We live in a world beset by urgent and complex challenges such as climate change, widening inequality, access to education, and more. But these are not problems we can solve alone. What if you could co-create solutions alongside global changemakers, backed by expert support and funding?
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) invites innovators, businesses, academia, governments, and civil society to be part of the ‘QUEST Co-Creation × Innovation Program’, a unique platform to build and test collaborative business ideas that address global social issues.
About QUEST
The JICA QUEST program is designed to spark cross-sector collaboration and co-creation to tackle pressing social problems without being bound by geography. In partnership with Deloitte, QUEST provides support for Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives and helps participants build sustainable, scalable exit strategies.
Whether you are an enterprise exploring social impact, a startup with a breakthrough idea, a researcher developing cutting-edge solutions, or an NGO on the frontlines – QUEST offers a dynamic ecosystem to bring your vision to life.
Key participants include the private sector (startups, SMEs, corporates, investors), academia (universities, technical institutions, research centers), civil society (NGOs), and the public sector (local governments, agencies)
What to expect?
- Expert support: Access mentorship for ideation, PoC execution, and exit strategy design.
- Financial assistance: Receive up to 3 million yen in funding per project for PoC activities.
- Strategic matching: Connect with aligned partners through facilitated events and online platforms.
- Visibility and community: Pitch your idea, exhibit at events, and join a growing community on Slack.
- Global exposure: Engage with thought leaders from Japan, India, Africa, and beyond.
Matching event in Tokyo
The matching event held in Tokyo on June 3 attracted over 200 participants, both in person and online. During the pitch sessions, booth exhibits, and networking segments, participants from Japan and abroad took the stage to present their ideas for co-creation and collaboration. The networking sessions were particularly lively, with many attendees actively engaging in discussions and forging new connections.
Upcoming events
Explore potential partnerships, pitch your ideas, exhibit your innovations, or simply join as an audience member to connect with changemakers from across sectors at the Matching Events.
Nagoya Matching Event
Date: June 9 (Monday), 15:00–19:30
Location: STATION Ai / Online
Activities: Pitches, booths, consultations, networking
Details: https://quest.jica.go.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c800896d12d439ed92c99161bd0f119c.pdf
Registration : Audience Registration Form JICA Co-Creation & Innovation Program “QUEST” – Matching Event as an audience
Program timeline at a glance
- Launch events (May 2025): Completed in Tokyo and Nagoya with 300+ attendees
- Matching events: June 3 (Tokyo), June 9 (Nagoya)
- Open call for applications: June 23 – July 22
- Idea competition (pitch screening): July 31
- PoC implementation: August – December 2025
- Exit strategy & Demo Day: January 2026
Apply now to be a catalyst for global change
QUEST is more than a competition; it’s a movement to co-create a better world through innovation and partnership. If you have an idea, a challenge, or a solution to share, now is the time to act.
Submit your application:
- 2025 JICA Co-Creation × innovation Program “QUEST” Co-creation Guidelines
- Application form for idea competition of Co-creation and Innovation Program “QUEST” in 2025
