IGNITION started in 2017 as a new business creation program targeting associates of Honda R&D Co., Ltd., a R&D subsidiary of Honda in Japan, then, in 2021, the eligibility for participation was expanded to include all Honda associates in Japan.  

Now, the eligibility will be expanded to any individuals and businesses in Japan. By combining the ideas of people outside the company with Honda’s technology and knowledge, Honda will further strive to contribute to solving various society issues and creating new value for people. Moreover, through this program Honda will explore opportunities for future collaboration and alliances by supporting individuals and businesses outside Honda.

Any individuals who aim to start a business and any startups within three years from the start of their business and still in the “seed stage” ^*1, in Japan, are now eligible to participate in the IGNITION program. Honda is in search of participants who are willing to further refine their ideas and realize their dreams through co-creation with Honda. The IGNITION program is planning to set four themes for applications: 1) carbon neutrality, 2) robotics, 3) mobility and 4) production/manufacturing technology.

The participants who pass the first round of evaluation will work to create/start up new business while receiving support from a team consisting of Honda experts in various areas, including technology development, design and business development, during the six-month to a year period leading up to the second round of evaluation.

The participants who pass the second round and the corporate venturing (CV) consultation^*2 will be offered multiple options in how to pursue their business, such as receiving a capital contribution from Honda^*3, in addition to collaboration and cooperation with Honda.