The future is ours to shape.
We craft forward-thinking initiatives that generate social value through diverse co-creation with startups and partner companies.
Global Site
What's New
NEC Open Innovation Initiatives
Shaping the future through our transformative initiatives co-created with startups and partner companies.
- Startups Launched*
- 20+
- *FY24
Startup Studio
Harnessing NEC's advanced technologies and business development expertise, we co-create new value with entrepreneurs. We support the rapid development of innovative products that deliver real-world impact.
- Total Fundraised
- Approximately$140million
- As of April 2025
Corporate Venture Capital
Based on NEC 2030 VISION, this ecosystem-driven CVC defines strategic focus areas and supports future-forward startups in Japan and abroad through a network of partner investors-pioneering new forms of social value creation.
- Total NIC Applications*
- Approx.1,600
- *FY22-24
Business Contest
By fostering co-creation with global startups, and in collaboration with corporate partners across industries, NEC drives open innovation to generate new business opportunities that transcend traditional boundaries.
- Number of Patents Held*
- Approx.42,000
- *As of March 2023
R&D
Researchers leverage NEC's advanced technologies, including generative AI and materials informatics (MI), to help address clients' business challenges and promote digital transformation. Development led by co-creation processes drive commercialization.
- Co-creation Cases*
- Approx.80projects
- *April 2021-December 2024
Co-Creation
By collaborating with a diverse range of partners-including startups, corporates, and academia-we integrate our respective strengths and assets to generate social value and create businesses that have never existed before.
Case Studies
Introducing ongoing initiatives across a wide range of fields.
-
- MARUKI SANGYO
- Improving the Efficiency of Recycled Plastic Manufacturing
- Applying materials informatics technology to improve the efficiency of manufacturing recycled plastic production process. NEC's technology contributes to the recycling industry and realizes the circular economy.Japanese Only
- R&D
- Developing
- Materials Informatics
- Sustainability
-
- Itoen
- Transforming Next-Generation Marketing with AI
- To address challenges such as fragmented knowledge and reliance on individual expertise in marketing initiatives, NEC's "BestMove" was introduced. This solution enables data-driven campaign design and accelerates decision-making, delivering tangible results.Japanese Only
- Co-Creation
- Commercialized Project
- BestMove
- Marketing
-
- African governments
- Supporting African Agriculture through International Collaboration
- Africa, where growth is accelerating due to population increase, is an important partner for Japan. Since 2008, NEC has participated in TICAD and has been working to address challenges through technology.Japanese Only
- Co-Creation
- Commercialized Project
- International Collaboration
- Africa
- AgriTech
Innovators of the Future
Discover the stories and vision behind those taking on the challenge of new business development.
-
- 2025.03.31
- Innovation And Growth: Insights From NEC X And QI
- Discover how NEC X and Qualitative intelligence are transforming tech innovation and marketing strategies.
-
- 2025.03.31
- Report on the 'NEC Open Innovation Night' Event
- We unveiled NEC's New Open Innovation approach with diverse guests: A Comprehensive Event Recap
-
- 2025.03.31
- Aligning the Right Technologies with the Right Partners to Solve the World's Social Issues
- Explore how Makoto Noda, head of the NEC Social Impact Business Group, harnesses and applies state-of-the-art technology in sectors including global health and agriculture.
- The 3rd Keidanren's
"Startup Friendly Scoring"
9th
- Morning Pitch Corporate
Innovation Award 2025
10th
- GOOD DESIGN AWARD
2025
Winner
Shape the future together with NEC.
Feel free to contact us.
Contact Us