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Panasonic Decides to Invest in Zene, a Provider of Genomic Analysis Services, through the Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund
Panasonic Corporation has announced that it has decided to invest in Zene inc. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masahiro Inoue; hereinafter referred to as Zene), a provider of genomic analysis services and operator of a genomic data analysis platform, through a corporate venture capital fund, commonly known as the Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund, jointly managed by Panasonic and SBI Investment Co., Ltd.
With the vision of “making genomes more accessible and common,” Zene has been providing corporate customers with highly accurate healthcare services through genomic analysis technology using the Polygenic Risk Score method. The company’s unique service of analyzing genetic information obtained from saliva collected at home or at work. It provides a genomic analysis report that visualizes an individual’s constitution, encouraging lifestyle changes. This approach has been well received by health insurance associations and businesses aiming to promote the health of their employees.
Panasonic has been developing products, services, and solutions that support people’s lives and contribute to their well-being. The company decided to invest with the goal of gaining a range of insights into the future of lifestyles that genomic analysis technology will usher in, and to pursue new innovations. Panasonic will continue to strengthen its open innovation initiatives based on strong partnerships created by investing in promising startups both in Japan and overseas that are competitive in areas closely related to people’s lives, such as energy, food infrastructure, spatial infrastructure, and lifestyle.
■Comments from Kunio Gohara, General Manager of the Corporate Venture Capital Office, Panasonic Corporation
“We believe that in order to contribute to consumer-friendly lifestyles, we must provide excellent services based on a deep understanding of our customers’ constitutions and other conditions. Genomics-based constitutional screening and analysis services are technologically advanced and not yet widely available, but are expected to become more widespread in the future. We hope that Zene’s services in this new area will contribute to a healthier and more prosperous society.”
■Comments from Masahiro Inoue, CEO of Zene inc.
“We are delighted that Panasonic shares our vision of “making genomes more accessible and common” as part of the future it envisions beyond its long-term management. Once again, we are acutely aware of the responsibility we bear in handling genomic information, which is very important information. We will continue to improve our services to ensure that our customers can enjoy them with peace of mind. We would like to thank everyone involved in our business, including customers such as health insurance associations, companies and municipalities, as well as employees, members, and contractors.”
About Panasonic Corporation
Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,483.3 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2023. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation.
Source: Panasonic
