NEC X Announces Seven Startups for Elev X! Ignite

Palo Alto, Calif., October 11, 2025

News Summary

NEC X unveiled seven startups selected for Batch 14 of its Elev X! Ignite venture studio, a program designed to accelerate early-stage founders with deep technical and commercial support. The six-week selection drew hundreds of applicants, with just 9.3% advancing and nearly 90% of submissions focused on AI-driven, industry-specific automation. Participants gain access to NEC’s patents, researchers, mentorship, product development resources and investor readiness training, plus potential funding and global market reach. Elev X! Ignite is a hands-on, twelve-month program aimed at turning problem discovery into seed-ready businesses, with applications opening for the next cohort early next year.

NEC X Announces Seven Startups for Batch 14 of Elev X! Ignite

Palo Alto, Calif., Oct. 09, 2025. NEC X announced seven startups selected for Batch 14 of its Elev X! Ignite program. The announcement follows a six-week selection process that drew hundreds of applications and reflects a marked shift in applicant focus toward artificial intelligence (AI).

Key results and trends

The Batch 14 selection process lasted six weeks. Only 9.3% of applicants advanced through the selection process for Batch 14. Nearly 90% of Batch 14 submissions focused on AI. The percentage of AI-focused submissions rose from 56.2% in Batch 13 to nearly 90% in Batch 14. Batch 14 submissions primarily targeted practical, industry-specific automation rather than general-purpose or entertainment uses.

Program focus and cohort aims

The Batch 14 cohort will fast-track innovations intended to transform veterinary and elder care, construction, agriculture, retail experiences and enterprise processes. Elev X! Ignite is described as NEC X’s flagship startup program designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn ideas into seed-ready startups. Elev X! Ignite is described as a hands-on twelve-month venture studio program tailored for entrepreneurs in the problem discovery and validation phase. Unlike traditional venture studios and accelerators, Elev X! Ignite is positioned as a twelve-month hands-on venture studio offering close collaboration to accelerate product development, validate market fit and prepare for seed-stage investment.

Selection timeline and participation

The first phase of the program (for Batch 14) was scheduled to begin in August 2025, following a multi-phase selection process. The deadline for Batch 14 applications was June 30, 2025. From the program description, approximately 30 startups were to be invited to a no-cost, equity-free pre-program of workshops and mentorship; from that pre-program, a select group of ten teams would advance to the full Elev X! Ignite program.

What founders receive

Each Batch 14 startup benefits from NEC X’s comprehensive support network. NEC X’s support network offers the opportunity to access NEC’s 45,000 patents. NEC X’s support network offers access to world-class researchers. NEC X offers expert-led workshops and mentorship to startups in the program. NEC X provides product development resources to participating startups. NEC X provides specialized investor readiness training to participating startups. Startups in the program have the potential to leverage NEC’s global reach across more than 55 international markets. Startups in the program have the opportunity to leverage NEC’s $8 billion annual R&D ecosystem. These resources are positioned as equipping founders with tools and connections needed to accelerate growth, scale globally, and bring transformative solutions to market.

Program outcomes and alumni

Graduates of Elev X! programs have gone on to raise funding, gain early traction and bring transformative solutions to market. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 150 startups. Recent Elev X! alumni named in program materials include Yadag, WeWalk, Landwise Analytica, Chekable, Clikr, GPx, Multitude Insights, Qualitative Intelligence, Reveleum, Verdi and more. Applications for the upcoming cohort, Batch 15, will open in early 2026.

Program resources and eligibility

Elev X! Ignite offers access to expert mentorship, tech R&D support, startup-building resources and up to $250,000 in equity funding. NEC X expressed special interest in startups leveraging Generative AI, Computer Vision and Predictive Analytics. Ideal candidates are building B2B software and SaaS businesses that enhance business processes, decision-making or operational efficiency. NEC X has deep experience in sectors like climate research, AgTech, digital health and public safety but remains sector-agnostic if aligned with its mission.

Related program activity and strategic investments

Separate program communications earlier in 2025 noted strategic investments and engineering support provided to certain alumni. One recent graduate that received support focuses on medical record processing and management; program materials described measurable revenue and readmission reduction results tied to that technology. Other alumni support examples included automation and AI products for seafood supply chains and cybersecurity partnerships tied to regionally focused business units. Program materials repeat core assets available to startups: 45,000 patents; reach into 55+ international markets; and an $8 billion annual R&D ecosystem.

Organizational background and contact

NEC X is a Silicon Valley venture studio backed by NEC’s advanced technologies and global businesses. NEC X describes itself as an innovation powerhouse and curator of disruptive startups backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. NEC X says it leverages 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise from its parent organization, which uses the brand statement Orchestrating a brighter world. Media contact information provided in program materials: Robert Brownlie, Bob Gold & Associates, 310-320-2010, [email protected]. Official program sites listed in program materials include https://nec-x.com and https://www.elev-x.com.

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Key features at a glance

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• TechAfricaNews: NEC XON achieves Diamond Partner status with Palo Alto Networks
• Wikipedia: Palo Alto Networks
• GlobeNewswire: NEC X Opens Applications for Elev X! Ignite Batch 14
• Google Search: NEC X Elev X Ignite Batch 14
• BusinessWire: Reveleum Secures NEC X Investment
• Google Scholar: Reveleum medical record management
• SeafoodSource: NEC X strategic investment in SeafoodAI
• Encyclopedia Britannica: SeafoodAI
• GlobeNewswire: DeepBrain AI and NEC partner to introduce AI anchors
• Google News: DeepBrain AI NEC AI anchors

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