NTT DATA Accepting Applications for Open Innovation Contest 11

Submissions for the online cross-border event invited from venture companies worldwide that are accelerating the pace of digital business

August 6, 2020, Tokyo – NTT DATA, a leading IT services provider, has begun accepting applications for the “NTT DATA presents Open Innovation Contest 11” held in coordination with its corporate group companies in locations throughout the world. Applications are being accepted from today, August 6, 2020.

The Open Innovation Contest was launched in 2014 with the aim of encouraging the emergence of new businesses through open innovation. This eleventh contest seeks to foster the creation of new businesses globally, presenting challenges for areas expected to grow as digital businesses—Smart City, Digital Healthcare, and Exponential Technology. Regional qualifying events will be held around the world, with the winners of these contests participating in the Grand Finale event to be held in January 2021. The contest is intended to generate new business through cooperation with NTT DATA.

Of note, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, contests will be held online.

NTT DATA utilizes the open innovation accumulated through this contest, as well as its group companies throughout the world, innovation ecosystem, and other networks to achieve a “win-win-win” for venture companies, customers, and NTT DATA. We will continue to support the creation of new social infrastructure businesses.

Background
Digital business has spread to all aspects of the economy, and continues to advance while incorporating a range of cutting-edge technologies. Through this contest, NTT DATA has considered business ideas with more than 1,500 leading venture companies around the world, with more than 20 case of actual business commercialization in a range of fields.

For this latest contest as well, NTT DATA will work with its group companies around the world to consider potential collaborations, and quickly establish businesses with venture companies.

Overview of Open Innovation Contest 11
Open Innovation Contest 11 aims to strengthen business solutions for common global problems, focusing on the three themes of Smart City, Digital Healthcare, and Exponential Technology. Venture companies with exceptional technologies and services from around the world are invited to participate in regional contests. The contest will utilize an online format that will make participation easier, and allow for potential collaboration with a wider range of exceptional venture companies.

Examination of potential collaboration after the contest
NTT DATA and its group companies worldwide will form dedicated teams to consider potential collaboration with those companies that exhibit good synergy with NTT DATA, and will approach customers with offers for proof of concept (PoC) and other proposals.

NTT DATA will provide up to $100,000 in support for PoC to cover associated costs such a travel, operations, and hardware/software.

Contest themes: Smart City, Digital Healthcare, and Exponential Technology. Additional challenge themes may also be set according to the business interests in each region.

Schedule: The application period starts on August 6, with the closing varying by host country. Following the regional contests, the winning companies from each region will be invited to participate in the Grand Finale that will be held in January 2021.

Contest details and application method: Applications can only be submitted through the website. Contest details are subject to change without notice, so please check the official website.

For more information, go to the official contest website.