Bridging Possibilities Between Global Startups and
Japanese Enterprises.
Global Site
An accelerator program designed for startups worldwide. In FY2026,the "Africa Corporate Innovation Program" will be held in Africa in partnership with Shell Foundation and Double Feather Partners, focusing on Agritech and Logistics to generate new social value.
"Through the Africa Corporate Innovation Program, Shell Foundation is using catalytic funding to reduce the risk of collaboration and help global corporates like NEC work alongside African startups to test, learn and build solutions that can scale. "
- CEO, Shell Foundation
Jonathan Berman
"DFP will design and support mechanisms that connect PoC initiatives to investment opportunities and business scale-up, maximizing NEC’s business expansion and social impact creation in Africa. In collaboration with the Shell Foundation, DFP will also support the development of sustainable business models from the perspectives of impact investment and blended finance."
- Representative Director & CEO, Double Feather Partners
Kohei Muto
"This initiative holds significant value with the expectation of contributing further to Africa’s economic development. In particular, JICA supports the idea that private companies take the lead in addressing social challenges in Africa and building mutually beneficial relationships."
- Director, Private Sector Development Group
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Masayuki Furukawa
What's New
Our Journey
NIC launched in 2020 as a global business contest connecting startups from around the world with Japanese enterprises. Since then, it has grown into a unique accelerator program attracting participants from over 104 countries, giving rise to new business ventures between global startups and Japanese companies.
Our Achievements
- Total NIC Applications
- (2022-2024)
1,569
Since its launch in 2022, NIC has received applications from 1,569 cutting-edge startups.
- Participating Countries
- (2024)
104
As a unique contest with participation from 104 countries, NIC fosters global collaboration.
Case Studies
Through NIC, we gained a valuable opportunity to collaborate with NEC and its partners in developing new markets. By leveraging NEC's extensive network alongside our video generator technology, we successfully launched an AI announcer business for broadcasters and established a proven track record in the Japanese market. This collaboration with NEC has truly enabled us to explore new business opportunities.
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- 2022 NIC Participant & NEC Award-Winning Company
Global Business Head and CFO, DeepBrain AI
Michael Jung
NIC is a platform that fosters co-creation with startups to generate new market value.
As a Platinum Partner, DNP is committed to driving open innovation through this initiative. By engaging with forward-thinking startups, we aim to create businesses that help address social challenges. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with NEC to deliver ever more value to society.
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- 2024 NIC Partner
Senior Corporate Officer, DNP
Ryota Chiba
The partnership through NEC's initiatives strengthens our mission to empower visually impaired people with safety and independence. Together, we aim to drive innovation that transforms accessibility and mobility worldwide.
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- 2022 NIC Participant & NEC X Investment Project
Co-Founder & CEO, WeWALK
Gökhan Meriçliler
Past Event Pages
For past event overviews and themes, please refer to each year's event page.
Shape the future together with NEC.
For inquiries about NIC, click here
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