Mr. Mishra’s academic journey began in the eastern state of Odisha, India. After completing his pre-university studies, he moved to Delhi, and earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in 1994. His academic inclinations soon led him to the University of Delhi, where he discovered his passion for Japanese studies. Here, he completed his MPhil and PhD. His academic excellence caught the attention of the Japanese Ministry of Education, and in 1998, he was selected as a research fellow. This marked the beginning of his long association with Japan.
Mr. Mishra joined the prestigious University of Tokyo and later completed his post-doctorate at Hitotsubashi University as a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) fellow. His research on post-war Japanese politics culminated in the publication of his book The Triangle at Work: Politics, Bureaucracy, and Business in Japan during One-Party Dominance (1955 1993), a significant contribution to the study of Japanese politics. It was during this time that his interest in business and healthcare began to take shape.
BRIDGING HEALTHCARE GAPS
While pursuing his academic research in Japan, Mr. Mishra encountered a group of Indian-origin entrepreneurs from Australia working to establish a foothold in Japan’s medical industry. Armed with his proficiency in Japanese and a desire to contribute, he initially lent his expertise to help them deal with the complex business environment. However, it was his vision of establishing a charitable hospital in Odisha, where healthcare facilities were grossly inadequate, that truly propelled him into the medical field.
Mr. Mishra’s hometown, like much of Odisha, had inadequate medical facilities, where outdated equipment and long travel distances for basic medical services were the norm. Driven by a desire to address this issue, Mr. Mishra set his sights on establishing a charitable hospital in Bhubaneswar. His goal was to bring state-of-the-art medical imaging technologies to people’s doorsteps at cost-effective prices, and allow them to access life-saving diagnostic tools without having to travel hundreds of miles. This vision ultimately shaped his career.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
In 2007, Mr. Mishra founded EverX Japan Co. Ltd. with a mission to address the scarcity of advanced medical equipment in underserved regions. The company’s niche lies in acquiring second-hand medical imaging equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners, from hospitals in Japan and other developed countries and refurbishing them for use in healthcare facilities across the globe, particularly in developing nations. He says, “Numerous MRI machines are prematurely discarded worldwide, despite their remaining functional lifespan. Meanwhile, both developing and developed countries often face shortages of such equipment, primarily because they cannot afford brand-new models that cost millions of dollars. EVERX JAPAN steps in to bridge this gap and serves as a mediator to transfer these machines to facilities that can utilise them in the best possible way.”
What began as a modest venture quickly grew into a vital bridge between technologically advanced medical markets and countries struggling to access such equipment. Mr. Mishra’s business model not only created a new revenue stream but also helped mitigate environmental waste by repurposing medical machines that would otherwise be discarded. Speaking about this approach, he says, “While the business concept may seem straightforward—buy, refurbish, and resell medical equipment— the actual process is far more complex. Each project requires months of meticulous planning and execution, from dismantling 10-ton MRI machines in Japanese hospitals to coordinating shipping, installation, and servicing in the destination countries. It is a labour-intensive process involving hundreds of skilled professionals across multiple industries, from engineers and riggers to shipping companies and customs agents.”
EverX Japan Co. Ltd. has now become a reputable brand, with Mr. Mishra overseeing a team of 15 dedicated personnel and numerous contractors.
UNFAZED BY CHALLENGES
Starting a second-hand medical equipment business in Japan as an Indian entrepreneur was challenging. OEMs initially doubted the viability of selling used machines. However, Mr. Mishra’s belief in his vision and ability to educate others gradually changed perceptions. Today, EverX Japan is a leader in the market. Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Mishra is proud of how far the company has come, noting, “OEMs wouldn’t even talk to us. Now, they see our value.” Hospitals now increasingly opt for high-quality, cost effective second-hand equipment.
LEADING WITH HUMILITY
Mr. Mishra’s leadership style is defined by humility, openness, and a commitment to egalitarianism. Rejecting traditional hierarchies, he fosters a culture where every employee is viewed as a stakeholder, empowering them to take ownership of their roles. His philosophy of servant leadership emphasises leading by example, inspiring teams through action rather than words. He believes that true leaders must also be willing to step into any role, regardless of rank. Encouraging open communication, Mr. Mishra ensures that no issue, big or small, is ever overlooked.
During national calamities in India, Everx Japan, under his leadership, made significant contributions, including sending medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing oxygen generators to Delhi, Odisha, and Kashmir. The company also facilitated the collection of healthcare disposables from its Japanese partners, including masks and gloves, which were shipped to the NGO PREM in Odisha. Additionally, he led the company to launch a two-month food drive in Bhubaneswar for delivering meals to thousands of COVID-19 patients. Mr. Mishra envisions a future where businesses are powerful drivers of societal progress, particularly within the healthcare sector. His mission is to fortify and enhance healthcare systems, guided by a profound sense of purpose. He believes that corporations must transcend profit making to actively contribute to community development. Under his leadership, EverX Japan is dedicated to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, fostering social impact, and championing humanitarian initiatives.
