Innovation challenge for the Next Generation 2021-2022

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In this challenge, only one team member should apply and will act as the representative for the startup in question.

Any global startup that has been incorporated or any academic researcher are welcome to apply in any of the categories stated in the Innovation challenge for the Next Generation 2021-2022.

Documents:

• Introduction slides about your core team members
• Optional: Startup presentation deck

Questions in your application form:

• Value proposition of the solution
• Technical introduction of the product/solution
• Target Market
• Which JXNMM core technology would you like to use?
• Which JXNMM asset would you like to use?

You will need to prepare for the Interview phase, please see the dedicated FAQ section.

The deadline for submitting your completed application and the required document is December 13, 2021 at 23:59 (GMT+9). 

The top 20 Startups selected after the voting phase will move on to the Interview Screening.

Please prepare a presentation including the following:

• Strength of the Team members.
• Development Plan of your proposal.
• Vision/Goal of your business and your proposal.
• How do you envision a collaboration with JXNMM and what would you like to get out of it?

Startups will be required to submit their interview presentation deck on the platform by January 30, 2022 at 23:59 (GMT+9).

Each Startup will be interviewed in the following fashion:

• Startup presentation - 10min
• Q&A with the judges - 10 min

The announcement of the 8 shortlisted Startups that will participate in the Mentoring and Final Judging Session will be made by February 17, 2022..

The 8 teams selected after the interviews will be selected to participate in the Mentoring Phase.

To interact with your mentors please visit your participation space and open the tab called "Mentors" where you will find the Agorize messaging feature.

Each finalist Startups will be paired with 1 to 2 mentors. The mentors will provide guidance in the form of messaging and conference calls, for participants to further develop their projects for the Final Event and adapt it to JXNMM’s needs.

The mentoring phase will last for around 1 month, from February 18, 2022 to March 18, 2022.

Grand Winners stand the chance of gaining the great prizes and opportunities below:

• Proof Of Concept:
  • GRAND PRIZE: USD 25,000 in cash for a Proof of Concept
  • RUNNER UP: USD 15,000 in cash for a POC
  • SECOND RUNNER UP: USD 10,000 in cash for a POC

  Additional funding will be considered as needed to complete the project.

• Investment:

  Possibility of investment in the business and connection to the Corporate Venture Capital of JX Nippon Mining & Metal.

• Business collaboration:

  JX Nippon Mining & Metals will be supporting the winners to develop their business in Japan, by providing the following opportunities:

  • Business collaboration with JXNMM and group companies.
  • Local business support in Japan.
  • Inviting the winners to JX Nippon Mining & Metals' exhibitions and other opportunities
  • Access to JX Nippon Mining & Metals' assets related to R&D and manufacturing technologies (see more information here: https://www.nmm.jx-group.co.jp/english/rd_sp/core_tech/).

> For the Finalists

• Introduction to JX Nippon Mining & Metals Group Companies.
• Opportunities for networking with JXNMM executives (pitching and interview events).

Providing the Covid-19 situation permits it, the Final Event will be held at the end of March 2022 in Tokyo. Stay tuned for further information!

You will need to prepare a 5-min pitch presentation in English, which will be followed by 3-5 minutes Q&A.