Selected as Finalist in the 7th IP BASE AWARD Startup Category Hosted by the Japan Patent Office

Epistra Inc. has been selected as one of four finalists in the startup category of the “7th IP BASE AWARD” hosted by the Japan Patent Office.

About the IP BASE AWARD

The IP BASE AWARD is a recognition program built on “IP BASE,” an intellectual property community portal site established by the Japan Patent Office in 2018. It honors startups that demonstrate excellence in strategic acquisition and utilization of intellectual property. Positioned as a gateway to the Intellectual Property Achievement Award, it serves as an important initiative to promote intellectual property activities among startups.

Finalist Selection

For this round of the startup category, eligible applicants were unlisted companies established within the past 10 years that have implemented strategic acquisition and utilization of intellectual property rights. As a result of the review process, the following four companies, including Epistra, were selected as finalists (in alphabetical order of Japanese names):

• EAGLYS Inc.
• Epistra Inc.
• Zeroboard Inc.
• Luxana Biotech Inc.

Epistra was recognized for its business of optimizing experimental processes in life science research using AI and machine learning technologies, aiming to improve productivity and quality in the bio-industry.

Award Ceremony and Public Pitch Review

A public pitch review by the four finalists will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, starting at 15:30, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho Building, within the “JID2026 by ASCIISTARTUP” venue. The “Grand Prix” and “Encouragement Award” will be determined based on pitch evaluation and prior review, and an “Audience Award” based on public voting will also be presented. General attendance is free with prior registration.

We will continue to promote strategic utilization of intellectual property and work toward solving social challenges through mathematical optimization and AI technologies.