Elcyo Advances to Phase 2 of NEDO’s “SBIR Promotion Program (Once-through Type)”
Elcyo Co., Ltd. has passed the Stage-Gate review for NEDO’s 2025 SBIR Promotion Program (Once-through Type) and will move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 for its grant-funded project, Development of Autofocal Reading Glasses for Enhanced Safety and Comfort in an Aging Society.
In this program, Phase 1 focuses on early-stage R&D, including Proof of Concept (POC) and Feasibility Study (FS). Projects that successfully pass the Stage-Gate review proceed to Phase 2, where they receive support for practical application–oriented R&D. Through this next phase, Elcyo will accelerate the development of autofocal reading glasses that can be used safely and comfortably even by seniors requiring nursing care, aiming to address vision-related challenges and improve quality of life (QOL).
For details on our Phase 1 selection, please see the previous press release:
Project Overview
Project Title:
Development of Autofocal Reading Glasses for Enhanced Safety and Comfort in an Aging Society
Project Phase:
Phase 2 (Practical application development support phase after Phase 1.)
Project Summary:
With Japan's aging population, the number of individuals suffering from presbyopia and other eye conditions is increasing. Current solutions, such as using multiple pairs of reading glasses or progressive lenses with limited fields of view, often fall short for seniors with physical or cognitive impairments, creating safety concerns and adding strain on caregivers. Elcyo aims to develop the world’s first "Autofocal Glasses," tailored specifically for seniors requiring care. These glasses offer a clear, wide field of vision with automatic adjustment, reducing the need for multiple pairs of glasses. The solution is expected to significantly enhance user comfort and reduce the burden on caregivers, contributing to improved QOL.
Notification of Selection: