Are you ready to take your startup to the next level and enter the Japanese market? The NEC Innovation Challenge (NIC) was launched with the idea that “in order to create the innovative ideas of the future, we need to bring together the wisdom of the world.
Back with another edition, the NEC Innovation Challenge 2024 is an international competition designed to connect innovative startups with major Japanese companies and institutions. This is an excellent opportunity for startups to co-create solutions that address key domestic challenges in Japan. We are seeking innovative solutions across four critical themes:
Healthcare
Sustainability
Digital Operational Excellence
Media/Entertainment
Get the chance to win up to USD 15,000* in funding for Proof of Concept (PoC) development with access to unprecedented opportunities in the Japanese market.
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About NEC Innovation Challenge
NEC Innovation Challenge (NIC) was launched with the concept, “to create the innovative ideas of the future, we need to bring together the wisdom of the world”. Our goal of this initiative is to create major joint ventures with promising startups from worldwide, by collaboration of the resources of NEC and sponsors.
Last year, we received 537 applications from 97 different countries. 12 startups were selected as finalists, and 10 startups won the prizes after careful deliberations by the judges of NEC, sponsors, and partners.
In addition to NEC, various other sponsors participate in the NIC every year. This year, DNP (Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.) is our platinum partner, and the themes are based on areas that both NEC and DNP are exploring and are in mind for collaborating with startups.
Our first event was held in 2022 and NEC Innovation Challenge 2024 is our third. We will focus on four themes: Healthcare, Sustainability, Digital Operational Excellence, and Media/Entertainment.
We hope to create businesses together in collaboration with startups, DNP, and NEC.
Themes To Tackle: Healthcare, Sustainability, Digital Operational Excellence, and Media/Entertainment.
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
