NEC X - JAPAN Edition -

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NEC X - JAPAN Edition -

Shaping the future through bold challenges and technology.

About NEC X - JAPAN Edition -
Program Introduction
Team Introduction
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About NEC X - JAPAN Edition -

NEC X - JAPAN Edition - is a startup studio that leverages NEC's assets to the fullest to co-create disruptive business ventures with entrepreneurs.

(*) NEC X - JAPAN Edition - is one of the key initiatives under NEC Open Innovation Program.

Three Core Strengths: Business × Technology × Global

Fully Leveraging NEC's Assets to Help Turn Bold Startup Ideas into Reality

Recommended for Entrepreneurs Who...

Want to create disruptive businesses that make a social impact
- Build products that leverage world-class technology and business methodologies to address unmet market needs.
Want to launch unique businesses using NEC's assets and cutting-edge technologies
- Accelerate business development with NEC's R&D capabilities, intellectual property, and B2B/B2G networks.
- Embed advanced technologies such as AI, data utilization, robotics, and security into their business ideas.
Want to build businesses with a global expansion strategy
- Scale not only in Japan but also into overseas markets and global ecosystems.
- Leverage connections with the Silicon Valley studio and introductions to international VCs to create globally competitive ventures.

Program Introduction

Elev X! is a proven acceleration program based on the expertise and network cultivated by NEC X in Silicon Valley. Operated in a biannual batch format, the program provides hands-on support to entrepreneurs.

Team Introduction

NEC X - JAPAN Edition - is supported by a team of experts in technology, business, investment, and community.
We respect the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and provide optimal support for business creation.

Kosuke Fujimura

Studio Lead

Profile

Joined NEC in 2003, responsible for sales and business strategy for overseas telecom carrier operations.
Later promoted new businesses such as Machine-to-Machine (M2M)/IoT development and co-creation leveraging 5G/6G technologies.
Currently leading open innovation initiatives with startups.

Kenei Tanabe

Tech Lead

Profile

Gained extensive experience across multiple IT companies, from R&D to rapid operational improvements.
After joining NEC, responsible for strengthening engineering capabilities in the development research lab and the generative AI division.
Currently focused on co-creation with startups, aiming to create new value by skillfully integrating advanced technologies.

Satoshi Hanawa

Program Lead

Profile

After working as a system engineer for government agencies and municipalities, gained experience leading multiple business development projects both domestically and internationally.
Having learned from past failures about the low success rate of single-company initiatives, became deeply interested in building mechanisms to improve the reproducibility of zero-to-one innovation.
Currently engaged in constructing co-creation models through innovation challenges and studio-based initiatives.

Naoshi Yamamoto

Community Manager

Profile

Joined NEC in 2000, engaged in internet services and solution proposal support for government agencies.
Currently driving new business development through open innovation, focusing on co-creation with startups and business development toward commercialization.
Leveraging expertise in business model design and service planning to create new value.

Yuumi Nagai

Fund Manager

Profile

After joining a major human resources company, gained experience in sales, HR, recruitment, and corporate venture capital investments in startups.
Subsequently joined an investment fund at a listed securities firm, responsible for investing in startups across diverse industries and providing post-investment support.
Currently at NEC, engaged in co-creation initiatives with startups and new business development.

Ryo Kaneko

Mentor

Profile

Led multiple commercialization initiatives for research assets at NEC since 2013. Based in Silicon Valley since 2018, collaborating with entrepreneurs on customer discovery, market validation, product development, and fundraising. Has extensive global business development experience, including vertical SaaS, AI agents, wireless devices, and machine control systems.

Muneyuki Hamabe

Mentor

Profile

Previously in sales at a marketing agency, with additonal experience in entrepreneurship and consulting, as well as worked in a manufacturing company on management, strategy, M&A, and business development. Joined NEC in 2021 and currently leading business development initiatives through AI technology utilization and open innovation with startups, while also working on systematizing and designing frameworks for business development.