2026 University Venture Award Winners Announced

The University Venture Award is a program that recognizes outstanding university ventures expected to achieve future success, covering ventures founded using research and development results from universities and other institutions, as well as challenging initiatives undertaken after founding. It also aims to further promote support for university ventures from universities, companies, and other organizations.

Applications were accepted this year from March 19 to April 27, 2026, and the 2026 University Venture Award Selection Committee, composed of external experts, conducted document and interview evaluations.

BionicM Inc. is recognized as contributing to improved quality of life for powered prosthetic leg users and as a university venture combining technological innovation, business viability, and the ability to address social issues.

The award ceremony was held on August 27, 2026, and the award was presented to BionicM Inc., recipient of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award.

The company is based on the University of Tokyo's humanoid and biological engineering technologies and specializes in proprietary real-time gait-intention detection technology. It develops and sells the Bio Leg® powered prosthetic leg for lower-limb amputees. Under the slogan "Powering Mobility for All," it is pursuing the creation of new forms of physical augmentation using humanoid technology.

It became the first Asian company to achieve U.S. FDA medical device registration and PDAC insurance coverage listing, obtaining FDA Class 2 medical device registration and approval for medical insurance coverage in the United States. In addition to sales, it is advancing clinical research with local rehabilitation hospitals.