JLK Signs Distribution Agreement with Marubeni Group Subsidiary to Target Japanese AI Market

JLK, a medical artificial intelligence (AI) company led by CEO Kim Dongmin, announced on July 7 that it has signed a distribution agreement with CLAIRVO TECHNOLOGIES, Inc., the healthcare subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, one of Japan's leading general trading companies, and will actively target the Japanese market.

With this agreement, JLK has secured an official channel to directly supply its products to Japanese medical institutions, focusing on its AI-based CT analysis solutions (such as JLK-CTP and NCCT) and brain imaging quantification technologies (such as PWI). This is expected to generate tangible sales within a short period of time.

Marubeni Corporation is one of the five major trading companies in Japan and is a key player in the Japanese business sector, with a global network spanning energy, food, industrial materials, and healthcare. CLAIRVO, in particular, leverages Marubeni's global network and specializes in discovering new medical devices utilizing AI. The company is focused on obtaining various business permits to provide carefully selected medical AI solutions to Japanese medical institutions.

Additionally, CLAIRVO brings together experts well-versed in international trade, medical devices, and pharmaceutical regulations, who are also dedicated to the commercialization of products and services. As a local partner with a deep understanding of the purchasing processes and decision-making structures within Japanese medical institutions, CLAIRVO is expected to provide a strong foundation for generating substantial and recurring sales in the Japanese market.

The medical AI industry sees this agreement as more than just a simple export achievement. It is expected to serve as a turning point for JLK, securing a stable revenue base in Japan and enhancing the company's corporate value. The contract with CLAIRVO, which has a proven track record in distributing healthcare products in the Japanese market, is particularly significant within the Marubeni Group's healthcare division, as it is expected to dramatically lower the barriers to entry for AI solutions in Japan.

Furthermore, the agreement is anticipated to serve as a critical bridge not only for short-term sales but also for expanding distribution channels in Japan, securing references in public hospitals, and increasing collaboration with global pharmaceutical and IT companies.

Kim Dongmin, CEO of JLK, stated, "This agreement with a Marubeni Group subsidiary will be the starting point for reaping significant benefits in Japan's vast and aging market. We will make this year the inaugural year of our full-scale entry into the Japanese market and accelerate efforts to expand globally and enhance our corporate value."

Meanwhile, Japan is experiencing the fastest aging population in the world, with a sharp increase in the incidence of stroke and related medical expenditures, leading to an explosive demand for AI solutions. As a result, JLK is expected to establish itself as a beneficiary of Japan's aging society.