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In collaboration with

Murata Technologies × Partner Innovation
Co-Creating Value for the Future

KUMIHIMO Tech Camp Singapore 2026 gives 6-8 selected founders direct access to Murata's hardware platform, 1:1 support from the engineers who built it, and a real path to long-term commercial partnership with one of the world's leading electronics manufacturers
Applications Closed
Applications close on 31st July 2026
Cohort
6-8 founders
RegionS
ASEAN + India
Duration
3 months
murata
About the program

In collaboration with

A global tech leader looking for the next breakthrough

KUMIHIMO is Murata’s open innovation program, launched in 2022 to co-create with startups in shaping future technologies that enrich society and generate scalable, lasting impact.

The program is backed by Murata Manufacturing, a global electronics leader headquartered in Japan, with Murata Electronics Singapore leading regional open innovation initiatives across five ASEAN markets (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam) and India. Through its advanced components and high-density modules, Murata enables next-generation technologies across communications, automotive, healthcare, industrial automation and other key industries.

0
Years operating
0
SUBSIDIARIES GLOBALLY
*As of March 31, 2025
0K+
Global employees
*As of March 31, 2025
The challenge

Healthcare for 1.9 billion people

1.9 billion people across ASEAN and India face a triple burden: chronic disease, persistent infection, and unequal access to care that legacy MedTech wasn't built to solve. The solutions need to be affordable, decentralised, and built for environments. We're looking for solutions in three areas:
Challenge 1: Chronic & Infectious Diseases Prevention & Early Detection

Early disease detection,
at scale

Affordable, easy-to-use technologies that prevent, detect, or monitor both chronic conditions and infection-related health risks across ASEAN and India
Challenge 2: Environment-Linked Health Monitoring

Increase speed in healthcare

MedTech that detects, monitors, or responds faster to health risks driven by pollution, heat, climate change, urbanisation, or occupational exposure
Challenge 3: Decentralised Access to Quality Medical Care

Affordable healthcare for all

Affordable, reliable screening, diagnosis, monitoring, or follow-up care for underserved populations outside major urban centres
Two technology approaches

Build the next MedTech
breakthrough with Murata

Two ways to plug Murata's capabilities into your healthcare solution
01

Innovate with Murata Components

Use Murata's selected components to develop, improve, or scale a disease-focused healthcare solution. Select one or more advanced hardware components in the list below.
Component list
02

Co-Create with Murata Capabilities

Bring your challenge-aligned healthcare concept and propose how Murata's capabilities in downsizing, sensing technologies, and wireless communication can help strengthen your solution
Downsizing Technology

Downsizing Technology

Technology to downsize products — smaller, more portable medical devices
Sensing Technology

Sensing Technology

Technology that senses biological information — physiological signals in real-world conditions
IOT

Information & Communications

Technology that links and utilises information wirelessly — connecting devices and data
Program benefits

What you get from KUMIHIMO Singapore

Access to Murata’s hardware library

Sensors, downsizing modules, and wireless components used by leading medical device manufacturers globally. Pick from the component list or work with our engineers to scope what fits your build.

Technical concept support from Murata engineers

Multiple technical deep-dives to
pressure-test your idea, validate feasibility, and shape execution

Curated MedTech introduction

1:1 sessions with strategists, subject matter experts, and investors who’ve shipped and invested in MedTech across the region

Demo Day in Singapore

Pitch directly to Murata's leadership team and a curated audience of MedTech investors and partners

A real path beyond Demo Day

Standout participants continue "potential co-creation opportunity with Murata" after the program - through tailored product development support, commercial partnership discussions, and long-term technology collaboration

And it's free

No participation fee. No equity required to join the program. All support and resources come at no cost to selected companies.
Who should apply

Whether you're
early-stage or scaling

If you're an early-stage startup, a fast-growing scale-up, or a promising spin-off building hardware-software solutions to real healthcare problems, we want to hear from you
You qualify if
  • Your company is headquartered in ASEAN or India
  • You have a solution that has been tested, a working prototype or proof-of-concept is a must (Technology Readiness Level 3 or above)
  • Your solution is disease-centric and it addresses a specific condition, not general wellness
Bonus points for
  • Existing market traction or investor backing
  • A defined business model — patient journey, regulatory path, reimbursement strategy
Not a fit
  • Pure lifestyle or wellness applications
  • Pharmaceutical or biological therapeutics
Program timeline

From Development to Demo Day in three months

Applications open mid-June. Selection in mid- August. Three months of work with Murata engineers and mentors. Demo Day in Singapore.
Stage 01
Mid Jun → End Jul 2026
Applications open
Open call for founders across ASEAN and India
Stage 02
Mid Aug 2026
Top 6 - 8 announced
Reviewed and selected by Murata's leadership
Stage 03
Sep → Nov 2026
Development phase
Work directly with Murata engineers and mentors to refine your solution
Stage 04
26 Nov 2026 · Singapore
Demo Day
Present to Murata's leadership team. Winners selected.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A
Program Overview
01
What level of time commitment is expected?

Each selected team is required to commit at least 2 participants. To maximise value creation, participants should be founders/co-founders or equivalent (e.g., Country Head) who are actively involved in the strategic and day-to-day management of the business. They must attend all program sessions.

02
Is the program in person, remote, or hybrid?

The program is hybrid by design to accommodate the regional nature of participants. All sessions will be conducted virtually via teleconferencing platforms, while Demo Day (26 November 2026) will be held in Singapore to mark the program finale.

B
Application & Requirements
03
How does the selection process work?

Your application will be evaluated by the Murata executive and Tribe program teams, as well as any appointed program partners (e.g., third-party subject matter experts). If you are selected for the program, you will be notified via email by the middle of August 2026.

Note: Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback on your application.

04
Is a fully functional prototype required by Demo Day?

Not necessary. We recognise that a product demo may not be feasible within the three-month timeline. Instead, the baseline requirement is a realistic business proposal based on your chosen approach.

C
Terms & Costs
05
Are there any program fees?

Participation and support provided through the program are completely free. 

However, any other costs incurred by participants will be borne by themselves. This may include flight, transport, meals, and other expenses related to on-site program activities.

06
Do participants need to give up equity?

No equity will be required to participate in the program.

D
Post-Program
07
What happens after Demo Day?

Following Demo Day, Murata may continue working with selected innovators on co-creation. This may include hardware development, engineering expertise, prototype development, testing, commercialisation planning, manufacturing scale-up, IP/patent support, and market launch planning to turn promising ideas into real products and businesses.

E
Technical Resources
08
What Murata components are available, and where can I learn more?

Download the 2026 Murata component list here. More information can be found by entering the product code into the search function on Murata’s website.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email [email protected] (On behalf of Murata Electronics Singapore)

Hear from Our Clients

“Innovation works best when it’s built around real problems and real partners. Our job is to connect the right people, at the right time, with the right opportunities.”

Rachel Chng
Director of Innovation & Strategic Partnerships

In collaboration with

Murata Technologies × Partner Innovation Co-Creating Value for the Future

Applications Closed
Applications close on 31st July 2026
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