New York City, United States, July 7th, 2026, FinanceWire

Octozi, an artificial intelligence company that automates clinical development workflows for pharmaceutical sponsors, has raised $3 million in seed funding. The round was led by Surface Ventures, with participation from Remarkable Ventures, and follows a prior investment from the venture arm of Debiopharm, a Swiss pharmaceutical company.

Clinical trials generate substantial volumes of data that must be cleaned, reconciled, and reviewed before a new treatment can gain a drug approval from regulators. Much of this work is performed manually by data managers, medical monitors, and safety teams, which adds time and cost to drug development.

Octozi’s platform integrates with existing clinical systems and uses a human-in-the-loop design in which clinical study teams retain oversight while AI automation accelerates data cleaning, data review, reconciliation, and reporting. The platform combines large language models with deterministic clinical algorithms and external medical knowledge so that outputs reflect clinical context, such as distinguishing an expected drop in platelet counts after chemotherapy from a discrepancy that requires review.

The platform already currently supports Phase III trials, a late stage of clinical development involving thousands of patients. In a controlled study described in a published research paper, Octozi’s artificial intelligence assistance increased data cleaning throughput approximately six-fold and reduced the reviewer error rate from 54.7 percent to 8.5 percent, while lowering false positive queries approximately fifteen-fold. An accompanying economic analysis of a representative Phase III oncology trial estimated savings of more than $5 million per trial.

“Most tools in this space put trial data on a dashboard and leave the analysis to clinical teams,” said Amit Patel, co-founder and chief executive officer of Octozi. “Octozi was built to perform that work alongside the people who own the data, with the human in control and the model handling tasks that previously took weeks of manual effort.”

“Octozi brings value to pharmaceutical companies in multiple ways,” said Gyan Kapur, managing partner at Surface Ventures. “It improves the quality of data submitted to regulatory bodies; it helps clinical development and data teams with their day to day work, allowing them to be less of a bottleneck in all the trials they may be managing; and it speeds up the time on specific tasks, which allow pharmaceutical companies to get data out faster to regulators, potentially speeding up time to market for life saving therapies.”

“Clinical development is one of the most expensive and time-consuming processes in any industry, and the data operations layer underneath it has barely changed in decades,” Patel said. “We think purpose-built AI, designed around how clinical teams actually work, can compress timelines, reduce risk, and bring down cost across the entire development cycle.”

About Octozi

Octozi is a New York-based artificial intelligence company that automates clinical trial data operations for pharmaceutical sponsors and contract research organizations. Its human-in-the-loop platform integrates with existing clinical systems to automate the cleaning, reconciliation, review, and reporting of trial data. More information is available at www.octozi.com.

Contact

CEO
Amit Patel
Octozi
info@octozi.com

GRAND PRIZE Announced for International Projection Mapping Competition; New Work by Yoichi Ochiai and Japan Debut of GAIA Also Draw Strong Attention.

Tokyo, Japan, 7th Jul 2026 – The Tokyo International Projection Mapping Award Executive Committee is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of TOKYO LIGHTS 2026, a festival of light illuminating Tokyo’s nights, held over nine days from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1, Citizens’ Plaza, and across the Nishi-Shinjuku area. During the event period, approximately 80,000 visitors from Japan and abroad attended, showcasing to the world the potential of Tokyo as a new nighttime tourism destination.

On Saturday, May 30, the awards ceremony for the 1minute Projection Mapping Competition, one of the world’s largest international projection mapping competitions, was also held, where the top prize-winning work among entries gathered from around the world was announced.

In addition, at the Grand Finale held on the final day, Sunday, May 31, official ambassador actor, Tao Tsuchiya appeared on stage alongside special supporters Honoka Tsuchiya and Shimba Tsuchiya. Their talk session, reflecting on the appeal of TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 and the excitement generated throughout the event period, further energized the audience.

Top Prize Chosen from 412 Entries from 65 Countries and Regions: International Projection Mapping Competition ”1minute Projection Mapping Competition”

At the 1minute Projection Mapping Competition, which transformed the vast facade of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building into the world’s ultimate canvas, the awards ceremony was held on Saturday, May 30, and the GRAND PRIZE (Tokyo Governor PRIZE) was selected from a record-breaking 412 entries submitted from 65 countries and regions around the world.

Symbolizing this year’s theme, “Dialogue” the works presented brought together moving image, sound, and the architectural beauty of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building into a powerful artistic experience that captivated audiences.

Appearing at the awards ceremony, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike commented:

“This was the first time the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building itself served as the screen for this international projection mapping competition, and a remarkable lineup of high-caliber works from around the world gathered here in Tokyo. I hope this event will give rise to creators who will go on to spread their wings from Tokyo to the world.”

Governor Koike also noted that:

“Tokyo ranked second in the Global Power City Index, and one of the reasons cited was the richness of its nightlife tourism. The projection mapping presented nightly on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has also been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest permanent architectural projection mapping display, and has already welcomed approximately 1.4 million visitors.”

She concluded by expressing her appreciation to the participating creators and visitors alike and offered words of encouragement for their continued success.

Signal Bleed (Brazil), winner of the GRAND PRIZE (Tokyo Governor PRIZE), said in his acceptance speech:

“It is a tremendous honor to be here among such wonderful artists. I would also like to thank my partners in Brazil and all the people who have worked alongside me here. I am overwhelmed in a way that words cannot fully express. Thank you very much.”

Award Results

• GRAND PRIZE (Tokyo Governor PRIZE): Touch Talk / Signal Bleed (Brazil)
• SECOND PRIZE: Aporia / VPM (Spain)
• THIRD PRIZE: The Beauty of Collision / Bigcool (Thailand)
• Tokyo Tokyo PRIZE: 1Pulse / Anionavision (Romania)
• Audience PRIZE: Infinite Dialogue / Taro Narahara (Japan)

Official Ambassador Tao Tsuchiya Appears at the Grand Finale Alongside Her Sister Honoka Tsuchiya and Brother Shimba Tsuchiya

At the Grand Finale held on the final day, Sunday, May 31, official ambassador, actor, Tao Tsuchiya was joined on stage by her sister Honoka Tsuchiya and brother Shimba Tsuchiya as special supporters. The three, all long-time admirers of TOKYO LIGHTS, appeared together publicly in a special collaboration unique to this event.

The talk stage featured the Tsuchiya siblings, together with Michiyuki Ishita and Kenji Kohashi, producers of TOKYO LIGHTS 2026. They each spoke from their own perspectives about the appeal of the event and the impact of art created through light and moving image, creating a warm and lively atmosphere at the venue.

Talk Stage Highlights

Tao Tsuchiya reflected:

“It was my brother Shimba who first recommended that I go, telling me that I should make time for it no matter how busy I was. That was how I first came to know TOKYO LIGHTS, when it was held at Meijijingu Gaien. Projection mapping made me feel as though I myself were spinning and leaping inside it, allowing me to experience something beyond myself.”

Speaking about Light Art Park, she added: “My whole family was deeply moved by how the artworks blended into everyday life—something you could visit on the way home from the office or while out for a walk.”

She also commented on GAIA: “My ‘small family members’ ran around beneath it, while the adults lay back and looked up at it. It felt like a work that gave us the opportunity to reflect once again on the Earth we live on now.”

Honoka Tsuchiya commented on the projection mapping staged in the urban setting of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: “Within the seemingly inorganic cityscape, I felt the warmth of nature and the vitality of life.”

She said she was deeply impressed by the messages embedded in each work. Regarding Light Art Park, she named Embrace as her favorite, recalling: “It was a special experience where the colors changed as people held hands, allowing us to feel a sense of connection with those around us.”

Shimba Tsuchiya remarked: “When I first experienced TOKYO LIGHTS, I was so moved that I told my family all about it, so being able to appear here together as a family today feels both surreal and very joyful.”

Speaking about the projection mapping, he said: “It was so powerful and immersive that it felt as if the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building itself might come crashing down.”

He also shared his thoughts on the Light Art Park work Fractal Forest: “Seeing my own image projected and becoming part of the artwork, and then watching visitors begin to respond to one another through their own poses, made me feel the potential of light art to communicate beyond words.”

The two producers, Mr. Ishita and Mr. Kohashi, also spoke about the ideas behind this year’s TOKYO LIGHTS concept,  “Visible TOKYO” as well as the appeal of art that can be enjoyed in public space—an idea with which Tao, Honoka, and Shimba all strongly resonated.

Speakers

• Tao Tsuchiya (Official Ambassador)
• Honoka Tsuchiya (Special Supporter)
• Shimba Tsuchiya (Special Supporter)
• Michiyuki Ishita (Executive Producer, 1minute Projection Mapping Competition)
• Kenji Kohashi (Artistic Director, Light Art Park)
• Moderator: Nahomi Inoue

Light Art Park: 12 Works Transform a City Park into a Museum of Light at Night

At Shinjuku Chuo Park, Light Art Park unfolded under the artistic direction of Kenji Kohashi, featuring 12 light art installations throughout the park.

Among them, Yoichi Ochiai’s new work, the four-meter pillar of light titled Liquid Universe: Sōbō Chūfu — An Unclassifiable Entomologia of the Luminous Swarm, drew many visitors eager to capture its dreamlike landscape, where the lights of nature and the city intersect, in photographs.

Also drawing significant attention on social media was GAIA by Luke Jerram, making its Japan debut as a monumental Earth installation appearing to float above the lawn area.

In addition, INTER-WORLD/Cocooner: Apparent motion of celestial bodies by Akihito Okunaka, an experiential artwork that visitors could actually step inside, attracted interest from a broad audience ranging from children to adults, leaving many with a memorable and immersive experience.

A Highly Successful Close Through the Final Day

Held for the first time in the Nishi-Shinjuku area, TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 also generated major buzz on social media. Throughout the event period, large numbers of visitors—including families and inbound travelers—visited Shinjuku Chuo Park, home to Light Art Park, where they could sit on the lawn or benches to appreciate the works, as well as see, touch, and experience them in their own ways.

The venue was filled with smiles and lively energy until the very end, becoming a space where people could discover new dimensions of urban appeal through light and art.

Event Overview: TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 – A Festival of Light Illuminating Tokyo’s Nights

Event Title: TOKYO LIGHTS 2026

Dates:　Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 31, 2026

1minute Projection Mapping Competition

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1, Tokyo Citizens’ Plaza

1. Screenings:
   Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026 / 7:20 p.m.–8:10 p.m. and 8:50 p.m.–9:40 p.m.
2. Screenings / Awards Ceremony:
   Saturday, May 30, 2026 / 7:15 p.m.–8:50 p.m.
3. Grand Finale (Award-Winning Works Screening & Stage Program):
   Sunday, May 31, 2026 / 7:20 p.m.–8:10 p.m.

Light Art Park

Venue: Shinjuku Chuo Park

Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 / Daily from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Organizer: Tokyo International Projection Mapping Award Executive Committee

Co-host: Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Supported by: Shinjuku City

Media Contact

Organization: TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 PR Office (Antil Inc.)

Contact Person: Ishida

Website: https://tokyolights.jp

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +81368217863

City: Tokyo

Country:Japan

Release id:46863

The post TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 Concludes with a Record-Breaking 80,000 Visitors Over Nine Dazzling Days appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

From “EVA Experiences” to “miffy,” plus a brand-new resort pool area where guests can enjoy a European vacation atmosphere! “RIDE ON SUMMER’26” Is Coming!

Japan, 7th Jul 2026 – Huis Ten Bosch, the theme park resort in Nagasaki branded with “Step into the extraordinary,” will hold its summer event “RIDE ON SUMMER’26” from July 17 (Fri) to September 13 (Sun), 2026.

Starting with the opening of “EVANGELION THE RIDE – 8K -” on April 24 (Fri), guests can enjoy a series of thrilling experiences at “Fortress City Huis Ten Bosch,” along with the world’s only miffy-themed area, “Miffy Wonder Square.”

This summer also introduces a brand-new resort pool area where guests can enjoy the atmosphere of a European vacation. Filled with unforgettable moments and excitement, Huis Ten Bosch delivers a summer holiday overflowing with fun and thrills.
URL：https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/summer/2026/

“RIDE ON SUMMER’26” Presented by Huis Ten Bosch, Where “Excitement Non-Stop!” Continues!

1. Dive into extraordinary excitement with “EVA Experiences” such as “EVANGELION THE RIDE – 8K -”!
2. Young visitors and families from across Japan gather at “Miffy Wonder Square,” surrounded by a 360-degree world of “Kawaii”!
3. A brand-new resort pool area, “European Aqua Lagoon,” debuts with luxurious, next-level experiences!
4. “Huis Ten Bosch Fireworks” evolve into a brand-new fireworks entertainment experience!
5. “Sunflower Celebration” brings a golden glow to the entrance of the summer resort!

1. Dive into extraordinary excitement with “EVA Experiences” such as EVANGELION THE RIDE – 8K!

On April 24 (Fri), as the third phase of its growth strategy, Japan’s first “EVANGELION”-themed 8K ride attraction, “EVANGELION THE RIDE – 8K -,”opened. At “Fortress City Huis Ten Bosch,” guests will be immersed in a wide range of exciting EVA experiences.

Guests can witness intense battles between Angels and EVANGELIONs on a massive 8K LED dome screen, enhanced by floating, acceleration, and impact effects for a truly immersive experience.
Beyond the ride, enjoy rally attractions, spectacular light shows, themed food, exclusive merchandise, and more EVA experiences throughout the one-of-a-kind “Fortress City Huis Ten Bosch.”

URL：https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/evangelion/

2. Young visitors and families from across Japan gather at “Miffy Wonder Square,” surrounded by a 360-degree world of “Kawaii”!
 

As the first phase of its growth strategy, the world’s only※1 “Miffy Wonder Square” opened on
miffy’s birthday last year. From June 21 to August 31, 2025, Huis Ten Bosch welcomed 40% more female guests in their 20s and 30s compared to the previous year. Since the debut of “Miffy’s Dream Storybook” last September, guests have continued to enjoy rides, greetings with miffy, seasonal food, and exclusive merchandise in a world filled with “Kawaii.”

URL：https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/miffy/miffywondersquare/

3. A brand-new resort pool area, “European Aqua Lagoon,” debuts with luxurious, next-level experiences!

A new resort pool area, “European Aqua Lagoon,” debuts in Huis Ten Bosch’s popular summer zone, offering a relaxing European-style vacation escape.
Inspired by blue seas and white sandy beaches, the open-air pool delivers a luxurious resort atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy poolside bars with premium food and drinks for a full sensory experience.
The water garden features the popular 50-meter Grand Summer Pool and mega sliders set against beautiful European-style scenery.
Enjoy the upgraded summer zone where excitement and relaxation come together for the perfect summer vacation.
 

4. “Huis Ten Bosch Fireworks” evolve into a brand-new fireworks entertainment experience!

The highly popular “Summer Special Fireworks” will be held on 18 selected days listed below.
This summer’s new fireworks event evolves into a powerful, high-impact fireworks entertainment show filled with excitement and thrills.

Dates:
July 18 (Sat), 19 (Sun), 20 (Mon), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun)
August 1 (Sat), 2 (Sun), 8 (Sat)–16 (Sun), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun), 29 (Sat), 30 (Sun)
Time: 8:45 PM

5. “Sunflower Celebration” brings a golden glow to the entrance of the summer resort!

Sunflowers brighten the European-style scenery throughout Huis Ten Bosch this summer. At the main spot, Flower Road, windmills and sunflowers create a seasonal summer-only scene, enhancing the resort experience ahead.

Period: Late July – Early September

【About Huis Ten Bosch】

Huis Ten Bosch continues to launch new large-scale attractions and entertainment, with “Excitement Non-Stop!” accelerating more than ever.　 In March 2024, the immersive deep-sea attraction “Mission Deep Sea Xsense Ride” debuted, offering a sensory ride experience that stimulates all five senses.

In June 2025, the world’s only “Miffy Wonder Square” opened in celebration of miffy’s 70th anniversary, featuring immersive experiences that feel like stepping into a picture book, along with Japan’s first※3 permanent greeting facility—creating a world filled with “Kawaii.”

In addition, “miffy Celebration” was held this spring, allowing guests to fully enjoy the world of miffy across Huis Ten Bosch.
On April 24, 2026, Japan’s first※2 “EVANGELION THE RIDE – 8K -”debuted, offering an unprecedented level of excitement based on the globally beloved “EVANGELION.” Guests are drawn into an intense battle with Angels, facing overwhelming tension and despair.

Both fans and first-time visitors can experience extraordinary scale, unmatched impact, and thrilling immersion.
Huis Ten Bosch continues to evolve across all attractions and entertainment.
As “Excitement Non-Stop!” continues, Huis Ten Bosch will keep delivering new excitement and emotions.

Media Contact

Organization: Huis Ten Bosch Co., Ltd.

Contact Person: Naoki Nakayama

Website: https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp

Email: Send Email

Address:1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Town,

Address 2: Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture

Country:Japan

Release id:46864

The post Huis Ten Bosch offers summer Excitement Non-Stop going with RIDE ON SUMMER’26 appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section