Deadline: December 20, 2025
Applications are open for the Elev X! Ignite Venture Studio Program Batch 15. Do you have a groundbreaking idea and want to change the world? Join Elev X! Ignite, and transform your vision into a reality.
The intensive 6- to 9-month program is designed for passionate entrepreneurs in the ideation or prototyping phase, like you. They provide the guidance, support, tools, and resources you need to validate your concept, develop a compelling Minimum Viable Product (MVP), verify Proof-of-Concept (POC), engage paying customers, secure seed funding, and thrive in today’s competitive startup landscape.
Elev X! Ignite is not just an incubation program — it’s your launchpad for turning bold ideas into real-world impact. 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.
Areas of Focus
At Elev X! Ignite, they support founders building impactful solutions that improve how businesses and institutions operate. They are 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
Benefits
- 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
They are looking for ambitious, hands-on founders who are ready to explore bold ideas and rapidly test early-stage solutions with support. Ideal applicants:
- Are working as a team — or in the process of forming one
- Solo founders are welcome, but they 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 they 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
- They are focused on early-stage ideas — traction is a bonus, not a prerequisite.
Application
- The application typically takes around 30 minutes to complete if you already have a pitch deck.
- They begin the review process as soon as we receive the application on a rolling basis, so be sure to submit it after you have completed the application.
For more information, visit Elev X!
