Key Takeaways
- Seven startups join the latest cohort of the NEC X Elev X! Ignite program.
- Nearly 90% of applications focused on artificial intelligence across various sectors.
- Selected ventures span industries including agriculture, veterinary care, eldercare, and retail.
- Participants will gain access to NEC’s research network, patents, and investor training.
- The initiative aims to support the development of practical AI-driven solutions for global markets.
NEC X Expands Elev X! Ignite with New AI-Focused Cohort
NEC X has announced the selection of seven startups for Batch 14 of its Elev X! Ignite program. The Silicon Valley-based venture studio, backed by NEC Corporation, supports early-stage ventures developing technology-driven solutions for industry challenges.
The latest cohort will focus on applying artificial intelligence (AI) across diverse fields such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, and retail. According to NEC X, the six-week selection process attracted hundreds of applications, with only 9.3% accepted into the program. Nearly 90% of applicants incorporated AI into their concepts, compared to 56.2% in the previous batch, showing increased interest in industry-specific automation rather than broad consumer use cases.
NEC X Highlights Growing Industry Shift Toward Applied AI
Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X, said that the growing role of AI marks a shift in how industries operate and innovate. “Batch 14 founders are using their deep industry knowledge to reimagine processes and build the foundation for an AI-driven future,” Matsumoto said.
This approach reflects broader trends in AI adoption, with startups emphasizing practical implementation in existing workflows to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline decision-making.
Startups Selected for NEC X Elev X! Ignite Batch 14
| Startup | Industry | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| AgriAssure | Agriculture | Provides regulatory compliance SaaS for agri-food businesses, automating compliance and traceability. |
| CloudMind | Eldercare | Develops AI companions designed to support emotional connection and caregiver efficiency. |
| Deka | Construction | Builds AI tools to assist in preconstruction and RFP development. |
| HashQ AI | Enterprise | Automates customer retention processes and generates engagement playbooks. |
| Milkyway X AI | Retail | Uses AI to turn retail data into actionable insights at the SKU level. |
| OdisAI | Veterinary | Offers an AI-powered veterinary scribe with diagnostic and communication features. |
| ssender.ai | Marketing | Focuses on AI-driven community management and social media optimization. |
Providing Access to Global Research and Development Network
Startups selected for the program will receive support through NEC X’s innovation ecosystem, including access to NEC’s 45,000 patents, mentorship, and investor-readiness training. Participants may also benefit from NEC’s global operations spanning more than 55 markets and an annual R&D budget of approximately $8 billion.
This structure is intended to help early-stage companies advance product development, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for global market entry.
NEC X Continues to Build on Elev X! Legacy
Previous NEC X program graduates such as Yadag, WeWalk, and Verdi have advanced through funding and early market adoption. Batch 14 continues this trajectory by supporting founders focused on applied AI in agriculture, veterinary care, retail, and enterprise processes.
Through Elev X! Ignite, NEC X aims to encourage technology development that aligns innovation with practical, real-world applications, contributing to broader industry modernization and digital transformation.
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