NEC X Venture Studio Program "Elev X! Ignite Batch 15"

Calling for all early-stage founders in the problem discovery and validation stage!

Join Webinar 11/12 | 11/19 | 12/3 | 12/10

About Elev X! Ignite

Elev X! Ignite is not just an incubation program — it's your launchpad for turning bold ideas into real-world impact. We partner with early-stage founders to help shape, validate, and prototype breakthrough concepts. With access to NEC’s frontier technologies, expert mentorship, and startup-building resources, Ignite empowers you to move from raw vision to a fundable, venture-ready foundation. Learn more

What We Offer

• Direct access to NEC’s global R&D resources and business networks
• Hands-on support for product engineering and technical validation
• Up to $250K in funding
• Guidance from top-tier mentors, engineers, and business development experts
• Introductions to investors and strategic corporate partners
• Exclusive workshops and founder-focused learning content

Eligibility

We’re looking for ambitious, hands-on founders who are ready to explore bold ideas and rapidly test early-stage solutions with our support. Ideal applicants:

• Are working as a team — or in the process of forming one
  Solo founders are welcome, but we strongly encourage having at least one co-founder or core collaborator to share the journey.
• Can build and test lightweight prototypes
  A formal engineering background isn’t required, but we look for builder-type founders who can write code, use no-code tools, or create functional demos independently.
• Are based in the U.S. and incorporated as a U.S. entity
  If you’re not yet incorporated at the time of application, you must incorporate before the start of Phase 2 (September, 2025).
• Are not required to be generating revenue or raising capital
  We’re focused on early-stage ideas — traction is a bonus, not a prerequisite.

Preferred Areas of Focus

At Elev X! Ignite, we support founders building impactful solutions that improve how businesses and institutions operate. We’re especially interested in:

• B2B software and SaaS businesses
• Solutions that enhance business processes, decision-making, or operational efficiency
• Startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as:
  • Generative AI
  • Computer Vision
  • Data & Predictive Analytics

While we have experience in certain sectors, we remain sector-agnostic as long as your idea aligns with our mission to create meaningful value through technology.

Our experience spans a wide range of Enterprise SaaS applications — including core functions like legal, HR, and finance; go-to-market and developer tools; as well as vertical solutions in healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, and public sector operations.

Program Structure

The program follows a three-phase funnel over the course of up to 1 year, with each stage narrowing the cohort based on progress and potential.

1. Phase 1: Business Model Design (Online, 4 weeks — 30 startups)
   Teams identify market needs through customer interviews and validate their core business concept.
   -> Top-performing teams are invited to Phase 2.

2. Phase 2: Demand Validation (Hybrid, 8 weeks — 10 startups)
   Selected teams deepen customer discovery and rapidly prototype solutions with continuous feedback.
   -> Only teams with validated demand proceed to Phase 3.

3. Phase 3: Value Delivery (Hybrid, up to 9 months — 1-3 startups)
   Finalists build MVPs, engage pilot partners, collaborate with NEC engineers, and prepare for fundraising and go-to-market.
   -> Teams work toward scalable value delivery and investor readiness.

   Follow-on investment opportunities may be available.

HOW TO APPLY

• Application period: Oct 27, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025, 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)
• The application typically takes around 30 minutes to complete if you already have a pitch deck.
• We begin the review process as soon as we receive the application on a rolling basis, so please be sure to submit it after you have completed the application.

SCHEDULE