AlphaDrive and academist Select Four Recipients for 'AlphaDrive × academist Grant'

AlphaDrive, in collaboration with academist, which operates an academic crowdfunding platform, has selected four researchers for the "AlphaDrive × academist Grant," a program aimed at the societal implementation of research.

Guided by the purpose of "unlocking human potential," AlphaDrive has supported technology-driven business development through its R&D Incubation Center. This grant is designed as a new platform for researchers to bridge their potential with societal implementation and commercialization. Beyond simple financial grants, the program provides comprehensive, "360-degree" support, including mentoring from executives to discuss business perspectives, while leveraging the AlphaDrive group's assets and network.

Program overview: - Program Name: AlphaDrive × academist Grant - Partner: academist Inc. - Grant Amount: Up to 4 million JPY per researcher - Support Details: Research funding + hands-on mentoring by executive officers

Selected researchers and themes: 1. Ryo Shibui (Kanazawa University) - Theme: Visualizing invisible risks to protect the air environment in manufacturing sites. 2. Keishi Komatsu (Nagaoka University of Technology) - Theme: A 1-minute measurement platform for digitizing "aroma/flavor." 3. Akiyoshi Tominaga (Shizuoka University) - Theme: "BloomX," a platform technology for stabilizing the control of plant flowering and germination. 4. Naoko Yoshida (Ochanomizu University) - Theme: Remote ear diagnosis support for cerumen impaction to improve treatment rates for elderly patients with hearing loss.

Starting in May 2026, each executive officer will begin ongoing mentoring for their assigned researcher, providing continuous support until the successful societal implementation and commercialization of the research outcomes.