Medical devices have always been an essential cog in the advancement and modernization of healthcare. With the emerging trend of healthcare technology, the medical device sector has seen exciting developments to improve outcomes for patients. Robotics, materials science, analytics, and other innovations are breeding era-defining breakthroughs for various areas such as testing, telemedicine, orthopedics, surgery, wound care, and monitoring.
Our edition, “Top 10 Global Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022″, aims to honour the innovative minds pushing limits to drive positive change in society. Seeing how healthcare innovations give a silver lining in life-and-death situations, we sought to find some brilliant minds behind delivering innovative medical devices. Our efforts brought us to Mr. Shinya Miike (President & CEO) of Neuroceuticals Inc. From marketing to leading developments in medical equipment, he had quite a transition.
We interviewed him to learn more about his journey, his ideals, and the reforms he hopes to bring about. The synopsis of our interaction is provided here.
A NOBLE MISSION & VISION
Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Shinya has spent over 20 years in marketing, R&D as well as selling off venture firms. Specifically, he was in business development with a focus on the surgical field, ophthalmology, cardiology, urology, preventive medicine, and orthopedics. His work allowed him to be close to medical professionals, where he found many unsolved clinical needs. “I always went and still go to research facilities and universities to see if there are any seeds of innovation,” he says. This introduced him to opportunities for building innovations that benefit the patient and clinician and pave the way for a successful business. The thought process led to the inception of Neuroceuticals Inc.
The company specializes in putting novel medical devices on the market through internal & external developments, venture investments, funding, and establishing a firm. It seeks out technological seeds from research institutes, universities, clinical sites, etc., to develop projects that foster more efficient diagnosis and treatment and products that improve the quality of patient care. Furthermore, it works with them to approve medical equipment and set up a market for particular innovations. In this way, Shinya is not only actuating the development of products that meet unresolved clinical needs but also contributing to the overall improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic practices.
THE CHALLENGES THAT COME ALONG
Given the fast pace at which the healthcare area is moving, acquiring project funding can be a challenge, especially for startups. Especially in Japan, since it’s one of the leading countries in advanced medical technology. Neuroceuticals isn’t left out of this challenge. The company seeks to be a leader in the medical industry as a device provider, developing and approving medical devices, as well as making investments in life science firms, and often faces difficulties with the budget. But that doesn’t stop them from their purpose. “Considering the strength of our firm,” claims Shinya, “my team can handle the entire process of identifying and planning to successfully penetrating markets.”
Its strength also gives it an advantage against larger corporations, which choose not to incur potential risks. A leader with a bad attitude can never manage money properly, and Shinya is a firm believer in approaching problems with a grin. Even in the face of stress and despair, it promotes confidence, which eventually translates into the environment. His and his company’s success relies on patients using their products, or those sold by partners firms, and finding them useful and reliable.
THE CEO’s PERISCOPE OF INNOVATION
As a marketing expert, Shinya has consistently argued that innovations result from an integration of innovation and technology. This integration resembles a jigsaw inside the head and assembling all the pieces yields something new. Over his stretch, his ability to generate innovative ideas by combining tech concepts has bred many breakthroughs like Optical Ablation, Vagus Nerve Stimulation Catheter System, Scoring Catheter Device, Vascular Embolization Agent (GPX), Arrhythmia Diagnostic Catheter, and so on.
The CEO believes that each of the products represents the next step in exceeding potential. He says, “I refer to it as the method that opens up infinite possibilities from a fundamental “one and one” addition formula.” He thinks that daybreak is always just around the corner. One must figure out how to shape it into a possibility.
AN IDOL TO HIS PEOPLE
“A true leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Being in the industry for over 20 years and leading multiple companies, Shinya has always believed in leading by example. He demonstrates how his team can improve patient lives and encourages them to surpass their limits. “I always make sure they know I’m proud of their efforts and the outcome of their dedication,” says Shinya. This empowers the team to break the clutter and be a part of continuous growth. Each member’s efforts are recognized and are commemorated accordingly.
LEADING A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE
As our interaction with Shinya kept unfolding, we became intrigued by the work his company has done in the realm of medical science. The medical device market is advancing rapidly, and Neuroceuticals is an essential contributor to it. Keeping client satisfaction (patient and clinician) as the top priority, the company is working to redefine patient care and push the limits of innovation in life sciences. The international media have largely recognized its endeavors. A few of the noteworthy mentions include:
- 50 Best Companies to watch 2022 by Silicon Review
- 10 Best CEO to watch by CIO Bulletin
- Ranked amongst High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2022 by Financial Times
- Top Medtech Company in APAC 2021 by Medtech Outlook
It has also received the Tokyo Venture Technology Excellence Award and the Governor’s Special Award for supporting women’s participation in the World Outreach Competition. The Vagus Nerve Stimulation Catheter System, one of its significant projects, was given the 2nd Japan Medical Research and Development Award and the AMED Chairman’s Award. These feats amply demonstrate the company’s progress. This further ensures that it will have much to discover and innovate in the upcoming years.
A NOTE FROM THE CEO’S DESK
“Have the soul of a child, never an adult. The main point of my lesson is to always be curious and interested in new things.”
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Business Talk is a digital business magazine that caters to CEOs, Entrepreneurs, VC, and Corporates. While working with entrepreneurs and business executives, we focus not only on their achievements. Our mission is to shed light on business entities, including their innovations, technological benchmarks, USPs, and milestones/accolades.
