies, offering innovative solutions for researchers and patients alike.

Adacotech specializes in the development of video surveillance systems and anomaly detection software aimed at enhancing manufacturing processes. The company creates in-house solutions that integrate advanced algorithms for real-time monitoring and detection of events, ensuring effective oversight around the clock. Its software is designed for various applications, including product inspection and monitoring of production equipment, as well as the assessment of social infrastructure. By utilizing inputs from images, videos, sounds, and sensors, Adacotech enables clients to perform primary screenings efficiently, thereby streamlining their operations and improving quality control.

GRA&GREEN is an agribio startup that creates the next era of food and agriculture. They produce crops using the same amount of space and resources. The company aims to maximize output through a variety of approaches, such as increasing crop yields and improving storage stability. The goal of GRA&GREEN is to increase crops' use of fertilizer while increasing their resistance to pests and environmental challenges.

TopoLogic is a research establishment focused on the development and commercialization of topological materials and their applications. The company designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance heat flux sensors and memory devices that utilize these innovative materials. By leveraging advances in quantum science, TopoLogic aims to enhance energy efficiency and performance across various industries. Additionally, the company provides software solutions related to devices that incorporate topological materials, promoting effective energy utilization and sustainability.

Alivexis is a preclinical stage drug discovery company based in Tokyo, specializing in the rapid design and generation of small molecule clinical candidates aimed at addressing high-value disease targets. The company leverages advanced computational drug discovery techniques and unique biological insights to accelerate the development of new medicines. Its international team consists of experts in drug design and disease biology, drawing on extensive research and development experience from global pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. Alivexis's platform is designed to enhance biotechnological research, ultimately enabling healthcare professionals to deliver effective treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.

Better Place operates a pension fund focused on the welfare and medical sectors. The company manages a defined benefit pension system designed to support the financial well-being of individuals who contribute to societal development, particularly in areas like childcare and long-term care. This approach allows clients to ensure their employees' financial security after retirement, fostering a supportive environment that aligns with Better Place's vision of promoting kindness and enabling individuals to work without financial concerns.

Axial Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for central nervous system diseases and disorders. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a microbiome discovery platform that targets the gut-brain axis, allowing for the exploration and creation of innovative therapies aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from neurological conditions. Incorporated in 2013, Axial Biotherapeutics seeks to advance its pipeline of novel treatments to address the unmet needs in the field of CNS disorders.

TagCyx’s scientific team has established its proprietary Xenoligo® technology platform, allowing high functional oligonucletide drug discovery. The Xenoligo® platform utilizes genetic alphabet expansion by unnatural base-pairs to generate customized nucleic acid suited for therapeutic applications.

VividQ Limited is a software company specializing in the development of a framework that enables the generation, compression, and transmission of 3D holographic images and video. The company offers several key products, including VividQ Capture, which standardizes 3D data for holographic display, and VividQ Squeeze, a compression solution for point cloud data storage. Additionally, VividQ Core facilitates multi-user interactions with holograms, while VividQ View allows developers to integrate various spatial light modulators into their systems. The company's technology is utilized across various sectors, including consumer electronics, augmented and virtual reality, automotive displays, and immersive simulations. Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, VividQ collaborates with leading original equipment manufacturers to integrate its advanced software and hardware solutions into next-generation consumer devices, aiming to create a seamless blend of real and virtual experiences.

Heartseed Inc., founded in 2015 and located in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on developing myocardial regeneration medicine using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company is dedicated to advancing the clinical application of regenerative medicine for heart disease, specifically through the development and commercialization of iPS cell-derived cardiomyocyte replacement therapy aimed at treating advanced heart failure. Heartseed's mission is to transform heart disease treatment by pioneering innovative solutions in myocardial regeneration.

LiberoThera provides drug discovery research and development services. It focuses on making drugs with GPCRs for membrane proteins. LiberoThera was founded in 2018 and is located in Tokyo.

Sonas Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the planning, design, manufacturing, and sales of hardware and software solutions for sensing and measurement. The company is developing "UNISONet," an innovative wireless communication technology aimed at addressing traditional Internet of Things (IoT) challenges. This technology distinguishes itself by employing a unique approach that integrates features such as power-saving capabilities, high-speed acquisition, low-latency bidirectional communication, and advanced data collection methods. These advancements enable the effective sensing of both small variables like temperature and humidity, as well as larger data sets including acceleration and images. By focusing on high-quality wireless sensing, Sonas aims to establish itself as a fundamental component of modern society.

ARAV specializes in providing advanced solutions for construction site challenges, focusing on enhancing safety and minimizing risks globally. The company manufactures innovative construction equipment that incorporates robotics, allowing for remote operation via smartphones or laptops. This technology is designed to be compatible with various construction machinery, enabling retrofitting regardless of machine model. By facilitating remote control of equipment, ARAV aims to alleviate the physical demands on workers and improve overall site safety.

RIN Institute Inc. is a bio-venture company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on the research and development of antibody-based medicines and external diagnostic drugs. Founded in 2016, RIN Institute specializes in creating innovative therapeutic solutions for cancer treatment, including drugs specifically designed for breast and ovarian cancers. By developing antibody seeds, the company aims to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, ultimately improving recovery prospects for patients. Through its commitment to advancing medical science, RIN Institute seeks to contribute significantly to the field of oncology.

HarvestX is a company that specializes in robotic technology for agriculture, emerging from a project at the University of Tokyo. Initially focused on adapting robotics to farming, the company identified the potential of indoor vertical farms for fruit production through extensive discussions and trials with various stakeholders in the food industry. It has developed a unique automated pollination robot that addresses a significant challenge in fruit cultivation. This technology utilizes a depth camera and image processing algorithms to recognize flowers and fruits, facilitating effective pollination and harvesting. By providing solutions to the labor shortages in agriculture, HarvestX aims to enhance the stability of food production in controlled environments.

Urban X Technologies' service supports inspection of the road conditions. AI technology-based inspection enables to detect the damage of the road and send an alert to investigator. This gives more efficient way of inspection rather than relying on visual confirmation by an investigator for any damages on the road.

BionicM is a Tokyo-based company focused on researching, developing, and commercializing advanced mobility devices that integrate robotics with the human body. Established as a joint-stock company in 2018, BionicM specializes in high-performance robotic prosthetics, including ankle-foot and knee joints, designed to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. The company has been engaged in innovative technology research since 2015 at the University of Tokyo's Information Systems Engineering Laboratory, working under the guidance of Professor Inaba. BionicM's products aim to enable users, including both handicapped and non-handicapped individuals, to perform essential daily activities such as standing, walking, and climbing stairs.

Adriakaim Inc. specializes in the research, design, development, manufacture, and sale of medical and health-related equipment. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company also offers consulting services focused on management and technology strategy within the medical device sector. Additionally, Adriakaim supports research and development initiatives, providing expertise to enhance the innovation and effectiveness of healthcare solutions.

Spectronics is a development of new technologies and new applications to bring about innovation, focusing on the future of laser technology.

Fimecs is a biotechnology firm specializing in drug discovery through protein degradation technology. The company focuses on developing innovative therapeutics aimed at treating cancers and other challenging diseases. Fimecs utilizes a drug discovery platform that operates on a ubiquitin E3 ligase binder, which facilitates the design of small molecules that induce the degradation of specific, disease-related proteins. While the human body contains over 18,000 proteins, approximately 1,500 are linked to various diseases, yet only around 300 have been identified as viable targets for small molecule drug interventions. Fimecs aims to expand the possibilities of druggable targets by addressing these previously undruggable proteins, ultimately seeking to enhance treatment options for patients.

Onedot offers apps and platforms for the diverse need of their customers. Babily, PetNote, LadyX, and MN Consulting Room are a few of the company's apps. Babily is a parenting video platform, PetNote is an app for pet health, LadyX is a business platform for beauty and health, and MN Consulting Room is a medical platform for travelers to Japan. Onedot additionally aids in the advancement of Chinese digital business plans.

Alivexis is a preclinical stage drug discovery company based in Tokyo, specializing in the rapid design and generation of small molecule clinical candidates aimed at addressing high-value disease targets. The company leverages advanced computational drug discovery techniques and unique biological insights to accelerate the development of new medicines. Its international team consists of experts in drug design and disease biology, drawing on extensive research and development experience from global pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. Alivexis's platform is designed to enhance biotechnological research, ultimately enabling healthcare professionals to deliver effective treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.

TagCyx’s scientific team has established its proprietary Xenoligo® technology platform, allowing high functional oligonucletide drug discovery. The Xenoligo® platform utilizes genetic alphabet expansion by unnatural base-pairs to generate customized nucleic acid suited for therapeutic applications.

Aidemy Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that offers online artificial intelligence programming services aimed at individuals and enterprises. Founded in 2014, it provides a comprehensive learning platform where users can acquire AI technology skills through practical applications. Aidemy's services include an all-in-one teaching environment and digital transformation support, facilitating the development of digital talent in organizations. Its solutions are particularly beneficial for corporations in the manufacturing sector, as well as smaller companies and academic institutions. Aidemy's offerings range from online learning resources to consulting services that assist businesses in implementing AI and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring effective human resource development and operational support.

WealthNavi offers a platform for asset managers which uses risk management algorithm for asset management advice.

Connected Robotics Inc, founded in 2014 and based in Koganei-shi, Japan, designs and manufactures robotic arms tailored for the food service industry. Its flagship product, OctoChef, addresses the labor shortages faced by restaurants by utilizing artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies to streamline cooking processes. The company serves a diverse clientele, including individual restaurants, shopping malls, stations, service areas, amusement centers, and large-scale events. By integrating intelligent robotics into kitchen operations, Connected Robotics aims to enhance the dining experience while promoting efficiency and quality in meal preparation.

Astroscale is a pioneering company dedicated to addressing the increasing problem of orbital debris through innovative solutions for end-of-life satellite management and active debris removal. By developing scalable services across various aspects of on-orbit servicing, including life extension and in-space situational awareness, Astroscale aims to create sustainable space systems. The company collaborates with national space agencies, international institutions, non-profit organizations, insurance companies, and satellite operators to establish norms, regulations, and incentives that promote responsible space use. Through these efforts, Astroscale is not only providing technical solutions but also helping to define the business case for debris removal services.

EdiGENE Japan, now known as Modalis Therapeutics Corporation, is a biotechnology company based in Tokyo that focuses on developing innovative therapies for serious genetic disorders. Founded in 2016, the company leverages its proprietary CRISPR-GNDM technology, which allows for precise modulation of gene expression and histone modification without the need for traditional gene editing methods. Modalis Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs related to orphan genetic diseases, building a robust intellectual property portfolio in collaboration with the University of Tokyo.

CREWT Medical Systems, Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the manufacturing of innovative medical devices. The company is known for developing the world's first head-mounted perimeter, which is compatible with standard automated perimeters, utilizing advanced lens design and software engineering. CREWT aims to create new value by integrating existing technologies to enhance clinical practices. The company's mission focuses on delivering human-centric medical devices that improve quality of vision, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the medical field.

Synspective Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in satellite data technology that leverages synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellations, big data, and machine learning. The company provides remote sensing and satellite imagery services, utilizing small-sized SAR satellites capable of monitoring human activity across extensive areas, irrespective of time or weather conditions. Its offerings cater to various sectors, including urban design, infrastructure, energy, insurance, and finance, while also supporting government agencies in their data needs. By integrating advanced satellite data with analytical tools, Synspective aims to assist clients in achieving sustainable development and resilient urban growth.

Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotic technologies that enable users to interact with remote environments through online remote control systems. By transmitting, accumulating, and analyzing visual, auditory, and tactile information, Telexistence enhances the ability of individuals to operate effectively from a distance. The company emphasizes systematic innovation in robotics, aiming to develop scalable and reproducible solutions that expand human presence in various settings.

QD Laser, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of quantum dot semiconductor lasers and wafers, primarily using GaAs substrates. The company produces a variety of laser technologies, including picosecond short-pulse DFB lasers for precision processing and current injection-type lasers in green, yellow-green, and orange for biological applications. Additionally, QD Laser develops quantum dot laser arrays for silicon optical circuits and broadband gain chips for ophthalmic testing equipment. Their products are utilized in diverse sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, medicine, and consumer products, addressing applications in silicon photonics, sensing, and precision machining. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan, QD Laser aims to enhance the performance of semiconductor lasers across various industries.

Braizon Therapeutics, Inc. was established with the aim of applying and implementing, within the fields of medicine and life science, innovative technology for the delivery of drugs to the brain as the outcome of collaborative research by Professor Kazunori Kataoka from the Graduate School of Engineering/Medicine, the University of Tokyo and Professor Takanori Yokota from the Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

TagCyx’s scientific team has established its proprietary Xenoligo® technology platform, allowing high functional oligonucletide drug discovery. The Xenoligo® platform utilizes genetic alphabet expansion by unnatural base-pairs to generate customized nucleic acid suited for therapeutic applications.

AccRna, Inc.'s aim is to promote therapeutic innovation in the form of nucleic acid medicine utilizing our robust DDS platform, providing effective treatment for refractory diseases for which there is currently no cure. Our dream is to deliver a “radical cure” to patients suffering from refractory diseases all over the world by safely and efficiently achieving the ultimate in the therapy utilizing nucleic acid.

Alivas Inc. is a medical company based in Hongo, Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in developing therapeutic medical devices aimed at treating refractory constipation. Founded in 2017, Alivas emerged as a joint venture between Stanford University and the University of Tokyo, leveraging the Japan Biodesign program to foster innovative solutions in medical device creation. The company's primary focus is on addressing intractable chronic constipation, providing patients with effective treatment options to alleviate their condition and improve their quality of life.

Xenoma, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the development of e-skin, a platform for wearable electronic apparel that monitors various physiological functions such as motion, breathing, pressure, and body temperature. As a spin-off from the University of Tokyo's Someya Group Organic Transistor Lab, Xenoma leverages advancements in organic electronics to create ultrathin and ultraflexible devices that seamlessly integrate with the human body. Their innovative clothing line features highly sensitive motion sensors capable of tracking body movement and posture, facilitating the collection of valuable health data. This data can be used to enhance healthcare solutions by combining it with big data analytics, while their products remain comfortable, durable, and machine washable for everyday use.

CREWT Medical Systems, Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the manufacturing of innovative medical devices. The company is known for developing the world's first head-mounted perimeter, which is compatible with standard automated perimeters, utilizing advanced lens design and software engineering. CREWT aims to create new value by integrating existing technologies to enhance clinical practices. The company's mission focuses on delivering human-centric medical devices that improve quality of vision, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the medical field.