Junkosha Technology Innovator of the Year Award

Program Objectives

The award's primary mission is "Enabling Technology Innovators" with a commitment to contribute to society for a better future. The program is designed to highlight achievements and contributions to society by finding individuals or teams working within industry or academic research that deserve recognition for their innovative work. Core evaluation criteria include bold challenges to be overcome, ground-breaking innovation, and societal benefit – attributes at the core of the Junkosha brand.

The program aims to drive cutting-edge innovation advancements that enrich society and advance the next generation of technology for a better future. Since its inception in 2021, the spirit remains unchanged – to endorse as many technology innovators as possible through this award program.

Target Beneficiaries

Primary Eligibility

The award is open to companies, individuals, and organizations who work in the delivery of products within medical or Microwave/mmWave technologies. Eligible researchers working within a university, research institute, or university spin-off company are also encouraged to apply.

Technology Focus Areas

Two main sectors are targeted:

• Interventional Medical Procedures: Past examples include flexible endoscopes, glaucoma treatment devices, heart failure solutions, and non-invasive glucose monitoring systems
• Microwave and Millimeter Wave Technologies: Examples include millimeter wave imaging systems, non-destructive testing, landmine detection, brain scanning technology, and RF-based medical monitoring devices

Geographic Scope

The program attracts global participants, with entries representing countries including Morocco, Belgium, Turkey, and the United States.

Application Process

Multi-Stage Selection Process

The application follows a structured year-long process:

Stage 1: Initial Online Application

• Complete a short online application describing the innovation and why it deserves to be shortlisted
• The awards team reaches out to discuss applications and assist candidates on their journey

Stage 2: Secondary Questionnaire

• Invited candidates undertake a secondary questionnaire providing additional information for the judging panel

Stage 3: Shortlisting

• Awards panel reviews all entries to choose up to three per sector to proceed to video interview stage

Stage 4: Video Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates participate in relaxed and friendly sessions where the judging panel learns about projects to select the winner

Stage 5: Final Selection and Ceremony

• Shortlisted candidates present their entries to the judging committee
• Winners announced during online YouTube livestream ceremonies

Key Features

Award Categories (2025-2026)

The program now recognizes both early phase ideas and late phase developments, covering the entire breadth of the innovation life cycle:

Traditional Category:

• $25,000 USD prize awarded as a lump sum for late-stage innovations ready for commercialization

New Early Phase Development Category:

• $25,000 USD distributed over four years: $10,000 upon recognition of outstanding invention in year one, and $15,000 upon recognition of commercial viability in year four

Distinguished Judging Panel

The program features independent, esteemed experts from across the globe, including:

• Joe Rowan, Chairperson and President/CEO of Junkosha USA Inc.
• Nitin Salunke, President and CEO at Supira Medical, part of the Shifamed Group
• Prof. Rob Sloan, CEO and Consulting Engineer for Microwave Inspection Technologies Ltd.
• Bela Brian Szendrenyi, Senior R&D Design Consultant for Advantest America, Inc.
• Steve Maxson, Innovation and Business Development, US Extruders

Program Benefits Beyond Funding

Winners gain visibility and connections that prove invaluable, providing a platform to showcase their work and continue innovation efforts. Through the year-long process, winners have a unique opportunity to showcase their work as well as gain investment for their worthwhile projects.

Timeline and Ceremony Format

• Annual ceremonies typically held in April via YouTube livestream
• Year-long application and evaluation process
• Global accessibility through online presentation format

Program Location and Administration

Organizing Company: Junkosha Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda City, Japan

Ceremony Format: Online YouTube livestream (not tied to specific physical location)

Global Reach: International program with participants worldwide

Recent Success Story

The 2024 winner, Afon Technology, received recognition for their Glucowear non-invasive glucose monitoring device, which utilizes radio frequency sensors rather than traditional optical sensors. This exemplifies the type of breakthrough innovation the program seeks to support.