[Okinawa Churashima Foundation] aiwell Inc. and Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido Co., Ltd. Launch Joint Research to Visualize the Health of Whale Sharks and Cartilaginous Fish

The Okinawa Churashima Foundation (hereinafter referred to as "Churashima Foundation"), Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Sapporo; President and Representative Director: Hidenori Kaneoka; hereinafter referred to as "Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido"), and aiwell Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Hiroyuki Mabuchi; hereinafter referred to as "aiwell"), a certified venture company from Tokyo University of Science and Technology that provides "aiwell IPA," an AI-based rapid protein biomarker exploration technology, have entered into a joint research agreement on February 25, 2026, with the aim of scientifically understanding the health status of cartilaginous fish such as whale sharks and manta rays. Full-scale joint research will commence in April.

In this research, we aim to establish a method for objectively evaluating health status from changes in blood proteins by utilizing aiwell's proprietary protein biomarker rapid exploration platform, "aiwell IPA." By grasping subtle physiological changes in animals at an early stage, we aim to enhance advanced breeding management based on scientific evidence and improve animal welfare, with the future prospect of expanding applications to various animal species in aquariums.

■ Why is this research necessary now?

Cartilaginous fish, including whale sharks and manta rays, have different physiological characteristics from mammals and common fish. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has continuously conducted basic health assessments based on its own blood tests for these species and has performed breeding management based on scientific evidence.

In this research, by introducing proteomics analysis based on existing health assessments and comprehensively analyzing changes in blood proteins, we aim to achieve more detailed and objective evaluations. Cases where long-term, regular blood samples accumulated from the same individual are combined with breeding and health records are limited. This research is a new initiative that aims to improve the quality of health management and further enhance animal welfare by utilizing such a long-term data foundation.

■ Research Content

In this research, comprehensive protein analysis (proteomics analysis) using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry will be performed on plasma (blood components) of cartilaginous fish.

The main initiatives are as follows:

① Acquisition of comprehensive plasma protein data and construction of an analysis platform

② Identification of proteins correlated with changes in health status

③ Consideration for future utilization as diagnostic indicators and social implementation

■ Expected Outcomes

Previous preliminary studies have confirmed fluctuations in multiple proteins involved in the immune system and inflammation, as well as proteins related to nutritional status and cellular homeostasis. This research aims to establish these as objective 'health indicators'.

In the future, it is expected to contribute to the advancement of health management systems in aquariums and research institutions, as well as the development of long-term breeding and conservation techniques for rare species.

■ Roles of Each Company

Okinawa Churashima Foundation: Sample collection, integrated analysis with breeding data, and physiological evaluation

aiwell Inc.: Comprehensive protein analysis and biomarker exploration

Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido Co., Ltd.: Marketability research and social implementation strategy planning

■ Future Prospects

This research aims not only to advance animal medical care and breeding management technology in aquariums but also to contribute to solving social issues related to marine life conservation. We will build a new foundation to protect future ocean life through technology that 'visualizes the invisible changes'.

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About the Okinawa Churashima Foundation

The Okinawa Churashima Foundation, guided by the management philosophy "For All People, the Brilliance of a Beautiful Island," is an organization responsible for managing and operating park facilities that leverage Okinawa's rich natural and cultural resources, including the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Ocean Expo Park, and Shuri Castle Park. Centered around the Comprehensive Research Institute established within the foundation, it promotes specialized research, technological development, and educational outreach activities related to subtropical flora and fauna and marine life. At the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, based on the long-term breeding of diverse marine life, research on physiology, reproduction, and health management is continuously conducted, working to improve animal welfare and marine life conservation by utilizing the scientific data accumulated under captive conditions.

About Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido Co., Ltd.

Established in April 2000 as a wholly-owned subsidiary, it serves as Sumitomo Corporation's (Headquarters: Tokyo) base in Hokkaido. As a locally rooted independent corporation, it leverages Sumitomo Corporation's global network and comprehensive capabilities, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, social infrastructure, and transportation, while aiming to contribute to the region and solve local issues as a local enterprise.

With the new business planning department launched in October 2020, it is also focusing on initiatives in the tourism sector, such as regional revitalization and town development. By flexibly incorporating cutting-edge digital technologies, including IT and IoT, it continuously challenges itself daily to solve Hokkaido's local issues and realize sustainable "town" development.

About aiwell Inc.

aiwell is a deep-tech bio-venture originating from Tokyo University of Science and Technology. Based on its proprietary proteomics (protein analysis) technology, it develops and provides the rapid protein biomarker discovery platform "aiwell IPA," which visualizes signs of health status and disease risk from subtle protein fluctuations in blood.

"aiwell IPA" significantly improves the efficiency of biomarker discovery, which previously required significant time and cost, by integrating AI image analysis and mass spectrometry. Its applications are expanding not only in the medical and healthcare fields but also in livestock, agriculture, and food sectors.

Currently, it has established the "Proteomics Innovation Center (PIC)" in Shinkawasaki and is promoting the social implementation of health prediction and disease prevention through protein analysis in collaboration with research institutions and companies both domestically and internationally.

aiwell has acquired the following three patents:

・Non-washing protein gel staining agent based on a pyrene skeleton (Patent No. 7113446)

・Information processing system and program (Patent No. 7215682)

・Information processing system, specific system, and program (Patent No. 7670286)