Our world today faces numerous urgent challenges—climate change, income inequality, limited access to education, and more. Solving these complex issues cannot be done alone, which is why collaboration among like-minded partners is the best way forward.

In this article, we introduce the “QUEST: Co-Creation × Innovation” program, initiated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). QUEST is actively seeking joint initiatives, creative business ideas, and innovative projects that offer collaborative solutions to social issues.

WHAT IS QUEST?

QUEST is a program that brings together diverse actors—including private companies, NGOs, academia, and government bodies—to develop innovative solutions for pressing societal challenges. It values ideas and initiatives from across the globe and welcomes anyone aiming to launch a new business, expand an existing one, deepen research, or drive social implementation.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

  • Private Sector: Large corporations, SMEs, startups, and financial institutions
  • Academia: Universities, technical colleges, research institutions
  • Civil Society: NGOs and nonprofit organizations
  • Government: Government agencies and local authorities

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL YOU RECEIVE?

  • Up to 3 million yen in funding to conduct a Proof of Concept (PoC) trial
  • Expert consulting by Deloitte on idea development, business modeling, and strategy building
  • Opportunities to find collaboration partners through Matching Events
  • Support during the actual implementation phase for selected projects

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES HELD SO FAR


Launch events were held in Tokyo and Nagoya, welcoming over 300 participants from government, private sector, academia, and civil society.

In Tokyo, representatives from JICA, the CEO of T-Hub (India’s largest startup incubator), and Verod-Kepple Ventures from Africa discussed major innovations happening in India and Africa. Meanwhile, in Nagoya, three innovators from different sectors in the Chubu region shared their insights on how to co-create solutions for global challenges.

On June 3, the first Matching Event was held in Tokyo, with over 200 participants joining both online and offline. Local and international participants took the stage to pitch their co-creation ideas, exhibit booths, and engage in active networking.


Also on June 9, 2025, "QUEST" Matching Event in Nagoya was held at STATION Ai, an open innovation facility in Nagoya. A total of 170 participants, both online and offline, gathered from Japan and overseas, marking the event's success with great enthusiasm. Representatives from the 19 domestic and international companies and organizations took the stage to present. The event featured discussions on themes such as leveraging Aichi's regional uniqueness for innovation, co-creation opportunities with startups, promoting multicultural coexistence, and fostering talent mobility.



UPCOMING PROGRAM TIMELINE

June 23: Deadline for participant registration
July 22: Notification of results from document screening
July 31: Final idea competition (presentation screening)
August 1: Announcement of selected participants
August to December 2025: Implementation of PoC (Proof of Concept)
January 2026: Exit strategy development and Demo Day


HOW TO APPLY?

QUEST is not just a competition—it’s a movement to co-create a better world through innovation and partnership. If you have an idea, challenge, or solution to share, click here to submit your application.

For more information, click here.
To visit official website, click here.