NEDO Prize-Based Research and Development Program (NEDO Challenge)

(1) Overview: The NEDO Prize-Based R&D Program ('NEDO Challenge') is operated since FY2023 by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). It solicits diverse seeds and solutions to technical and social challenges through a contest-style prize-money R&D scheme, aiming to rapidly discover innovative seeds that lead to future social problem solving and new industry creation, plus connect winners to joint research within 2 years. Project code P23026, lead office Frontier Division (フロンティア部). (2) Eligibility: Prize-advertisement applicants must be entities (corporations, individuals, groups) with status in Japan and a primary R&D base in Japan. Groups must appoint a Japan-based responsible person. Foreign entities may join via partnership when special R&D capability, facilities, or international standardization needs justify it. Applicants must also be able to properly carry out the measures required by NEDO for project management. (3) Eligible Expenses and Benefits: This is not a conventional subsidy but a prize-money scheme: NEDO awards prize money under Civil Code to the top several entrants whose results exceed the target level in a contest evaluated by an external prize-award screening committee. In addition to cash prizes, non-monetary support such as mentoring, network building and additional support is provided during the R&D period. FY2026 themes include Quantum Computing Solutions 2, GENIAC-PRIZE, Emergency Response Robotics, Cybersecurity and Quantum-era Blockchain. (4) Rate, Ceiling, Schedule, Application Points: Program budget: FY2023 theme block ¥600M (FY23-24 total), FY2024 theme block ¥1,150M (FY24-26 total), FY2025 theme block ¥2,600M (FY25). Per-theme operation contract approx ¥300M/year for up to 3 fiscal years. Prize totals are set per theme. Example public-call: Quantum Computing Solutions 2 runs from 20 Apr 2026 to 30 Jun 2027. Apply via the dedicated contest website; all application costs are borne by the applicant.