Tokyo, Japan, March 15, 2023 – The NEC Innovation Challenge, a global business contest sponsored by NEC, invites startup companies from around the world to submit innovative product and technology concepts under the three themes of "Healthcare & Life Science," "Metaverse," and "Carbon Neutrality." During the application period from October 14 to December 4, 2022, 324 applications were submitted.

10 start-up companies that passed through the primary screening, interview and mentoring phases participated in the final event held online on March 10, 2023. As a result of the final judging after each company's pitch, the winners of the NEC Prize, NEC X Prize, NOFF Prize (NOFF: NEC Orchestrating Future Fund), and BIRD INITIATIVE Prize were decided.

1. NEC Prize

Providing opportunities to collaborate with NEC and a $20,000 USD prize to accelerate collaboration

Winning startup

2. NEC X Prize

Providing opportunities to participate in the NEC X Venture Studio program (NEC's advanced technology, funding, and hands-on support by various experts in business, technology, and fundraising)

Winning startup

3. NOFF Prize

Opportunity to discuss investment from the NEC Orchestrating Future Fund (NOFF), an ecosystem-type corporate venture capital (CVC) fund

Winning startup

4. BIRD INITIATIVE Prize

Hands-on support (business, technology, intellectual property, fundraising, etc.) by experts from the co-creative R&D startup studio

Winning startup

Going forward, using the "NEC Innovation Challenge" as an opportunity, NEC will further promote co-creation with startup companies and accelerate and promote innovation on a global scale.

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NEC Innovation Challenge site

URL: https://nec.agorize.com/ja/challenges/nec-innovation-challenge?lang=en

About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.