NEDO Prize Program — Neuro Tech NEDO Challenge: New Systems Using Brain-Derived Signals

①Overview: NEDO Neuro Tech Challenge is NEDO's prize-based open-innovation program for developing new systems using non-invasive brain-activity/brain-derived signal measurement (no tissue damage/penetration/internal insertion). Operated through preliminary and final rounds with prizes for top performers. Office: neuro-tech@tohmatsu.co.jp. ②Eligible applicants: No company-size restriction (large/SME both OK). Individuals can apply. Joint applications with foreign companies OK (Japan-based responsible person required). Multi-entity/joint applications allowed (single prize-receipt representative). Switching between individual/corporate forms during application allowed. Mid-application member additions allowed. Excluded: works produced solely with national competitive research funds (Cabinet Office's Competitive Research Funding System). Institutional-investor funding is fine. Pre-consultation is not required. ③Eligible expenses & benefit content: Prize-money (NOT subsidy). No usage restrictions on prize. Self-funded balance if prize doesn't cover. Multiple theme applications OK (separate proposals/deliverables per theme). Preliminary round: technology concept + design (TRL2). Final round: laboratory initial verification success (TRL3). Comprehensive Excellence Award requires IRB review (IRB must satisfy 4 conditions: MHLW Research Ethics Committee Reporting System registration / external consultation / actual ethics review / brain-signal research review track-record or capability). Without IRB, only Judge's Special Award eligible. ④Rate, ceiling, schedule, application pointers: Prize money paid only to top winners ("floor cutoff" if necessary level not reached). Top 3 + special-award winners per theme planned. Designated proposal format. Judged by rulebook on sales/SAM/economic-ripple-effect metrics. IP rights belong to applicant (no third-party infringement). Application summary (partial proposal) generally published on official site (specify any non-public portions). Award ceremony, NewsPicks article, community-event PR. Community participation optional (no impact on screening). Mid-application revision/resubmission allowed using receipt number.