【Audience Registration Open】 JICA Co-Creation and Innovation Program “QUEST 2026” Launch Event in Tokyo, Aichi, and Fukuoka
Day：2026.01.22
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JICA is pleased to announce the launch event for the Co-Creation and Innovation Program “QUEST 2026.”
JICA QUEST 2026 program aims to generate innovative co-creation projects that help solve challenges in developing countries by working together with diverse actors, including private-sector companies, academia, public institutions, and civil society.
In QUEST 2026, JICA will present development themes which we identified. We are seeking innovative idea proposals from co-creation partneres to effectively address and resolve these development challenges.Beyond JICA's development themes, proposals based on themes set by applicants are also possible.
The launch event will be held across three locations—Aichi, Fukuoka, and Tokyo—and will feature JICA’s Co-Creation Theme Pitch, as well as roundtables and networking among participants. We will also offer Online Information Session mainly covering the background of QUEST 2026 and an overview of the program framework.
We warmly welcome participation from domestic and international private-sector companies, academia, public institutions, and civil society organizations working to address social issues through expanding existing businesses or creating new ones. We look forward to your participation.
Launch Event Overview
1. Co-Creation Theme Pitch (including roundtables and networking)
- Aichi
- Date/Time: Mon, Mar 9, 15:00–18:30 (JST)
- Format: Hybrid (on-site + online)
- Venue (in-person): STATION Ai 1F Event Space (1-2-32, Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi)
- Fukuoka
- Date/Time: Mon, Mar 16, 14:00–18:30 (JST)
- Format: Hybrid (on-site + online)
- Venue (in-person): ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. SKY LOBBY SQUARE (1-11-1, Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi)
- Tokyo
- Date/Time: Mon, Mar 30, 14:00–18:30 (JST)
- Format: Hybrid (on-site + online)
- Venue (in-person): Tokyo Innovation Base 2F STAGE/ROOM (3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
*We provide simultaneous interpretation between Japanese and English at all events.
2. Online Information Session (mainly covering the background of QUEST 2026 and an overview of the program framework; details to be updated)
- Dates/Times:
- Thu, Feb 26, 18:00–19:15 (JST)
- Tue, Mar 3, 18:00–19:15 (JST)
- Thu, Mar 5, 08:00–09:15 (JST)
- Mon, Mar 23, 18:00–19:15 (JST)
- Format: Online
- How to join: A separate link will be sent to those who register.
- Language: Japanese, English
Registration Forms (deadline: by 12:00 noon JST on the business day before each event)
Co-Creation Themes and Venue List: Please see the attached flyer and the article below.
- QUEST2026 Co-Creation Theme List
- Depending on the theme and venue, pitches may be delivered as on-site, online, or pre-recorded video (no live on-site pitch). Please check in advance before attending from HERE.
- For sessions listed as “pre-recorded,” videos will be available for self-guided viewing on monitors at the venue.
Introduction video of QUEST
QUEST 2026 Overview
- Purpose: Support the resolution of social issues through co-creation and innovation among diverse actors.
- Eligible participants: Domestic and international private-sector companies, academia, public institutions, and civil society.
- Support offered:
- Financial support of up to JPY 3 million per project for PoC costs
- Hands-on support from business development experts for ideation and refinement
- Support for considering exit strategy (fundraising)
- Invitation to the QUEST community
- Upcoming timeline:
- Launch of the QUEST Community: March 2026
- Co-Creation Theme Launch Pitch events: March 2026
- Call for co-creation ideas: March–April 2026
- Selection of co-creation ideas: May–June 2026
- PoC exit strategy considerations: Summer–December 2026
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