[East Mikawa Femtech] Solving Women's Health Challenges with Regional Technology: Call for Business Partners & Female Advisors

Chunichi Shimbun has announced the call for business partners and female advisors for the 2026 'East Mikawa Femtech Industry Promotion Project,' commissioned by the East Mikawa General Bureau of Aichi Prefecture (East Mikawa Prefectural Government).

This project aims to create innovative products that resolve health challenges specific to women by bridging the gap between East Mikawa’s exceptional agricultural and manufacturing expertise and the genuine needs expressed by women.

[Background and Objectives]
'Femtech' is a portmanteau of 'Female' and 'Technology,' referring to products and services that utilize technology to address specific health issues faced by women. While the East Mikawa region possesses a robust industrial base, it faces challenges including population decline and the outflow of young women. This project seeks to cultivate industrial sectors where women can find fulfillment and excel, thereby revitalizing the regional economy and promoting women's participation.

[Recruitment Details]
Over the course of approximately 18 months, the project will conduct product development through the following processes:
1. Recruitment of Businesses: Targeting enterprises in the East Mikawa region that possess manufacturing capabilities. Support includes mentorship from experts, test marketing, public relations, and exhibition opportunities.
2. Recruitment of Female Advisors: Targeting women who live, work, or study in Aichi Prefecture. Advisors will refine their product planning skills through training workshops and collaborate with local businesses as part of a development team.

[Training and WG Schedule]
Advisor training workshops will be held three times starting in July, guided by experts Atsuko Morita (Sun Louis International) and Naoko Kita (Joconne). Following this, participants will advance to actual product development through working groups (WG).

[Expert Profiles]
- Atsuko Morita: A leading expert in phytotherapy who has been instrumental in its adoption in Japan.
- Naoko Kita: A pioneer in the study of health literacy for women.

Past participants have shared numerous positive experiences, noting they gained 'experiences impossible to get elsewhere' and that the initiative 'changed the awareness within male-dominated corporate cultures.' Join this movement to build the future of Femtech products using the technological prowess of East Mikawa and your unique insights.