Tokyo University’s UTokyo IPC invests 100 million yen in smart apparel innovator Xenoma to enhance innovation in wearable technology.

Target Company Overview

株式会社Xenoma, established in November 2015, is a pioneering company in the development and sale of next-generation smart apparel, or IoT clothing. The company, headquartered in Ota City, Tokyo, has created the world's first fabric-based electronic circuit board known as the 'Printed Circuit Fabric (PCF).' This technology enables the integration of electrical wiring and sensors directly onto ordinary fabrics, allowing them to be flexible and stretchable. Additionally, Xenoma manufactures and sells 'e-skin®,' a high-durability fabric that maintains electrical insulation even after 100 washes, making it suitable for applications that demand a high degree of flexibility, such as sportswear.

With the integration of e-skin® technology, clothing can now function as IoT devices, capable of remotely monitoring the wearer’s movements, body temperature, and heart rate. Practical applications for this technology include monitoring elderly individuals and infants, analyzing the movements of field workers, assessing the forms of professional athletes, and even as game controllers. Ultimately, Xenoma aims to leverage big data from human biometric information to contribute to preventive healthcare and enhanced societal safety.

Industry Overview in Japan

The smart clothing industry in Japan has been experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in technology and an increasing focus on health and fitness. The market is characterized by the convergence of fashion and technology,