Glymap®: A Hair Analysis Service for Diabetes Prevention.

Innovation at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 continues to shine at the Reborn Challenge, located inside the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. This initiative showcases the creativity of over 400 startups and SMEs, featuring breakthrough technologies over 26 themed weeks.
The Osaka Business Development Agency (OBDA) launched the HeCNOS AWARD to recognize top innovators in healthcare and carbon neutrality. Award-winning companies are being featured at Expo 2025.
In our previous edition, we introduced three standout healthcare startups [LINK]. Today, we continue the series with two more HeCNOS AWARD-winning companies driving the future of healthcare.

Q: What problem does Tellme solve?
A: Diabetes is one of the most costly health challenges globally, with annual medical costs reaching over ¥1 trillion in Japan alone. Traditional diagnostics require blood tests, limiting accessibility, especially in regions with few hospitals. We aim to make early detection simple and widely available by using a surprising biological sample: human hair.

Q: What technology are you developing?
A: Our system analyzes just a few strands of hair to detect biomarkers associated with diabetes risk. Hair captures trace glycation-related compounds from the bloodstream, and with our advanced microanalysis technology (within 5% CV at the ppb (μg/L) level), we can identify early warning signs without blood samples. The method is painless, easy to implement at beauty salons, and eliminates the need for cold-chain storage required for liquid samples like tears or blood.

Q: What sets you apart?
A: Unlike liquid-based diagnostics, hair is incredibly stable—it can be stored and shipped without special conditions, even from remote regions like deserts or islands. This makes it ideal for areas with limited medical infrastructure.

Q: What are your key milestones and global plans?
A: We have already presented our research at the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry and are now preparing for next year’s International Diabetes Federation congress, with journal publications also in progress.
Global interest is strong—from embassies to major corporations—and we’re planning joint research with universities in multiple countries. Our long-term vision is to deploy this solution across populations where diabetes prevalence is accelerating amidst growing economies and healthcare needs.

Q: What’s your ultimate vision?
A: We want beauty salons to become hubs for preventive healthcare. By turning routine visits into health check opportunities, we aim to make early detection effortless—empowering women and communities to stay healthier, longer.