How It Works

Working with Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem, NEC X offers an 8-12 months program for entrepreneurs starting their new venture. We run several cohorts a year with 4-8 teams each time, providing hands-on support as your co-founders.

NEC X also welcomes early-stage startups looking for technologies. We promote technology collaboration and seed funding outside of the cohorts as well.

What we provide

Hands-On Support

NEC X team and our mentors work with you closely, providing support with diverse expertise.

Product Engineering Support

NEC X’s product engineering team supports you to build disruptive solutions.

Technology & Research Support

Collaboration with the NEC emerging technology.

Workshops & Learning Contents

Small cohort with a handful of workshops and learning content throughout the program.

Funding

Up to $400K total, including in-kind investment for business and product development.

Network

Strong network of connections with our partners.

Whom we’re looking for

We are looking for entrepreneurs who have:

  • Experience with working directly with customers
  • Understanding of lean startup principles
  • Extensive domain knowledge and existing network
  • History of successful fundraising or startup activities
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Q&A

Can an application be from multiple people as a team?

Yes, you can apply either as a solo founder or as a team.

Can we pitch the idea we have already been working on?

Yes, you can. You can tell us the current status of your idea on the application form.

Are you open to the consumer market or are you focused only on enterprise / B2B?

We are open to either B2B or B2C, however, we’ve had more B2B businesses get select and succeed in the short timeframe in our past batches.

How does the application process work?

We will invite those qualified to a webinar and one or several interviews. You will also be requested to submit your business idea. After the pre-selection, the top 20 candidates will be invited to a workshop and one-on-one session with our coaches. You will refine the idea, then pitch it to the committee. 4-8 teams will be admitted to each program.

Is the program conducted in-person or remotely?

Most of the workshops and daily communications are virtual. However, some important sessions are scheduled to be held in person in Silicon Valley.

“Through my journey as an EIR, I’ve worked with an extremely talented team of researchers. We work together to make groundbreaking technology into tangible products that will positively benefit society. A challenge with startups is finding the right team. With NEC X, you’ll work with a group of talented experts with unique skills, turning technology concepts into a product. The unique structure of NEC X allows me to learn the workflow and execution of a big corporation, through fast-paced innovation like a high growth startup.”

– Massi Genta

“The EIR program has been an excellent experience for me. I feel that I have the best of both worlds. I have the support of a respected multinational company, NEC, yet I am able to run a startup through NEC X. Through NEC X and the EIR role, I get to be a problem solver, collaborate with top-notch research and technical colleagues and work towards creating a sustainable business. Working at NEC X, I feel energized, and I get up to do my best every day.”

– Sukhi Lamba