Akira Higuchi, CEO of CogSmart, has a unique career.  He started his career as attorney-at-law (Bengoshi) in Japan and solicitor in England and Wales following receiving J.D. of University of Tokyo and MSc. of University of Oxford, respectively.  He also serves as IDAC researcher of Tohoku University, enabling him to manage areas of business, legal and compliance and life science in an integrated manner.

CogSmart was founded in Japan as a university spin-off to tackle against the universal problem of dementia with years of medical studies at Tohoku University, which consists of the 3 pillars: AI image analysis technology, large cohort MRI datasets and 20 years neuroscience studies at Tohoku University. The dementia problem is being challenged by various approaches, some of which are to support diagnosis, and some of which are to develop drugs. However, CogSmart takes another approach – focusing on preventive medicine showing that dementia can be prevented by improving the relevant lifestyle traits, namely, modifiable factors. Specifically, we provide a set of screening and solution services in an integrated manner, achieving the dementia prevention from early stages.