Well-being through ai
Naoko Okumoto, Managing Director of Niremia Collective
As we look towards the future of healthcare, the ultimate goal is clear: achieving optimal health and well-being. This pursuit has given rise to a new investment category known as 'Well-Being Technology.' Naoko Okamoto, a pioneer in this field, offers her insights on how this technology empowers individuals to take proactive control over their health.
Defining Well-Being Technology
Naoko is the founder and general partner of Niremia Collective, a small but influential early-stage fund, sheds light on what constitutes well-being technology. Well-being technology is designed to empower individuals to actively manage their mental, physical, and social health, maximizing their potential. This technology offers personalized insights and tools for preventive measures and health management, effectively bridging the gap in traditional healthcare systems.
Niremia's Role and Reach
Operating within what is considered the world's largest ecosystem, Niremia Collective focuses on well-being and has a robust network of Transformative Technology. This network, the world's largest ecosystem of well-being technology, comprises 9,000 members across 72 countries. Naoko explains, "We leverage our collective intelligence to identify trends in developing markets, source deals, and enhance the business operations of our portfolio companies.”
Market Potential
The global wellness market is projected to expand significantly, with forecasts suggesting it will reach $8.5 trillion by 2027. This growth underscores the increasing value and necessity of well-being technologies in our daily lives.
Personal Impact and the Role of AI
Reflecting on the personal impact of these technologies, Naoko shares a story about her mother in Japan, illustrating how well-being technology transcends geographical and generational gaps. "After my mother suffered a stroke, technology became a vital link. It wasn't just about health monitoring; it was about creating a sense of safety and maintaining our connection."
The advancement of AI is set to play a pivotal role in shifting from reactive to proactive and predictive health management. Naoko is optimistic about the future, where integrated, intelligent systems could extend health trends and offer predictive alerts about health declines before they become severe.
The Future of Well-Being Technology
Looking forward, we can envision a world where well-being technology is integral in homes, cities, and healthcare systems worldwide. "The goal is not just to use technology but to ensure it serves us, enhancing our ability to communicate and care for each other," Naoko concludes.
Through Niremia Collective and her personal experiences, Naoko Okamoto is championing a future where technology and human well-being are inextricably linked, offering a brighter, healthier outlook for all.
