Apply for the Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST” 2026

We are pleased to announce the JICA-hosted, Deloitte Group–operated Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST” 2026. Now in its second year, the program is inviting business ideas that drive co-creation and innovation addressing JICA’s priority themes. In addition to JICA’s co-creation themes, applicants are welcome to propose their own topics.

In March, co-creation theme pitch sessions held in Aichi, Fukuoka, and Tokyo drew more than 400 participants from Japan and abroad. Direct dialogues between participants and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) deepened the co-creation themes and generated concrete opportunities for collaboration.

Until May 15, you can engage in Co creative dialogue (Q&A, technology introduction, idea refinement, etc.) with the co-creation theme owners in JICA through the JICA QUEST Community. However, the owners cannot respond to questions requesting the pre-evaluation of co-creation ideas you considerate. 

The dialogue will be prohibited after May 16.　Note: If you haven’t joined the community yet, please join here.

＞JICA QUEST Community – QUEST

We welcome applications from individuals and organizations committed to pursuing innovative solutions to social challenges through co-creation with diverse partners.

• Application Form for Co-Creation Idea Proposals (Deadline: Sunday, May 31, 23:59 JST)
• Application Guidelines：QUEST_Application-Guidelines_v2.pdf
• Application Form：JICA Co-creation & Innovation Program “QUEST” 2026 –  Application Form
• Application Form Questions: Form Questions 
• “QUEST” Introduction Video

• QUEST 2026 Overview
• Eligible participants: Domestic and international private-sector companies, academia, public institutions, and civil society.
• Value Provided:

1. Facilitation of business matching between each participant for the development of co-creation ideas/projects.
2. Hands on support from JICA and Deloitte

• Business ideation, PoC planning and execution, and exit strategy development (including fundraising).

1. Financial support for PoC expenses up to JPY3M(about $20K) per project.
2. Provision of opportunities for networking and information.

• Target areas and regions
• As long as the ideas can contribute to solving social issues, any proposal will be welcomed.
• Please select a co-creation thematic area that you agree with set by JICA as described later. If there is no thematic areas that you agree with, you are welcome to propose other ones as well.
• Event Report：“QUEST2026” Co-Creation Theme Pitch (Aichi, Fukuoka, Tokyo) 

Event Report: “QUEST2026” Co-creation Theme Pitch (Nagoya) draws 100 participants from Japan and overseas – QUEST

Event Report: JICA Co-creation × Innovation Program “QUEST2026” Co-creation Theme Pitch (Fukuoka) Draws 110 Participants from Japan and Abroad – QUEST

[Event Report] “QUEST2026” Co-creation Theme Pitch (Tokyo) Brings Together 200 Participants from Japan and Abroad – QUEST

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to your participation.

QUEST 2026 Secretariat

JICA Co-Creation and Innovation Program quest-info@tohmatsu.co.jp