NEC Innovation Challenge 2024: Call for Applications (Win up to USD 15,000 in financing)
Are you prepared to join the Japanese market and grow your startup to the next level? The concept behind the NEC Innovation Challenge (NIC) was that “we need to bring together the wisdom of the world in order to create the innovative ideas of the future.”
The NEC Innovation Challenge 2024 is back with a second edition, a worldwide competition meant to link creative entrepreneurs with significant Japanese corporations and organizations. This is a fantastic chance for startups to collaborate on creating solutions that tackle important domestic issues in Japan. We are looking for creative answers on the following four important themes:
- Healthcare
- Sustainability
- Digital Operational Excellence
- Media/Entertainment
Get the opportunity to win up to USD 15,000* in funding for the creation of Proof of Concept (PoC), giving you access to never-before-seen prospects in the Japanese market.
Concerning the NEC Innovation Challenge
“To create the innovative ideas of the future, we need to bring together the wisdom of the world” was the slogan used to introduce the NEC Innovation Challenge (NIC). Through this program, we hope to collaborate with sponsors and NEC’s resources to establish significant joint ventures with promising entrepreneurs around the globe.
We received 537 applications from 97 different countries in the previous year. After thorough consideration by the NEC judges, sponsors, and partners, ten of the twelve finalists were awarded prizes.
Every year, a number of other sponsors join NEC in taking part in the NIC. Our platinum partner for this year is DNP (Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.), and the topics are centered around areas that both DNP and NEC are considering for potential startup collaboration.
Our third event, the NEC Innovation Challenge 2024, will take place after our first one in 2022. Four categories will be our main focus: media/entertainment, sustainability, healthcare, and digital operational excellence.
Our goal is to establish joint ventures with startups, DNP, and NEC.
Healthcare, sustainability, media/entertainment, and digital operational excellence are the themes to be addressed.
Awards & Incentives
3 different types of prize line up for our selected startups!
NEC AWARD
Choose from the following two options:
- PoC funding of up to 2.2 million yen (Around 15,000 USD*)
- Business creation opportunities in Japan
- Travel expenses for a stay in Japan (up to the amount stated in 1)
- Arrangement of PoC discussions with business units and partners
- Assistance in developing stakeholders and the Japanese market
*The USD amount is based on the August 2024 exchange rate and may vary at the time of payment.
NOFF Award
Discussions for funding with NOFF
DNP Award
Discussion for funding with DNP and/or Discussion for PoC implementation
Deadline: Oct 4, 2024
Click HERE to Apply
