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Event Report: “QUEST2026” Co-creation Theme Pitch (Nagoya) draws 100 participants from Japan and overseas

Posted on by staff-en

On March 9, 2026, the JICA Co-creation × Innovation Program “QUEST2026” Co-creation Theme Pitch was held at STATION Ai, an open-innovation hub in Nagoya. Approximately 100 participants joined onsite and online from Japan and overseas, and the event concluded successfully.

 

At the outset, Mr. Toru Uemachi, Director General JICA Chubu, delivered opening remarks, followed by an overview of QUEST2026 from Ms. Akane Miyajima, Operations Strategy Department, JICA and an introduction to the JICA QUEST community by Ms. Nonoka Kawamura, also from the Operations Strategy Department.

 

In the main session, JICA representatives presented 13 co-creation themes, outlining the challenges in each area, what they aim to achieve through proof-of-concept (PoC) pilots, and the qualities sought in co-creation partners.

 

In the latter roundtable segment, participants and JICA staff grouped by theme engaged in lively, sustained discussions, with vigorous exchanges and networking around the possibilities of co-creation.

 

　

　

　

　

■JICA Co-creation Themes Pitched at the Event

Establishing a local production and supply system for medical and assistive devices using 3D printing
Improving Access to Continuum of Maternal and Child Care Services in Pakistan through Digital Transformation
Utilizing AI and Smart Solutions for NCDs Surveillance and Risk Identification in Laos
Development of a model for new industry creation in Bhutan leveraging digital health platform
Sustainable Use of Fishery Resources towards the promotion of Blue-Economy
Demonstrating a Community-Driven Model for Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Upgrading Local Value Chains
Building a fun waste sorting system through game-like approach
Promoting Women’s Health in Pakistan through Japan–Pakistan Gender-Smart Business Co-creation
Digital Solutions for Asia’s Forgotten Refugee Crisis
Linking frontier technologies from academia with the business challenges that matter
Strengthening Value Chain between Central Asia and Japan Aiming to Promote the Distribution of Developed and improved Products
Learning Design Lab for Foundational Math & Science

 

■JICA Co-creation Themes Shown as Pre-recorded Videos at the Venue

Improving access to continuous care services for patients at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in El Salvador through digital transformation (DX)
Leveraging cultural heritage and cultural resources in peacebuilding
Sanitary Toilets for Healthier People and Vibrant Cities

 

 

■List of co-creation themes Co-Creation Theme – QUEST

This Co-creation Theme Pitch will also be held in Fukuoka on Monday, March 16, and in Tokyo on Monday, March 30. Presentation themes vary by venue, so please check which venue features your themes of interest and we look forward to your participation.

 

■Co-Creation Theme Pitch (including roundtables and networking/in-person only)

    • 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)
    • Schedule for each event
      • Co-creation Theme Pitch: 120 minutes
      • Roundtable with JICA (in-person only): 60 minutes
      • Networking (in-person only): 60 minutes

 

■Registration Forms (deadline: by 12:00 noon JST on the business day before each event)

 

■QUEST Introduction Video

 

■ QUEST 2026 Overview

    • Eligible participants: Domestic and international private-sector companies, academia, public institutions, and civil society.
    • Value Provided:
      1. Facilitation of business matching between each participant for the development of co-creation ideas/projects.
      2. Hands on support from JICA and Deloitte
    • Business ideation, PoC planning and execution, and exit strategy development (including fundraising).
      1. Financial support for PoC expenses up to JPY3M(about $20K) per project.
      2. Provision of opportunities for networking and information.
    • Target areas and regions
    • 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.

 

■Contact

QUEST 2026 Secretariat

quest-info@tohmatsu.co.jp