Apply For NEC Innovation Challenge 2024 (Win Up To $15,000 Fund)
Are you an ambitious startup looking to break into the Japanese market? The NEC Innovation Challenge 2024 offers an exciting chance to showcase your groundbreaking ideas on a global stage.
This competition is not just about winning prizes; it’s about collaborating with some of Japan’s leading companies to tackle significant domestic issues. Imagine your startup joining forces with industry giants to co-create innovative solutions—this could be your next big break!
Launched with the philosophy that great ideas come from combining diverse perspectives, the NEC Innovation Challenge connects innovative startups from around the world with major Japanese companies and institutions. This year, the competition focuses on four crucial themes that are shaping the future:
- Healthcare
- Sustainability
- Digital Operational Excellence
- Media and Entertainment
If your startup is working on creative solutions in any of these areas, this is your opportunity to win up to $15,000 in funding to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) and gain a foothold in the Japanese market.
What is the NEC Innovation Challenge?
The NEC Innovation Challenge (NIC) began with a bold idea: to build the future by blending the world’s brightest minds. The initiative’s main goal is to create impactful collaborations between NEC, its sponsors, and promising startups from across the globe. In its last edition, the challenge drew over 500 applications from 97 countries. From those, 12 standout startups made it to the finals, and 10 went on to secure prizes, having impressed judges from NEC, sponsoring companies, and other partners.
With DNP (Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.) as the platinum sponsor this year, the competition will continue its tradition of aligning with NEC’s strategic goals. By focusing on Healthcare, Sustainability, Digital Operational Excellence, and Media/Entertainment, the challenge aims to foster innovative solutions through dynamic partnerships.
Awards and What’s in It for You
The NIC 2024 offers three main awards for startups that make the cut:
1. NEC Award:
- PoC funding of up to 2.2 million yen (around $15,000 USD*)
- Business development opportunities within Japan
- Coverage of travel expenses for discussions in Japan
- Meetings with business units and partners to explore PoC possibilities
- Support for market entry and stakeholder engagement
*Note: The USD amount is based on the exchange rate as of August 2024 and might vary slightly.
2. NOFF Award:
- Opportunities to discuss funding with NOFF (NEC Orchestrating Future Fund)
3. DNP Award:
- Opportunities for discussions with DNP for potential funding or PoC collaboration
Why Should You Apply?
This isn’t just another startup competition; it’s a gateway into Japan’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Whether you’re looking to test your product in a new market, secure funding, or gain valuable insights from seasoned industry players, the NEC Innovation Challenge can open doors that were previously out of reach.
How to Get Started
Ready to make your mark? Applications for the NEC Innovation Challenge 2024 are open until October 4, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience and potentially change the trajectory of your startup.
Click Here To Apply and take that leap toward international success.
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