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Elev X! Ignite Batch 17
backed by NEC.
A boutique tech incubator for early-stage B2B founders in North America. Three phases of structured discovery, capital, and access to NEC's engineering depth — built to take you from a working prototype to paid enterprise deployment.
Not just an incubator.
Your launchpad.
We help early-stage founders shape, validate, and prototype breakthrough concepts through direct access to NEC's frontier technologies, global business network, and corporate partner ecosystem. From technical validation to commercialization and fundraising readiness, we provide the support and connections needed to build venture-ready companies.
Learn more about the program →- Direct access to NEC's global R&D resources and business network
- Connections to enterprise and strategic corporate partners
- Hands-on support for product engineering, technical validation and commercialization
- Guidance from experienced founders, engineers, and GTM operators
- Investor introductions and fundraising readiness support
- Exclusive workshops and founder-focused learning content
Three phases.
Concrete deliverables.
Equity-free at first, then $20K SAFE, then up to $200K — with engineering depth at every stage.
PHASE 1
Business Design
Rethink — break assumptions, build clarity.
✦ Structured program sessions and support (group + individual)
✦ Lean Startups + Design Thinking + LOI/POC design session
✦ Mentoring sessions
PHASE 2
Demand Validation
From prototype to proof.
✦ In-person intensives in SF Bay Area (5 days + 2 days)
✦ Rapid build-measure-learn iteration with real customer pilots
✦ Pricing & go-to-market validation
PHASE 3
Value Delivery
From validation to fundable growth.
✦ Lighthouse customer acquisition · repeatable sales pattern
✦ Fundable metrics · investor-ready narrative
✦ NEC tech differentiation · warm intros · Demo Day
📅 BEFORE YOU APPLY
Program overview materials available on demand.
If you would like to revisit the program overview or explore the technologies in more detail, the full set of webinar materials is available on demand below.
Who we're looking for.
Ambitious, hands-on founders ready to explore bold ideas and rapidly test early-stage B2B/B2G solutions. We're sector-agnostic as long as your idea creates meaningful value through technology.
Solo founders welcome, but we strongly encourage at least one co-founder or core collaborator.
Can write code, use no-code tools, or create functional demos independently.
Must be a US entity before Phase 2 begins (March 2027).
We're focused on early-stage ideas. Traction is a bonus, not a prerequisite.
PREFERRED FOCUS AREAS
Application period & timeline.
The application typically takes around 5 minutes to complete if you already have a pitch deck. We review on a rolling basis.
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the sooner we can connect.
Apply Now →Deadline: December 11, 2026 · 11:59pm Pacific Time
Note: Application materials may be shared with trusted program partners who express interest in supporting your startup for purposes related to the Accelerator Program, including mentorship, potential partnerships, and other collaboration opportunities. All program partners are subject to confidentiality obligations.