BIRD INITIATIVE Inc. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ron Konno), a startup studio based on co-creative R&D and business development processes, will participate as an operating partner in 「NEC Innovation Challenge 2023,」 a global business contest that creates innovation toward solving social issues through co-creation between global startups and domestic companies.
In its second year, the contest is recruiting co-creation proposals and innovative projects with NEC and sponsors across four themes: 「LLM (Large Language Model), healthcare, smart cities (child monitoring, smart retail), and urban agriculture (effective use of agricultural waste, sustainable pest control).」
If you are considering participation, please apply from the URL below.
■ For Details and Application, Click Here
https://nec.agorize.com/ja/challenges/nec-innovation-challenge-2023/
※ Application Deadline: November 2, 2023, 23:59 (Japan Time)
Our company BIRD INITIATIVE is sponsoring this program and has established the BIRD INITIATIVE Award. Winning startups and projects will be provided with our commercialization support program.
NEC Innovation Challenge
Based on the belief that 「to create innovative ideas for the future, it is necessary to bring together wisdom from around the world,」 we are recruiting startup companies that aim to solve social issues together with NEC.
In last year's contest, we recruited entries across three themes—healthcare & life sciences, metaverse, and carbon neutrality—and from 324 applications from 66 countries, ultimately selected four proposals and are accelerating steps toward commercialization.
Additionally, teams that win in this year's contest will be provided with various benefits, including up to 2.2 million yen in PoC (Proof of Concept) funding, support for entering the Japanese market, and collaboration opportunities with NEC and partner companies.
〇Challenge Theme Set by Our Company ～Smart City (Smart Retail)～
BIRD INITIATIVE, in support of the purpose of this contest, has set a challenge theme related to 「Smart City (Smart Retail).」
In Japan, with the progression of a declining birthrate and aging population, as well as social transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, significant changes are required in the way cities exist.
Our company, with the theme of smart cities, anticipates collaboration with Japanese developers and retailers, and is recruiting new concepts that have not existed in Japan before, retail and store formats utilizing technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics (store formats such as restaurants, apparel, fitness, entertainment companies, etc.), or new DX solutions that enhance store added value and productivity.
We look forward to receiving your applications.
〇Recruitment Themes
・LLM (Large Language Model)
・Healthcare
・Smart city (child monitoring, smart retail)
・Urban agriculture (effective use of agricultural waste, sustainable pest control)
There are four types:
〇Schedule
Application period: September 15th - November 2nd, 2023
First selection period: November 3rd - December 12th, 2023
Announcement of first selection results: December 13, 2023
Mentoring: December 14, 2023 - January 26, 2024
Final proposal meeting: January 30th and 31st, 2024
※ All times are in Japan time
■ For Details and Application, Click Here
https://nec.agorize.com/ja/challenges/nec-innovation-challenge-2023/