On June 34, 2025, the JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST” Matching Event was held at the Tokyo Innovation Base. Despite the rainy weather, a total of 210 participants, both online and offline, gathered from Japan and abroad, ensuring the event was a great success.
The event began with opening remarks by Mr. Yuichi Oba, Senior Vice President, JICA followed by an introduction to the QUEST program.
In Session 1, titled “Balancing Social Impact and Profitability: Strategic Perspectives on Social Impact Businesses,” we welcomed Mr. Koji Maruyama from SBI Investment and Mr. Masahiro Hata from GLIN Impact Capital, who shared practical insights on achieving profitability in social businesses.
In Session 2, titled “University-Based Innovation in India and Japan,” we invited Ms. Kiyoko Mashio from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Innovation Design Platform and Mr. C. Malla Reddy from Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. They shared updates on the latest developments in university-driven innovation in both India and Japan.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Following the sessions, participants engaged in pitch presentations, booth exhibits, and networking activities. Representatives from various domestic and international organizations shared their ideas for co-creation and matching, providing a platform for collaboration. During the networking session, participants actively exchanged ideas and engaged in meaningful discussions.
 |
 |
◆Pitch Presenters
Fvital Inc.
NPO法人発達わんぱく会
Olive Co., Ltd.
ArkaLearn
Indonesian Medical Technology Association
Scrinar
CareNX Innovations Pvt Ltd
SECOND HEART Inc.
Lim-Kawano & Company Inc.
NPO Chitenducation
Japan Education Center of Environmental Sanitation
丸大株式会社
Boltzmann Labs
InsightGenie
RIFFAI
Kyushu Institute of Technology
WASH MATA Initiatives
Sony Marketing Inc.
Space Shift Inc.
INTER HOLDINGS Inc.
Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology
ENELL．INC
SAKA NO TOCHU Co., Ltd.
Faeger Co. Ltd.
People Port Corp.
Lively Up Inc./ Tohoku University
◆Booth ExhibitorsSakai City
FL 360(Pty)LTD
ART-Tra Inc.
Enkopa Lab
SAKA NO TOCHU Co., Ltd.
Faeger Co. Ltd.
SetsuroTech Inc.
Lively Up Inc./ Tohoku University
People Port Corp.
Komoike inc.
Olive Co., Ltd.
NPO Chitenducation
Lim-Kawano & Company Inc.
NPO法人発達わんぱく会
Fvital Inc.
M.I. Cloud Tech
丸大株式会社
Agorize Japan Co., Ltd.
Eukarya Co., Ltd.
Prodrone Co., Ltd.
INTER HOLDINGS Inc.
Otani & Co., Inc.
Ujjibon
ENELL．INC
Japan Education Center of Environmental Sanitation
few4c株式会社
Heiwa Kagaku Industry Co., Ltd.
We are currently accepting applications for the Idea Competition.
If your proposal involves a co-creation initiative with two or more parties, you are welcome to apply even at the idea stage. We look forward to receiving many applications from interested participants.
■ Submit your application:
■ Program Overview
Program Objective：
The QUEST program aims to foster organic collaboration among various stakeholders to create innovative co-creation business ideas/projects that address social challenges.
Target Participants：
- Private Sector (large corporations, SMEs, startups, financial institutions)
- Academia (universities, technical colleges, research institutes)
- Civil Society (NGOs)
- Public Sector (government agencies, local governments)
Main Activities：
- Facilitation of strategic matching among the companies/organizations to develop co-creation business ideas/projects.
- Conducting an idea competition to select co-creation business ideas/projects.
- Implementation of Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives in target countries, with up to 10 projects selected.
- Development of exit strategies.
Values Provided：
- Facilitation of participant matching for the development of co-creation ideas/projects.
- Expert consultancy for ideation, PoC planning and execution, and exit strategy development (including fundraising).
- Financial support of up to 3 million yen per project for PoC expenses.
■ Contact
QUEST Management Office
E-mail：quest@tohmatsu.co.jp