[Selected for MIAC's 'ICT Startup League' FY2026] R&D on Edge AI Childcare Visualization Platform Using Existing Cameras

H&E Technology (Headquarters: Tokyo, Representative Director: Seishi Harayama, hereinafter 'the Company') is pleased to announce that its research theme, 'Edge AI Childcare Visualization Platform Using Existing Cameras,' has been selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 'Startup-Driven Budding R&D Support Project' (ICT Startup League) for fiscal year 2026. As one of 63 selected entities out of 574 applicants nationwide, the Company will proceed with this research and development.

■ Background and Problem Recognition

In childcare settings, staff face a massive daily workload, including ensuring child safety, keeping activity records, and communicating with guardians. Amidst the serious issues of a declining birthrate and childcare staff shortages, utilizing technology to improve operational efficiency and the quality of childcare is an urgent priority.

Meanwhile, while many childcare facilities have already installed security cameras and other imaging equipment, few have been able to utilize these assets to promote digital transformation in childcare. The cost of introducing new equipment and the burden of installation work pose significant barriers for small-to-medium-sized childcare facilities.

To solve these issues, the Company will work on R&D for a platform that utilizes existing camera infrastructure to realize real-time visualization and analysis of childcare activities through edge AI technology.

■ Overview of R&D

This R&D will focus on the following technical themes:

● Real-time video analysis using edge AI: Processing video from existing cameras at the edge instead of sending it to the cloud, extracting characteristic scenes while respecting privacy.
● Dashboard construction: Building a dashboard that visualizes children's activity status by combining edge AI with cloud-based AI.
● Retrofitting to existing equipment: Designing and verifying a universal architecture capable of connecting regardless of camera type or manufacturer.

Through this, the Company aims to pave the way for childcare facilities nationwide to introduce advanced AI support without making expensive capital investments.

■ About the ICT Startup League

The ICT Startup League is a support program launched in FY2023, spurred by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 'Startup-Driven Budding R&D Support Project.' Its purpose is to promote the creation and growth of startups in the ICT field by providing research and development funding, hands-on support for commercialization, and opportunities for co-creation with the private sector. For FY2026, 574 applications were received nationwide, and after document screening and a collective review by external experts and program partner companies, 63 companies and individuals, including the Company, were selected.