From a pool of over 250 qualified applicants, seven startups were selected for their potential to innovate and lead in emerging technologies, including AI, public safety, marketing, healthcare, and others.

Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has successfully launched and nurtured over 100 startups.

Elev X! Ignite extends well beyond the traditional venture studio framework, offering a unique combination of collaboration, funding, engineering prowess, expansive R&D capabilities, and comprehensive support services. The tailored programme accelerates entrepreneurs through the ideation and prototyping stages, preparing them to scale their pioneering technologies in global markets.

“Our record-breaking pool of applicants is a testament to the unique value we provide, transforming visionary ideas into market-ready innovations through a one-of-a-kind, collaborative journey,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “Many incredible ideas were submitted, but our chosen companies truly stand out for their outstanding teams, social impact and potential to synergise with NEC's vast resources.”

Elev X! Ignite Batch 11 includes:

• AI VOBIS – transformative startup for digital health and medical AI
• Barricade AI – multimodal generative AI to help first responders cut reporting time and spend more time in the field
• Jump AI – AI-powered integration platform delivers custom SaaS-to-SaaS integrations on-demand to seed/Series A startups, enabling them to rapidly connect tools for prospects, with usage-based pricing and automated maintenance reducing integration overhead
• Metapyxl – elevating digital rights management by empowering creators and businesses to secure content, embed links for direct purchases in images, and leverage analytics for superior engagement and reach
• OwlVision – AI/ML-driven co-pilot using machine vision to enhance situational awareness, reduce collision risk and mitigate the effects of understaffed aviation infrastructure
• Talentlabs.ai – customisable, deep AI intelligence to automate recruitment and find ideal candidates faster
• UpendNow Inc. – SaaS platform that optimises the pre-production workflow of high-end videos and films by automating ideation and strategy, using the power of generative AI

Elev X! members gain access to NEC X’s dynamic ecosystem of startup resources, and services. This includes funding to grow, hands-on support and mentorship, integrations with advanced technologies, exclusive workshops, skill development, strategic collaborations and much more.

This vital combination of guidance, support, tools, and resources uniquely enable startups to develop a compelling Minimum Viable Product (MVP), validate Proof-of-Concept (POC), engage paying customers, secure seed funding and thrive in today’s competitive startup landscape.

NEC X has experienced tremendous growth since launching in 2018, including a 72% increase in applications since Elev X! Ignite cohort Batch 10. Past graduates of Elev X! include Metabob, eCommerceInsights.ai (Indellia), Beagle Technology, NavigateIO, Flyhound, Qualitative Intelligence and WeWalk.