CEATEC AWARD 2020

The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award

Supercomputer Fugaku

Fujitsu, Ltd. (Exhibit area: General)

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RIKEN (Exhibit area: General)

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Outline

Fugaku is one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. As well as offering top-class performance, it can run a wide range of applications. It is being jointly developed by RIKEN and Fujitsu with the aim of making it available to users from fiscal 2021. Coordinated development of both system and applications has resulted in a supercomputer that delivers world-class results: low power consumption, high computational power, user friendliness and flexibility. Compared with its global rivals, Fugaku excels in each category, as well as in its comprehensive strength.

Assessment

Thanks to coordinated development of both system and applications, Fugaku delivers world-class results: low power consumption, high computational power, user friendliness and flexibility. Compared with its global rivals, this supercomputer excels in each category, as well as in its comprehensive strength. Also highly evaluated was the developers’ success in optimizing performance and power efficiency at the same time, creating a world-first supercomputer that is designed not just for raw power but also for user friendliness. Fugaku is expected to contribute to expanding the potential of Japan’s electronic and IT industries, as well as enhancing industrial competitiveness in multiple fields. As support infrastructure, it will promote digital transformation, helping to find solutions to issues facing society in numerous fields – life sciences, energy, manufacturing, environment, etc. – where innovations are eagerly anticipated from supercomputer applications.

The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

MicroRNA detection technology

Toshiba Corporation (Exhibit Area: General)

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Outline

MicroRNA detection technology enables very early detection of cancer by measuring the concentration of microRNA secreted by cells into the blood. The presence of cancer cells results in increased levels of specific microRNA molecules in the blood and Toshiba has developed a unique electrochemical method for detecting these changes. This system can quickly and accurately identify the presence of any of 13 different cancers – including pancreatic cancer, which is difficult to detect at an early stage – even at stage 0. During the research and development phase, it was determined that the system, which takes 2 hours to process a sample, can detect microRNA with 99% accuracy.

Assessment

This compact device can make a significant contribution to medical care by improving QOL as it can offer a quicker way to detect metastases and cancer recurrence via a blood test that puts little burden on the patient. Both the device and electronics that comprise the technology are “Made in Japan”. Compared with RNA detection technologies developed in other countries, it is superior in terms of speed and cost. The technology shows promise for use as an international medical package with a wide range of applications, including the identification of diseases other than cancer. It is expected to become a valuable tool for tracking biomarkers. The aim is to have these tests covered by health insurance and to have them included as part of the National Health Insurance basic medical examination. In addition, this technology was highly evaluated for its potential to contribute to achieving SDG 3 – "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages".