JICA Empowers Innovation and Collaboration with “QUEST” Matching Event in Tokyo and Nagoya
Tokyo & Nagoya, Japan – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently announced the successful completion of its “QUEST” (JICA Co-creation x Innovation Program) Matching Event, held on July 1st, 2025. This significant initiative brought together a diverse group of stakeholders in Tokyo and Nagoya, aiming to foster innovative solutions for global development challenges through collaborative partnerships.
The “QUEST” program is designed to bridge the gap between Japanese businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and startups, and the pressing development needs identified in developing countries. It’s a dynamic platform that encourages the co-creation of innovative technologies and services that can make a tangible difference in the lives of people around the world.
What is the “QUEST” Program?
At its core, “QUEST” is about co-creation and innovation. JICA, with its extensive experience and network in international cooperation, plays a crucial role in identifying real-world development issues faced by partner countries. These issues span various sectors, including but not limited to:
- Health: Addressing infectious diseases, improving maternal and child health, enhancing healthcare access.
- Environment: Combating climate change, promoting sustainable resource management, improving sanitation and waste management.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Boosting agricultural productivity, reducing food loss, promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Education: Improving educational access and quality, developing vocational training.
- Infrastructure: Developing sustainable transportation, clean energy solutions, and resilient infrastructure.
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Enhancing preparedness and response to natural disasters.
The “QUEST” program then seeks out Japanese private sector entities, especially SMEs and startups, that possess unique technological capabilities, innovative business models, and a strong desire to contribute to global development. The program facilitates the matching of these entities with specific development challenges, creating opportunities for them to apply their expertise and develop tailored solutions.
The Matching Event: Connecting Ideas and Opportunities
The recent matching event served as a vital platform for bringing these potential partners together. In both Tokyo and Nagoya, participants had the opportunity to:
- Learn about JICA’s Development Needs: Representatives from JICA presented concrete development challenges and priorities in various partner countries. This provided a clear understanding of the context and the specific problems that require innovative solutions.
- Showcase Japanese Innovation: Participating Japanese companies and startups had the chance to exhibit their cutting-edge technologies, products, and services. This allowed them to demonstrate how their offerings could address the identified development needs.
- Engage in Direct Dialogue: The event fostered direct interaction between JICA representatives, potential implementing partners (Japanese companies), and sometimes even representatives from partner countries. This facilitated in-depth discussions, clarified project scopes, and explored the feasibility of collaboration.
- Forge New Partnerships: The primary goal of the matching event was to identify and initiate potential partnerships. By connecting problem-solvers with problems, “QUEST” aims to accelerate the development and deployment of impactful solutions.
Why is this Important?
The “QUEST” program, and by extension, this matching event, are crucial for several reasons:
- Leveraging Private Sector Expertise: JICA recognizes that the private sector, with its agility, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, is a vital partner in achieving sustainable development goals. “QUEST” taps into this immense potential.
- Driving Sustainable Development: By supporting the development of practical and innovative solutions, the program directly contributes to improving the quality of life, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in developing countries.
- Boosting Japanese SMEs and Startups: The program provides a unique avenue for Japanese SMEs and startups to gain international experience, test their innovations in new markets, and contribute to a global cause. This can lead to business growth and enhanced competitiveness for these companies.
- Fostering “Co-creation”: The emphasis on “co-creation” highlights a collaborative approach where knowledge, resources, and ideas are shared to build solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and contextually appropriate.
The successful holding of the “QUEST” Matching Event in Tokyo and Nagoya signifies JICA’s continued commitment to innovative approaches in international cooperation. By proactively connecting Japanese ingenuity with global development needs, JICA is building a stronger foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.
JICA共創×革新プログラム「QUEST」マッチングイベント（東京・名古屋）を開催しました！
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