ICONN NINJA India Programme - Cohort 3
Powering Startup–Corporate Collaborations for Scalable Impact
ICONN NINJA India Programme is a premier corporate acceleration program curated by CII Centre of Excellence for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Startups (CIES), in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) & Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support (DTVS).
Last date to apply: 20th Sep 2025
This program connects selected startups with Japanese global corporates, enabling them to access market opportunities, mentorship, funding, and strategic partnerships.
Challenge Owner 1: Suzuki R&D Center India – Versatile Micro Electric Mobility (VMeM) Platform
Brief:
Suzuki has developed the Versatile Micro Electric Mobility (VMeM) platform, a compact, all-terrain, zero-emission vehicle built for challenging environments. Now being introduced in India by Suzuki R&D Center India (SRDI), VMeM is designed for short-distance, high-efficiency operations with dimensions of 900 × 600 × 500 mm, a payload capacity of 100–400 kg (under development), and a range of up to 50 km powered by LFP batteries.
Startups need not reinvent the hardware; instead, they are invited to integrate their innovations, whether sensors, AI, tools, or industry-specific systems, to unlock new applications and make VMeM valuable across diverse sectors.
Startups working under the following sectors are invited to apply:
Suzuki has developed the Versatile Micro Electric Mobility (VMeM) platform, a compact, all-terrain, zero-emission vehicle built for challenging environments. Now being introduced in India by Suzuki R&D Center India (SRDI), VMeM is designed for short-distance, high-efficiency operations with dimensions of 900 × 600 × 500 mm, a payload capacity of 100–400 kg (under development), and a range of up to 50 km powered by LFP batteries.
Startups need not reinvent the hardware; instead, they are invited to integrate their innovations, whether sensors, AI, tools, or industry-specific systems, to unlock new applications and make VMeM valuable across diverse sectors.
Startups working under the following sectors are invited to apply:
- Rough terrain and disaster management logistics – Deliver heavy kits and relief supplies in disaster-hit or hard-to-reach areas.
- Surveillance & Inspection – Add cameras, LiDAR, thermal imaging, or AI analytics for security, industrial checks, and smart city monitoring.
- Precision Farming – Equip with soil sensors, automated irrigation, and crop monitoring to support small and fragmented farms.
- Airport & Cargo Logistics – Streamline short-range cargo movement and last-mile delivery inside airports.
Challenge Owner 2: Dentsu India – Shaping the Future of AI & Experiences
Brief:
Dentsu India, part of the global Dentsu International network, is reimagining marketing, media, and digital experiences with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
Startups working under the following sectors are invited to apply:
Dentsu India, part of the global Dentsu International network, is reimagining marketing, media, and digital experiences with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
Startups working under the following sectors are invited to apply:
- Interlingual GenAI for Content – Build generative AI that delivers culturally accurate, real-time multilingual content across India’s 22+ languages.
- Regenerative AI – Develop AI solutions that are not just efficient but environmentally regenerative, reducing footprint and giving back to the planet.
- Experience Recommendation & DriveLog Ecosystem – Create AI-powered travel and automotive experiences with personalised itineraries, journey logs, and social features.
Challenge Owner 3: Sasakawa Peace Foundation – Revitalizing Rural Asia
Brief:
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) is launching the Asia Inclusive and Innovative Leadership Program to tackle a shared regional challenge: revitalising rural communities left behind in development. Many rural areas still face limited resources, a lack of opportunities, and declining populations. SPF aims to bring together leaders and startups to co-create practical, scalable, and inclusive solutions that empower rural communities and improve the quality of life.
Startups working under the following themes are invited to apply:
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) is launching the Asia Inclusive and Innovative Leadership Program to tackle a shared regional challenge: revitalising rural communities left behind in development. Many rural areas still face limited resources, a lack of opportunities, and declining populations. SPF aims to bring together leaders and startups to co-create practical, scalable, and inclusive solutions that empower rural communities and improve the quality of life.
Startups working under the following themes are invited to apply:
- Livelihoods & Empowerment - Income generation, youth skilling, community self-reliance.
- Sustainable Resources & Infrastructure - water, energy, healthcare, education, disaster resilience
- Healthcare & Elderly Care - affordable, tech-enabled solutions for rural populations
- Education & Connectivity - digital, vocational, or community-based learning models
- Quality of Life through Technology - sustainability, accessibility, and comfort through innovation
- Financial Innovation - creative models that make rural solutions viable
FAQs
Who can apply?
Indian startups with innovative, scalable solutions in mobility, sustainability, healthcare, agriculture, digital tech, AI and other emerging sectors.
Do I need traction to apply?
Yes, your solution should have at least a proof of concept or early market validation.
What support will select startups get?
Mentorship, corporate partnerships, pilot opportunities, access to Japanese and Indian markets, and visibility to investors.
Is there any fee to apply?
No. Application and participation are free.
How long is the programme?
Cohort 3 will run for around three months, combining virtual and in-person engagements
