Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui", Head Office: Tokyo, President and CEO: Kenichi Hori) has selected the healthcare innovation hub development project in Africa and the private rocket launch testing facility development project in Hokkaido (see Note) to receive grants through the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund (the "Fund"). The Fund was established in March 2023 to provide grants and other types of support toward the solution of societal issues and the realization of a sustainable society through collaboration between issue finders (NPOs, researchers, social entrepreneurs, etc., working to discover and address societal issues), and Mitsui officers and employees.

1. Healthcare innovation hub development project in Africa

In addition to the big three infectious diseases—HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria—there are many other endemic diseases in Africa that tend to be overlooked. The threat of non-infectious conditions, such as cancer and lifestyle diseases, is also increasing rapidly. In addition to government institutions, private-sector researchers, research organizations, and businesses have also traditionally played an important role in research and diagnostic activities targeting these diseases. However, there is a lack of both research and diagnostic facilities and equipment, as well as support for the promotion of research activities.

CA MEDLYNKS is a subsidiary of the healthcare start-up Connect Afya (Head Office: Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture, CEO: Yoichi Shimada), which provides testing infrastructure and diagnostic services in Africa. CA MEDLYNKS is working in collaboration with local medical institutions, researchers, and research organizations to build an ecosystem for efforts to address the issues outlined above and support disease research and diagnostic services in Africa. By providing a grant through the Fund, Mitsui aims to support creation of an innovation hub where local researchers can access state-of-the-art research and diagnostic equipment. Mitsui will use its business experience and networks in Africa to assist CA MEDLYNKS to build innovation hub.

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2. Private-sector rocket launch testing facility development project in Hokkaido

Many private-sector rocket businesses and universities need test-launch facilities of sub-orbital rockets reaching inner space at an altitude of 100km, for use in their initial development activities in preparation for the eventual launch of orbital rockets capable of launching satellites. However, Japan lacks sub-orbital rocket launch facilities available for use by private-sector businesses, universities, and other organizations. Owned by the town of Taiki-cho, Hokkaido and managed and operated by SC, Hokkaido Spaceport ("HOSPO") is a commercial spaceport available for private-sector use. In the longer-term future, SC aims to develop the private-sector space industry in Asia while contributing to sustainable social development through the launch of orbital rockets and the collection and utilization of satellite data as part of efforts to solve various societal issues, including GHG monitoring, natural disaster responses, and closing the regional digital divide. By providing a grant through the Fund, Mitsui will assist to contribute to the growth of the Japanese space industry, including SC's development of launch sites for sub-orbital rockets. Mitsui will also use its knowledge of the industry to approach local businesses, local governments, and other stakeholders, carry out marketing targeted toward rocket-related businesses in Japan and overseas, and support sub-orbital rocket launch activities by universities and other organizations.

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Note: The "Healthcare innovation hub development project in Africa" was selected before the formal establishment of the Fund as a trial initiative for the design of the Fund’s systems. The “Private-sector rocket launch testing facility development project in Hokkaido” is the first project selected after the formal establishment of the Fund.