NEC's Open Innovation Initiative Wins the 2025 Good Design Award

NEC's Open Innovation Initiative Awarded the 2025 Good Design Award

NEC Corporation's commitment to fostering creativity through its "NEC Open Innovation" framework has recently been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Good Design Award, organized by the Japan Design Promotion Organization. This award underlines NEC's efforts to integrate various open innovation projects that were previously scattered within the organization into a cohesive branding initiative.

Unified Branding Strategy

Under the branding initiative, NEC has effectively consolidated its open innovation activities. By employing a strong core message, "Let’s Shape the Future!" the company has successfully garnered expectations and empathy towards its mission, focusing on future co-creation and enhancing innovation originating from Japan. Notably, the branding strategy emphasizes visual elements, with bright and organic motifs that are layered, representing the connections and collaborative potential with partners.

By ensuring consistency across all touchpoints of the branding campaign, NEC has not only enhanced its corporate culture but also raised public recognition and understanding of its objectives. The initiative is paving the way for new collaborations and relationships.

For further details, visit the official NEC Open Innovation page here and the Good Design Award winner's page here.

Evaluation by Judges

The jury commended NEC for its efforts in unifying the previously fragmented open innovation activities and enhancing its capability to promote future co-creation. As the demand for value creation through AI and digital technologies increases, the integrated branding approach has the potential to strengthen trust and presence with co-creation partners, thereby accelerating innovation in Japan. The clear catchphrase infuses employee sentiments, and the consistent design across digital platforms and events creates a cohesive brand experience.

Insights from NEC's Business Innovation Chief

Masahisa Matsuda, the General Manager of NEC's Business Innovation Division, remarked, “NEC is committed to advancing new business development and open innovation through diverse collaborations with startups and partner companies both domestically and internationally. We hope that this award will inspire more individuals to join us in creating new value and shaping a brighter future together.”

GOOD DESIGN EXHIBITION 2025

From November 1 (Saturday) to November 5 (Wednesday), 2025, NEC will be exhibiting the award-winning designs at the Good Design Award Exhibition, held in Tokyo Midtown (Akasaka 9-7-1, Minato, Tokyo). The exhibition will operate between 11:00 and 19:00, except for November 5, when it will close at 18:00. Admission is free.

About the Good Design Award

Established in 1957 by the former Ministry of International Trade and Industry, the Good Design Award (commonly known as the G-Mark system) continues to be Japan's only comprehensive design evaluation and recommendation initiative. It aims to find and suggest designs that improve quality of life and industrial development, moving beyond mere aesthetic competitions. It is one of the largest and most recognized design award programs in the world, with participation from numerous corporations and designers from both Japan and abroad, supported widely as a movement to promote good design in society.

For more information, visit the official site of the Good Design Award here.