QUEST 2026, JICA’s Co-Creation and Innovation Program, launches.
This program aims to generate innovative co-creation projects that help solve challenges in developing countries by working together with diverse actors, including private-sector companies, academia, public institutions, and civil society.
In QUEST 2026, JICA will present priority co-creation themes and invite co-creation ideas from participants.The launch event will be held across three locations—Aichi, Fukuoka, and Tokyo—and will feature JICA’s Co-Creation Theme Pitch, as well as roundtables and networking among participants.
We will also offer Online Information Session mainly covering the background of QUEST 2026 and an overview of the program framework.
We warmly welcome participation from domestic and international private-sector companies, academia, public institutions, and civil society organizations working to address social issues through expanding existing businesses or creating new ones. We look forward to your participation.
Launch Event Overview (details to be published in stages)
◆Co-Creation Theme Pitch (including roundtables and networking)
- Aichi
- Date/Time: Mon, Mar 9, 15:00–18:30 (JST)
- Format: Hybrid (on-site + online)
- Venue (in-person): STATION Ai 1F Event Space (1-2-32, Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi)
- Fukuoka
- Date/Time: Mon, Mar 16, 14:00–18:30 (JST)
- Format: Hybrid (on-site + online)
- Venue (in-person): ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. SKY LOBBY SQUARE (1-11-1, Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi)
- Tokyo
- Date/Time: Mon, Mar 30, 14:00–18:30 (JST)
- Format: Hybrid (on-site + online)
- Venue (in-person): Tokyo Innovation Base 2F STAGE/ROOM (3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
◆Online Information Session
(mainly covering the background of QUEST 2026 and an overview of the program framework; details to be updated)
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- Dates/Times:
Thu, Feb 26, 18:00–19:15 (JST)
Tue, Mar 3, 18:00–19:15 (JST)
Thu, Mar 5, 08:00–09:15 (JST)
Mon, Mar 23, 18:00–19:15 (JST)
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- Format: Online
- How to join: A separate link will be sent to those who register.
Registration Forms (deadline: by 12:00 noon JST on the business day before each event)
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- Co-Creation Theme Pitch: JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST2026” 【Co-creation Theme Pitch】
- Online Information Session: JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST2026” 【Online Information Session】
Co-Creation Themes and Venue List: Please see the attached flyer and the article below.
- Depending on the theme and venue, pitches may be delivered as on-site, online, or pre-recorded video (no live on-site pitch). Please check in advance before attending.
- For sessions listed as “pre-recorded,” videos will be available for self-guided viewing on monitors at the venue.
QUEST 2026 Overview
- Purpose: Support the resolution of social issues through co-creation and innovation among diverse actors.
- Eligible participants: Domestic and international private-sector companies, academia, public institutions, and civil society.
- Support offered:
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- Financial support of up to JPY 3 million per project for PoC costs
- Hands-on support from business development experts for ideation and refinement
- Support for considering exit strategy (fundraising)
- Invitation to the QUEST community
- Upcoming timeline:
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- Launch of the QUEST Community: March 2026
- Co-Creation Theme Launch Pitch events: March 2026
- Call for co-creation ideas: March–April 2026
- Selection of co-creation ideas: May–June 2026
- PoC exit strategy considerations: Summer–December 2026
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to your participation.
QUEST 2026 Secretariat
JICA Co-Creation and Innovation Program