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NEC's Role in Tokyo Cross Lab's Open Innovation Program

NEC, a global leader in technology and innovation, has recently been selected for the Tokyo Cross Lab initiative, an open innovation program sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between large companies possessing advanced research and development facilities and startups or small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that seek to utilize these facilities to expedite their own R&D efforts. By ensuring a cohesive partnership between these diverse entities, NEC strives to accelerate the creation of new business opportunities and generate significant societal value.

Overview of the Initiative

The Tokyo Cross Lab program specifically targets companies that own R&D facilities, offering them a platform to connect directly with startups and SMEs eager to leverage such technological assets. NEC's Abiko facility, located in Chiba Prefecture, is notably equipped with state-of-the-art machinery capable of conducting comprehensive processes involving plastic materials synthesis, molding, and evaluation. This facility plays a critical role in NEC's commitment to sustainable material development, including projects like the production of eco-friendly bioplastics and advanced cellulose-based biocomposite materials named NeCycle(R).

Notably, NEC has already invested considerable resources into enhancing its global competitiveness in the materials sector by incorporating materials informatics (MI) techniques to boost R&D efficiency. Through ongoing collaboration with enterprises focused on recycling, NEC is developing MI technologies aimed at improving the efficiency of recycled plastic manufacturing.

Collaboration and Future Prospects

Through the Tokyo Cross Lab initiative, NEC plans to engage with startups and SMEs that can utilize its extensive infrastructure and deep industry knowledge. This collaborative effort is poised to merge NEC's considerable research capabilities and market presence with the innovative ideas and technological prowess of smaller companies. The ultimate goal is to address pressing societal challenges and foster the emergence of new value propositions that benefit the wider community.

The first phase of collaboration will unfold following a matching support event organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in the latter half of 2025, with actual equipment provision and cooperative exploration slated to commence in April 2026. Through these efforts, NEC aims to embody its message of “Let’s Create the Future,” which emphasizes dynamic co-creation with startups and partners, reinforcing its commitment to pushing the envelope in technological innovations while promoting widely beneficial societal outcomes.

Supporting Enterprises to Innovate

The significance of the Tokyo Cross Lab initiative extends beyond mere collaboration; it represents NEC's broader strategy known as “NEC Open Innovation.” This strategy encompasses the encouragement of entrepreneurial pursuits and the fostering of groundbreaking technologies across various fields through interdisciplinary partnerships. With a keen focus on innovation, NEC is dedicated to building a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

NEC’s endeavors in the open innovation domain signal a meaningful shift toward collaborative efforts that not only enhance business prospects but also contribute positively to society at large. By bridging the gap between established corporations and nimble startups, NEC epitomizes a forward-looking corporate ethos aimed at cultivating an ecosystem where shared knowledge and resources lead to mutual growth and development.

In conclusion, NEC's selection for the Tokyo Cross Lab initiative marks a significant milestone in expanding open innovation strategies that prioritize collaboration, sustainability, and the creation of new market opportunities. As the initiative unfolds, it will be exciting to observe how these partnerships will evolve and the innovative solutions that will emerge as a result of this collaboration.

For further inquiries regarding this initiative, please contact the NEC Business Innovation Division at [email protected].