Techno Aid Association
Techno Aid Association (公益財団法人テクノエイド協会) is a Tokyo-based Japanese public interest foundation, established in 2000, that operates national information systems, certification programs, and government-commissioned programs for welfare equipment and assistive technology serving elderly persons and persons with disabilities in Japan.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Techno Aid Association does
Techno Aid Association (公益財団法人テクノエイド協会, also known as Association for Technical Aids) is a Japanese public interest incorporated foundation established in 2000 and headquartered in Tokyo. It functions as a government-designated intermediary for the welfare equipment and assistive technology ecosystem serving elderly persons and persons with disabilities in Japan. The association is the designated examination institution under the Prosthetist-Orthotist Law, having administered 39 national examinations with 6,610 cumulative certified candidates as of April 2026, and operates as an implementing body for programs commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), including the Welfare Equipment Loan Price Rationalization Promotion Project and the Care Technology Practicalization Support Project.
Its core offering is a portfolio of more than 10 interconnected information systems. The flagship is TAIS (Welfare Equipment Information System), a comprehensive database of welfare equipment products and manufacturers. Adjacent systems include the accident/near-miss reporting system (事故・ヒヤリハット情報), the needs collection and provision system linking users with developers, the disability self-reliance equipment information system, the finished-parts database for prosthetics/orthotics, the prosthetist-orthotic manufacturer locator, daily living aids (self-help devices) database, welfare equipment planner information system, hearing aid specialist training and certified retailer systems, and a clinical evaluation (QAP) certification program. These are complemented by training and certification services (lift leaders, hearing aid specialists, welfare equipment planners), publications, a welfare equipment R&D grant program, and recurring Needs-Seeds Matching Exchange events.
The association's revenue model is structurally non-commercial: it operates as a public interest foundation primarily funded by MHLW and METI subsidies and program commissions, supplemented by training fees (e.g., 1,600 yen per lift leader training text), publication sales, and annual supporting-member (賛助員) dues. Most information services are provided free of charge as public-interest functions. Distribution is direct-to-institution via web portals, certification systems, and government-commissioned channels; no commercial retail channel exists. End-user segments include elderly persons, persons with disabilities, caregivers and care facilities, and welfare equipment manufacturers/developers, but the economically significant counterparties are Japanese central government ministries.
Techno Aid Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Techno Aid Association
- Legal name
- 公益財団法人テクノエイド協会
- Website
- https://techno-aids.or.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Techno Aid Association (公益財団法人テクノエイド協会) is a Tokyo-based Japanese public interest foundation, established in 2000, that operates national information systems, certification programs, and government-commissioned programs for welfare equipment and assistive technology serving elderly persons and persons with disabilities in Japan.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Techno Aid Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Assistive Technology Information Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Professional Organizations (81392)
- SIC
- Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Assistive Technology (AT) & Accessible Learning Tools (EDALAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- AT Device Setup, Integration & Technical Support (MDM, IT, Interoperability) (EDAKAIAK), Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions) (BPAEANAC)
Keywords
Where Techno Aid Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Techno Aid Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government Subsidies and Grants: The association operates as a public interest foundation receiving government funding from MHLW and related ministries for welfare technology promotion, research support, and system operations.
- Training and Certification Services: Revenue from training programs for lift leaders, portable stair climbing vehicle safety instructors, hearing aid specialists, and welfare equipment planners.
- Publication Sales: Sale of training texts, guidelines, and educational materials including lift leader training texts (1,600 yen tax-included) and portable stair climbing vehicle instructor materials.
- Supporting Member Fees: Annual membership fees from supporting members (賛助会員) who benefit from the association's welfare equipment ecosystem.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Training textbook (lift leader) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Techno Aid Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Techno Aid Association operates information systems for welfare equipment and assistive technology in Japan, including the Techno Aid Information System (TAIS) database, an accident reporting system, parts information database, and training information system. It administers national certification examinations for prosthetists-orthotists and certifies hearing aid specialists, and runs needs-seeds matching programs that connect care equipment developers with end-users and care providers.
Product overview
Techno Aid Association operates as a public interest foundation offering a comprehensive portfolio of information systems, certification programs, and support services focused on welfare equipment and assistive technology for elderly and disabled persons in Japan. The core offering includes multiple interconnected database systems: the TAIS (Welfare Equipment Information System) for product/maker searches, the Accident/Hiyarihatto reporting system, the Needs Collection/Provision system connecting users with developers, and specialized systems for prosthetics manufacturers, hearing aid specialists, and certified stores. These are complemented by national certification examinations for prosthetists-orthotists and hearing aid specialists, a clinical evaluation (QAP) certification program, R&D grant programs, published educational materials, and periodic matching events connecting needs with technological solutions. The organization functions as a centralized hub for welfare equipment information, professional certification, and industry development rather than offering a unified software product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- TAIS: Welfare Equipment Information System - a database system for welfare equipment information
Products and services
- Techno Aid Information System (TAIS) Database Centralized information database for welfare and assistive equipment, serving manufacturers, care providers, and researchers seeking standardized product data.
- Accident Reporting and Information Provision System for Welfare Equipment System for reporting, tracking, and disclosing safety incidents involving welfare equipment to improve safety across the care sector.
- Parts Information Database for Welfare Equipment Reference database of replacement parts and components for welfare equipment, used by maintenance providers and care facilities.
- Training Information Provision System for Welfare Equipment Centralized portal listing training programs and educational opportunities related to welfare and assistive equipment use.
- National Examination for Prosthetists and Orthotists Official national certification examination for prosthetists and orthotists, qualifying candidates for professional practice in Japan.
- Hearing Aid Specialist Certification Program Certification program for hearing aid specialists, newly established to qualify professionals in hearing aid fitting and dispensing.
- Needs-Seeds Matching Support Program Coordination program that matches care equipment developers with end-user needs to accelerate development of welfare equipment solutions, supported by government subsidies.
Companies that use Techno Aid Association
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Techno Aid Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Techno Aid Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省)corePrimary government partner overseeing welfare equipment policies, care technology initiatives, and funding programs. The association implements government-designated programs including the Welfare Equipment Loan Price Rationalization Promotion Project and Care Technology Practicalization Support Project.
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (経済産業省)coreCollaborates on care technology development and elderly product safety initiatives, including joint priority field definitions for care technology utilization.
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NEDO)majorProvides reference to NEDO for welfare equipment and robotics technology development programs and funding opportunities for manufacturers.
- National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)majorProvides reference to NICT's Information Barrier-Free Service Promotion Subsidy Program for accessibility technology development.
- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)minorReferenced for international market development support and export assistance for Japanese welfare equipment manufacturers.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Techno Aid Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AbleData: US federally-funded program providing a comprehensive database of assistive technology products, manufacturers, and reviews. Highly comparable to TAIS in serving as a national AT product information resource.
- EASTIN (European Assistive Technology Information Network): A pan-European network of national AT information databases providing searchable catalogs of assistive products. Directly comparable to TAIS in function as a centralized AT product/maker search system, serving a similar needs-matching role across multiple countries.
- AbilityNet: A UK-based non-profit providing information, advice, and services on assistive technology for disabled people. Comparable as a mission-driven AT information and support organization, though focused on UK consumers rather than Japan's national-level government designation model.
- RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America): An interdisciplinary professional society for AT and rehabilitation engineering, offering credentialing (ATP, SMS), conferences, and standards work. Comparable as a professional certification and standards-setting body for AT practitioners.
- ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association): US-based non-profit membership organization representing the assistive technology industry, providing education, certification, and advocacy. Comparable in role as an industry convener and certification body for AT professionals and manufacturers.
- AAATE (Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe): European multi-disciplinary association promoting AT research, development, and policy. Comparable as a non-profit convener for the AT ecosystem across academia, industry, and end users.
Regional players
- Disabled Peoples' International: International cross-disability advocacy network. Comparable in serving as a mission-driven convener for disability-related policy and services, though primarily advocacy rather than AT-specific.
- Japan Assistive Products Association (JASPA): Japanese industry association representing welfare equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Comparable as a domestic industry body serving the same welfare equipment ecosystem, though focused on commercial members rather than end users and government designation.
Emerging players
- CEN/SEC Center of Excellence on Universal Design: European standards organization working on accessibility and assistive technology standards. Comparable as a standards and best-practice convener in the AT/accessibility ecosystem.
- CIRRIE (Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange): International resource center for rehabilitation and disability research. Partially comparable in providing information infrastructure linking research, practice, and policy in the disability/AT field.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Techno Aid Association social profiles
Digital presenceTechno Aid Association compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Techno Aid Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Techno Aid Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Techno Aid Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Techno Aid Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Techno Aid Association
What does Techno Aid Association do?
Techno Aid Association operates information systems for welfare equipment and assistive technology in Japan, including the Techno Aid Information System (TAIS) database, an accident reporting system, parts information database, and training information system. It administers national certification examinations for prosthetists-orthotists and certifies hearing aid specialists, and runs needs-seeds matching programs that connect care equipment developers with end-users and care providers.
Is Techno Aid Association a public or private company?
Techno Aid Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Techno Aid Association founded?
Techno Aid Association was founded in 2000.
Where is Techno Aid Association based?
Techno Aid Association is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Techno Aid Association make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government Subsidies and Grants are the primary driver. The others are training and Certification Services, publication Sales and supporting Member Fees.
Who are Techno Aid Association's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AbleData, EASTIN (European Assistive Technology Information Network), AbilityNet, RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America), ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) and AAATE (Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe). Regional players are Disabled Peoples' International and Japan Assistive Products Association (JASPA). Emerging players are CEN/SEC Center of Excellence on Universal Design and CIRRIE (Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange).
Does Techno Aid Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for Techno Aid Association.
What industry is Techno Aid Association in?
Techno Aid Association's product category is Assistive Technology Information Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDALAGAB, Assistive Technology (AT) & Accessible Learning Tools, with a secondary code of EDAKAIAK, AT Device Setup, Integration & Technical Support (MDM, IT, Interoperability). Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8700.