Background

To address complex and vast social challenges,
there is an increasing need for co-creation and innovation.

Complex Global Challenges

  • In our globalized and interdependent world, we are confronted with complex challenges on a global scale.
  • To effectively tackle these issues, innovative approaches are urgently required.

Development Funding Demands

  • There remains an annual funding gap of $4.2 trillion to achieve the 2030 SDGs.
  • To bridge this gap, it is essential to enhance the “catalytic” role of ODA in boosting private sector investments in developing countries.

Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation

  • The partnership between Japan and developing countries is becoming increasingly important, highlighting the need for mutual international cooperation between developed countries, including Japan, and developing nations.

Diversification of Stakeholders

  • The importance of creating collective impact through the participation and collaboration of diverse actors, such as businesses, local governments, civil society, and academia, is becoming increasingly significant.

Program
overview

Hosted by:  
– Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Managed by:
– Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support
– Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC
– Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC

Foster organic collaboration among various stakeholders to create innovative co-creation projects that address social challenges.

From February 2026 to January 2027

  • Private Sector
    (large corporations, SMEs, startups, financial institutions)
  • Academia
    (universities, technical colleges, research institutes)
  • Civil Society (NGOs)
  • Public Sector
    (government agencies, local governments)
  • As long as the ideas can contribute to solving social issues, any proposal will be welcomed.
  • Please select a co-creation thematic area that you agree with set by JICA as described later. If there is no thematic areas that you agree with, you are welcome to propose other ones as well.
  • Facilitation of business matching between each participant for the development of co-creation ideas/projects.
  • Hands on support from JICA and Deloitte
    • Business ideation, PoC planning and execution, and exit strategy development (including fundraising).
  • Financial support for PoC expenses up to JPY3M(about $20K) per project.
  • Provision of opportunities for networking and information.

 - Supporting Organizations -

Disclaimer: Please note that the content and details of the project are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or to improve the quality of the program. Information provided through this project may not be disclosed or used for commercial purposes without prior approval from the organizers. While we take all necessary precautions to ensure safety in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters, we cannot be held responsible for any personal or financial loss incurred during participation. We kindly ask participants to arrange their own insurance coverage as needed.

QUEST Program Office:
Mail: quest-info@tohmatsu.co.jp
Office Hours: 9:30 - 18:30 JST (Weekdays only)