We are pleased to inform you about the Idea Competition of “Co-Creation × Innovation Program ‘QUEST,'” hosted by JICA and operated by the Deloitte Japan.

“QUEST” is a program that facilitates matching and co-creation between diverse domestic and international actors to tackle social issues, while supporting the creation of co-creation projects and Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives. Selected projects will receive up to 3 million yen in PoC funding, along with hands-on support from JICA and experts. (Approximately 10 projects are expected to be selected).

Co-creation projects involving two or more parties are eligible to apply, even at the idea stage.
We look forward to receiving applications from those interested in co-creation with domestic and international actors!

■ Idea Competition

Please refer to the following details to submit your co-creation ideas. (Deadline: Monday, June 23, 11:59 PM JST)

 Application Guideline (English)

Application Form (English)

 

■ Overview of QUEST

Objective:

To support the resolution of social issues through co-creation and innovation among various actors.

 

Eligible Participants:

Private Sector (large corporations, SMEs, startups)

Academia (universities, technical colleges, research institutes)

Civil Society (NGOs)

Public Sector (government agencies, local governments)

 

Support Provided:

• Facilitation of strategic matching among the aforementioned companies/organizations to develop co-creation projects.
• Conducting an idea competition to select co-creation business projects.
• Implementation of Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives and funding support of up to 3 million yen per project
• Development of exit strategies（Consideration of fundraising plans）

 

■ Program Flow

• Matching events to connect various actors
• Idea competition to select co-creation projects (Approximately 10 projects to be selected)
• PoC implementation in target countries
• Consideration of exit strategies (Consideration of fundraising plans）

 

■ Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact us at the following:

QUEST Secretariat: quest@tohmatsu.co.jp
Office Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
(Weekdays only, Japanese and English support available)

On June 9, 2025, the JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST” Matching Event was held at STATION Ai, an open innovation hub in Nagoya. A total of 170 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. Toru Uemachi, Director General of JICA Chubu, followed by a greeting from Mr. Hideyuki Hayashi, Director, Overseas Collaboration Promotion Division, Aichi Prefecture, one of the QUEST’s supporting organizations.

Representatives from 19 companies and organizations, both domestic and international, delivered presentations on topics such as leveraging Aichi’s regional strengths for innovation, collaborative models with startups, multicultural integration, and the circulation of talent. These presentations showcased the exciting potential for collaboration and innovation in the region.

After closing remarks by Mr. Ryutaro Murotani, Deputy Director, Operations Strategy Department, JICA, the networking session began with lightning talks (1-minute introductions) from eight JICA Accelerator representatives. Participants actively engaged in discussions and exchanges, fostering connections and collaborative ideas.

◆Pitch Presenters

Darajapan Inc. (Japan / Business)

SACMOTS (Japan / Startup)

Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (Egypt / Academia)

JAXENSE Inc. (Japan / Startup)

Olive Inc. (Japan / Startup)

DouDouDoujin Inc. (Japan / Startup)

MITAS Medical Inc. (Japan / Startup)

Zowasel (Nigeria / Startup)

Xolani Health Inc. (Nigeria / Startup)

metaLink (Japan / Individual)

Marudai Co., Ltd. (Japan / Business)

Lean MONOZUKURI Network Japan (Japan / Non-profit)

SentrySpace (Japan / Student)

Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (Sri Lanka / Academia)

Readle Inc. (Japan / Startup)

Africa Baseball & Softball Promotion Foundation (Japan / Non-profit)

Kaizumi Eco Service LLC (Japan / Business)

FundusAI LTD (Nigeria / Startup)

Spacewasp Co., Ltd.（Japan/Startup）

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:

Idea Competition Guidelines

Application from

 

■ Program Overview

JICA QUEST official website

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

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:

Idea Competition Guidelines

Application from

 

■ Program Overview

JICA QUEST official website

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

The launch events for JICA’s Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST” were held on May 8, 2025 in Tokyo and May 15, 2025 in Aichi. Over the two days, more than 300 participants from Japan and overseas gathered, making the events a great success.

 At the Tokyo event, Talk Session ① titled “Global Innovation from Africa—African Business Models Going Global” featured Mr. Satoshi Shinada from Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, Mr. Nour El-Assal, Co-founder & CEO of Egyptian startup Tagaddod (one of their portfolio companies), and Mr. Tomohiro Nagasaki from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank’s Impact Equity Investment Department. They discussed the latest innovation trends in Africa.

 Talk Session ②, “India’s Startup Ecosystem and Open Innovation Opportunities,” welcomed Mr. Kavikrut, CEO of T-Hub (India’s largest incubation center), who presented on innovation cases and co-creation needs in emerging countries. Many participants discovered new possibilities in emerging market business and the latest innovation trends.

 In Talk Session ③, Mr. Daisuke Ueda, Deputy Director General, and Group Director for Higher Education and Social Security, Human Development Department, JICA, spoke on “International Brain Circulation with Universities in Developing Countries—Collaboration with Japanese Academia, Industry, and Government.” Ms. Miho Kano from the Private Sector Development Group, Economic Development Department, JICA, presented “Co-Creation Map of Japanese Companies and Overseas Startups through Project NINJA.” Ms. Ayako Oi, Senior Director of JICA’s Office for Peacebuilding, JICA, gave a presentation on “Challenges and Co-Creation in Peacebuilding.” These sessions deepened understanding of JICA’s approach to co-creation in the fields of academia-industry-government collaboration, private sector development, and peacebuilding.

 Afterward, active discussions and networking took place among the participants.

On May 15, 2025, the “JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program QUEST Launch Event” was also held at STATION Ai (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture), one of Japan’s largest open innovation hubs. The event attracted about 70 participants onsite and about 80 participants online, ending on a high note.

 The next matching event is scheduled for June. Through QUEST, JICA will continue to accelerate co-creation with companies, local governments, educational institutions, and civil society organizations both in Japan and overseas.

 

We have launched the JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST” official website.
Information on registered companies and organizations will be published progressively.