“Femtech Fes!” Challenges the “Obvious” – Exhibition Contents, Visuals, and Partners Revealed for the First Time

This event, launched by fermata in 2019 when the term "femtech" was not yet widely known in Japan, has grown in scale and attendance each year. We are now holding the fourth in-person event, with many new initiatives. The femtech market was born to improve the quality of life for women today and pass on a better future to the next generation. In Japan, this market has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including consumers, government agencies, and businesses, over the past few years, leading to its formation. Consequently, the choices available to consumers have gradually increased, but this is still just the "tip of the iceberg."

The unmet needs of each individual are far greater and deeper than imagined, and many of these needs are difficult for individuals themselves to recognize. We believe that what is needed in the current market is to carefully nurture the visible "tip of the iceberg" while also diligently addressing the latent needs still "under the surface of the ocean." Furthermore, newly discovered needs should be linked to corporate product development and the creation of better regulations.

Femtech Fes! is a unique opportunity for each visitor to experience contributing to creating this positive cycle. Through participation in Femtech Fes!, we hope that all stakeholders will re-examine various things that have previously been taken for granted and find an impetus to take action.

【Venue Configuration】

One of the mechanisms designed to create a virtuous cycle for the market is the two-area configuration of the venue. This time, inspired by the iceberg, which is the key motif of the event, visitors will experience "the tip of the iceberg" (already existing choices) and "under the surface of the ocean" (new, unseen choices).

▼Area 1: "The Tip of the Iceberg" Pioneering the World

This area introduces products that are ready for immediate use or are in preparation for launch. You can also enjoy shopping on-site. Talk events are also planned within the venue.

▼Area 2: Looking Deep Beneath the Surface

An encounter space for new products and services that may fulfill our latent needs. This area is curated according to themes highlighted by Femtech Fes! Here, for example, the following questions will be posed to visitors:

• Are our "menstrual" needs truly being met?

• Why are we so afraid of menopause?

• In this world, which seems unfair and without magic, how can we create what we desire?

Through the two venues, we hope to re-examine what we take for "granted" together with all our visitors. Additionally, a childcare facility will be available from this time onward (advance reservation required). We are committed to creating an environment where more people can enjoy the event at their leisure. Sponsoring organizations and detailed content will be announced sequentially.

【Introduction to the Femtech Fes! Executive Committee】

While this event has been solely organized by fermata Inc. until now, it will now be managed by an executive committee to strengthen governance and structurally ensure fairness in this market. The members comprising the executive committee are as follows:

<Medical Femtech Consortium>

▼Overview

Established primarily by obstetricians and gynecologists with the aim of promoting appropriate femtech. Diverse members, including businesses, doctors, midwives, lawyers, administrative scriveners, etc., who concur with the objective, participate. We accompany the "Diet Members' Federation for Femtech Promotion" and operate the "Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act Working Group," which is a forum for discussions with the government. Official Website: https://femtech.or.jp/

▼Comment on participating in the Executive Committee

We believe that medically appropriate evaluation is necessary for consumers to use femtech products and services safely and securely. Based on this, we have engaged in policy proposals through dialogue with politicians and the administration regarding the legal positioning and evaluation methods of femtech products. With "Femtech Fes!" as an opportunity, we aim to leverage the strengths of each Executive Committee member to invigorate the femtech industry and contribute to the creation of a healthy market. (Reona Matsumoto, Representative Director, Medical Femtech Consortium)

<Femtech Community Japan>

▼Overview

To promote femtech-related businesses, products, and services, we connect experts from various sectors, engage in discussions, information sharing, networking, and information dissemination, thereby fostering an ecosystem that creates new innovations. Official Website: https://www.femtechjapan.org/

▼Comment on participating in the Executive Committee

We are confident that the women's healthcare and femtech fields are crucial areas where new innovations and business opportunities will emerge. As members of the executive committee for this event, we will contribute to the further development of the femtech sector and create new ideas and business opportunities. We look forward to expanding the femtech field together with all participants of Femtech Fes! (Tomoko Minakawa, Director, Femtech Community Japan)

<fermata Inc.>

▼Overview

With the motto "Until your taboos turn into excitement," we visualize latent health challenges and expand the possibilities of healthcare, primarily through femtech. Official Website: https://hellofermata.com/

▼Comment on participating in the Executive Committee

This event, which began in 2019 in a small venue in Shibuya, has grown to attract attention as a promising new market in Japan, thanks to an increasing number of trusted partners. I am truly delighted that for this Femtech Fes!, we have welcomed reliable partners to the Executive Committee who will support the growth of the femtech market. Please look forward to the new Femtech Fes! (Amina Sugimoto, CEO, fermata Inc.)

【Introduction to Femtech Fes! Partners】

For the holding of this event, numerous companies that resonate with and support the vision of "Femtech Fes!" are cooperating. We are preparing special booths, gift presentations, and other initiatives from our partners to ensure that all visitors have an enjoyable experience. Please look forward to them. The lineup of partners will be announced sequentially on our website as soon as preparations are complete.

*As of February 1, 2024

【Main Visual Introduction】

The main visual was designed by illustrator millitsuka. This is the third collaboration, following 2021 and 2022. They have created a wonderful visual that evokes excitement and anticipation, like the full scope of the iceberg we are about to uncover, or a mirror reflecting an unknown self.

<Comment from millitsuka>

Since this event features many items that reflect an unknown self, I drew it with the hope that various future and present selves could be seen. Official Website https://www.millitsuka.com/

■ "Femtech Fes!" Overview

Event Period: February 9 (Fri) to 11 (Sun), 2024

Venue: Roppongi Academy Hills

Admission: Free

Official Website: https://hellofermata.com/pages/femtechfes2402

※ If you wish to receive notifications when ticket applications open, please follow Femtech Fes! by fermata (Peatix). https://fermata2020.peatix.com/

■ What is Femtech?

Femtech is a portmanteau of "female" and "technology." It generally refers to devices, apps, and products that use technology to address health issues specific to women, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

■About fermata Inc.
With the vision "Until your taboos turn into excitement," we conduct business that solves and supports "women's wellness" issues, which tend to be considered taboo. We aim to create a platform for sharing women's bodily concerns and anxieties, provide products from around the world that lead to solutions for wellness issues, accelerate the expansion of the femtech market in Japan and globally, and create a world where not only women but everyone can live comfortably.

Location: Wherever 3F, 7-2-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director CEO: Amina Sugimoto
Established: October 23, 2019
Corporate Website: https://hellofermata.com/