Calling all innovators to apply now for JICA’s QUEST co-creation program

JICA’s QUEST program offers strategic matchmaking, expert support, and funding of up to 3 million yen for selected PoC projects. Whether you're a startup, researcher, NGO, or corporate, this is your chance to tackle pressing social challenges with like-minded changemakers.

Jun 6, 2025 - 21:00

Calling all innovators to apply now for JICA’s QUEST co-creation program

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