JICA Co-Creation and Innovation Initiative “QUEST 2026” Opens Applications to Advance Sustainable Development Solutions

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Deloitte Group, has announced the launch of the Co-Creation and Innovation Program "QUEST 2026." Now in its second year, the initiative aims to support innovative, multi-stakeholder solutions that address pressing global development challenges.

The program invites applications from organizations and individuals worldwide to propose scalable and sustainable ideas aligned with JICA's priority development themes, while also allowing applicants to introduce independent thematic areas.

Advancing Co-Creation for Global Development

"QUEST 2026" is designed to strengthen cross-sector collaboration by bringing together stakeholders from the private sector, academia, public institutions, and civil society. The initiative promotes co-creation as a mechanism to generate impactful and context-specific solutions to complex socio-economic and environmental challenges.

Earlier engagement activities—including co-creation theme pitch sessions held in Aichi, Fukuoka, and Tokyo—attracted over 400 participants from Japan and international communities. These sessions enabled direct dialogue with JICA representatives, helping refine thematic priorities and foster early-stage collaboration opportunities.

Scenes from the lively co-creation theme pitch and roundtable

Regional and Thematic Focus Areas

As part of its structured co-creation approach, the program has outlined several priority themes aligned with regional development needs and stakeholder interests. These themes reflect a convergence of policy priorities, technological innovation, and sector-specific challenges:

• Co-Creation Theme aligned with the priorities of stakeholders in this region – Co-Creation Theme – QUEST
• Linking frontier technologies from academia with the business challenges that matter – QUEST (India)
• Advancing Sustainable Smart Cities in Developing Countries Through Satellite Data Utilization – QUEST (All developing countries, with a particular focus on Southeast and South Asia)
• Patient- and family-friendly hospital space – QUEST (India)
• Improving Access to Continuum of Maternal and Child Care Services in Pakistan through Digital Transformation – QUEST (Pakistan)
• Learning Design Lab for Foundational Math & Science – QUEST (Bangladesh)
• Development of a model for new industry creation in Bhutan leveraging digital health platform – QUEST (Kingdom of Bhutan; with potential expansion to other regions, including India)
• Strengthening Value Chain between Central Asia and Japan aiming to promote the distribution of developed and improved products – QUEST (Kyrgyz Republic; Central Asia and the Caucasus, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia)

These focus areas illustrate the program's commitment to addressing diverse development challenges through targeted, collaborative innovation frameworks.

Interactive Engagement Through the QUEST Community

Applicants can participate in structured discussions through the JICA QUEST Community, where they can:

• Engage in Q&A sessions with theme owners
• Introduce technologies and concepts
• Refine and strengthen proposal ideas

This interactive phase will remain open until May 15, after which community-based dialogue will close. It is important to note that pre-evaluation of submitted ideas is not permitted during this engagement period.

Interested participants can join the platform here: JICA QUEST Community – QUEST

Funding and Support Mechanism

Selected proposals will receive:

• Up to JPY 3 million in Proof of Concept (PoC) funding
• Strategic and technical guidance from JICA and Deloitte experts
• Opportunities for partnership development and business matching

The program emphasizes practical implementation, scalability, and measurable development impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Domestic and international private-sector companies
• Academic and research institutions
• Government and public-sector organizations
• Non-governmental and civil society organizations

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development outcomes.

Application Process and Key Resources

Applicants are required to submit their proposals by May 31 (23:59 JST).

Key resources for application:

• Application Form for Co-Creation Idea Proposals
• Application Guidelines: QUEST_Application-Guidelines_v2.pdf
• Application Form: JICA Co-creation & Innovation Program "QUEST" 2026 – Application Form
• Application Form Questions: Form Questions

Additionally, an introductory video is available to provide further insights into the program structure and objectives:

• "QUEST" Introduction Video

Supporting Innovation for Sustainable Impact

The "QUEST 2026" initiative reflects a growing emphasis on collaborative innovation in global development frameworks. By enabling cross-border and cross-sector partnerships, the program seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through structured support, funding, and knowledge exchange, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between ideation and implementation—ensuring that promising concepts evolve into impactful, real-world applications.

Contact Information

For further inquiries regarding the program or application process, interested participants may reach out to the QUEST 2026 Secretariat:

QUEST 2026 Secretariat

JICA Co-Creation and Innovation Program

Email: quest-info@tohmatsu.co.jp

Applicants are encouraged to seek clarification where needed and participate actively in the initiative.

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