Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Launches ¥200 Million Prize Program Seeking Innovative Solutions Like "Blockchain × Quantum Computing"

The Frontier Promotion Office of the Innovation Policy Division at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has launched a new initiative under its Web3.0 and blockchain policy efforts: the “NEDO Challenge”, a prize-based program aimed at solving real-world issues through the integration of quantum computing and blockchain technology.

This initiative is administered by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), a national research and development agency dedicated to fostering innovation through R&D essential to building a sustainable society. NEDO functions as an “innovation accelerator,” supporting the development and demonstration of high-risk, cutting-edge technologies and promoting their real-world deployment to address pressing societal challenges.

Amid increasing diversification of values, technological convergence, and rapid digital transformation, the NEDO Challenge represents a forward-looking approach to mobilize talent and ideas across industries in pursuit of next-generation solutions.