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 Financial Advisory
– Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC
Created on: April 7, 2025 (Version 3)

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

From February 2025 to February 2026

  • Private Sector
    (large corporations, SMEs, startups)
  • Academia
    (universities, technical colleges, research institutes)
  • Civil Society (NGOs)
  • Public Sector
    (government agencies, local governments)

Projects that can contribute to solving social issues are not limited by country or region.

  • 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 in target countries, with up to 10 projects selected.
  • Development of exit strategies.
  • Facilitation of matching for the development of co-creation 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.

 - 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)