How did Reveleum’s experience in the NEC X Elev X! Ignite Venture Studio Program impact the company’s strategic direction and growth trajectory?
NEC X’s Elev X! played a pivotal role in helping us bring our software to market. One of the most impactful lessons we learned was a fundamental yet crucial question: What problem are you solving, and does it truly need to be solved? While many great ideas exist, it’s essential to assess how much of a priority the problem is for customers compared to other challenges they face daily.

Elev X! guided us through this process by encouraging us to conduct hundreds of customer interviews. They also taught us how to ask unbiased, non-leading questions—helping us avoid the trap of seeking validation for our pre-existing solution. This experience fundamentally shaped our approach to product development and market fit, ensuring we address real, pressing customer needs.

What were the key milestones and challenges Reveleum faced during the development of its proprietary technology for medical record management?
Our first major milestone was customer discovery. We conducted over 30 phone and Zoom interviews with healthcare professionals, followed by on-site observations to see their workflows in action—a practice we continue today. Interviews often present idealized or worst-case scenarios, but direct observation provided deeper insights into real challenges. This hands-on approach allowed us to develop a solution that truly addressed the problem.

One of our biggest challenges was securing time with customers—not only for discussions but also for live testing. Overcoming this hurdle led to our most significant milestone: successfully conducting beta testing in a live healthcare environment.

How does Reveleum differentiate itself from other health tech startups focusing on medical record management and operational efficiency?
Reveleum stands out due to our deep expertise in both LEAN methodologies and healthcare operations. While most software solutions automate manual tasks, we took a different approach. We first defined the core problem, then applied a LEAN methodology to seamlessly integrate into existing workflows without disruption.

Additionally, we prioritized data security, designing our platform to meet the same stringent standards as internal hospital networks. Finally, our irresistible pricing model offers a competitive advantage, making our solution both cost-effective and highly valuable.

Can you discuss any specific strategies Reveleum has employed to secure investment and support from NEC X?
Our initial funding came from angel investors, many of whom were close connections or referrals. We presented them with our vision for improving healthcare, backed by a strong business case. When considering venture studio and accelerator programs, we were drawn to NEC X for its deep technology expertise, strong corporate backing and ability to provide more than just funding. NEC X’s hands-on collaboration, access to NEC’s research and LLM technology and opportunities for strategic partnerships aligned with our goals.

The NEC X application process was straightforward. We applied online and were evaluated on innovation, market potential, scalability and alignment with NEC X’s focus. I encourage others with a clear vision and the potential for market impact to apply with NEC X.

How has Reveleum’s platform demonstrated its value in improving operational efficiency and patient outcomes for healthcare providers?
From the start, our platform was designed to enhance both operational efficiency and patient outcomes. It enables clinicians to quickly access critical data that is often buried in traditional EMRs.

However, what truly set us apart was our commitment to flexibility and continuous customer feedback. By listening to our early users, we developed additional features that directly impact revenue generation and cost reduction. Our clients have reported increased throughput, Improved clinician satisfaction with EMR navigation and direct revenue gains through enhanced reporting.

What are the major pain points in healthcare record management that Reveleum aims to address, and how does its technology solve these issues?
Currently, external medical records are shared via read-only portals (e.g., Care Everywhere, MyChart) or electronic fax (e-fax). While these documents can be imported into EMRs, they lack searchability and structured indexing. Reveleum solves this by:

• Automatically indexing documents by category (e.g., Labs, Radiology, OP Reports).
  
• Creating a keyword-based table of contents for each record.
  
• Using EMR-standard terminology for easy integration.
  
• Automate the entire process upon document receipt.

This ensures clinicians can quickly locate and access relevant information without manual sorting or searching.

How does Reveleum plan to scale its operations and expand its market presence in the coming years?
Initially, we focused on community-based hospitals (<200 beds) due to their simpler decision-making structures. We are gaining traction through word-of-mouth referrals among similar-sized hospitals. Additionally, we have:

• Engaged hospital executives to discuss our impact with potential clients.
• Begun procurement processes with two large hospital networks.
• Planned entry into industry trade shows upon securing larger clients.
• Hired our first salesperson, with plans to expand nationally as traction grows.

What advice would you give to other health tech startups looking to secure investment and partnership opportunities similar to those provided by NEC X?
My biggest takeaway from participating in an incubator program like NEC X was the importance of preparation. We had pre-work assignments before attending the intensive week in Palo Alto, and the more prepared we were, the more we benefited.

Out of 150 applicants, only 6 were selected as finalists and just three received funding. Success required excelling in their structured nine-month program, but the dedication paid off. Not only did we secure funding, but NEC X’s support helped us attract additional investors.

We’ve maintained weekly advisory meetings with NEC X since our acceptance, leveraging their expertise for ongoing guidance and strategy. Their mentorship has been invaluable in shaping our growth.

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Elev X! continues to experience record-breaking growth, with applications jumping 64% year over year and increasing 37% since the last cohort, highlighting the program’s growing influence and ability to attract high-potential startups from around the world.

“Elev X! provides a collaborative environment where bold ideas become impactful solutions. Our record-breaking growth shows that startup founders and investors alike recognize the unmatched value NEC X delivers,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “We’re helping bold innovators accelerate faster, and the startups in Batch 13 are poised to make a meaningful impact – whether it’s transforming wine production, automating debt collection, streamlining biotech compliance or enhancing enterprise decision-making with conversational AI.”

Introducing the Elev X! Ignite Batch 13 Startups:

• Bazzuka AI – AI agent for debt collections to save costs and boost recovery for collection teams.
• EnterpriseChai – The insight engine that thinks & acts for your GTM teams.
• Lokatial – AI-powered compliance platform streamlines regulatory workflows for pharma and life sciences companies, reducing compliance costs by up to 60%.
• Otani – AI-driven assistant enhances VC investment decisions with data-driven evaluations, improving efficiency in early-stage deal assessments.
• Vigneron.AI – AI platform helps wine growers analyze data for proactive vineyard management, enhancing agricultural efficiency and wine quality.
• Yadag – an AI-powered seasonal staffing platform that helps farms hire, onboard and manage workers through WhatsApp—automating paperwork, visa processing and compliance. Over 30K workers sign-ups and growing.

Each startup benefits from NEC X’s extensive support ecosystem, including access to NEC’s global network of 45,000 patents, curated workshops, investor readiness training, expert advisors and connections across 55+ international markets.

Graduates of Elev X! programs have gone on to raise funding, gain early traction and bring transformative solutions to market. Recent alumni include Chekable, Clikr, GPx, Multitude Insights, Qualitative Intelligence, Reveleum, Verdi and more.

Applications for the upcoming cohort, Batch 14, will open in May 2025. For more information about Elev X! Programs, click here.

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Clikr is revolutionizing how customers interact with their favorite brands and products through shareable video reviews, helping brands foster more profound and lasting connections with target audiences. The platform offers advanced, AI-powered tools that help brands turn passive customers and users into impactful, loyal advocates, who capture and share their authentic, personal and engaging experiences after using a product.

“Clikr embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that NEC X strives to cultivate in all our startups,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “Their AI solution holds the potential to enhance new purchasing experiences through possible collaboration with NEC’s technology, enriching people’s lives. Clikr has reimagined user engagement and is redefining how brands connect with their audiences.”

With a diverse and growing community of partners, users and influencers, Clikr’s platform offers a new and more cost-effective way to drive product exposure, increase web traffic and convert more sales. Recent research found that including authentic, user-generated reviews can increase the likelihood of purchasing a product by 270% or more.

Clikr addresses this need with its unique approach to user-generated content and community building, making it a premier choice for fashion and beauty brands seeking to revolutionize their e-commerce strategy and transition to social commerce.

By connecting brands with passionate content creators through its easy-to-use solution, Clikr cultivates an authentic community that transforms casual viewers into loyal fans and customers. Additionally, with tools to share shoppable videos, screen top-performing advocates, and monitor creator impact in real time, the solution empowers brands and influencers to maximize their reach. The company is already seeing rapid traction in the fashion and beauty industries.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and resources provided by NEC X throughout our journey,” said Laura Khoudari-Rico, CEO of Clikr. “The Elev X! Ignite program has been instrumental in refining our technology and business model, enabling us to accelerate our growth and reach new heights. We are excited to continue our mission of transforming customer engagement as we head into the next chapter of our journey.”

NEC X’s Elev X! Ignite program transforms early-stage founders into seed-ready startups, offering a unique blend of strategic collaboration, engineering expertise, R&D resources, and up to $200K in equity funding to help early-stage startups achieve success. During the six- to nine-month program, Clikr worked closely with NEC X’s innovation team, engineers,  industry experts, and mentors to refine their product, validate their business model, and prepare for scalable market entry. Clikr joined the program as part of cohort Batch 10, which began in Q3 2023.

With the completion of the Elev X! Ignite program, Clikr is poised for significant growth and market impact.

To learn more about Clikr and experience their advanced technology, visit https://www.clikr.ai.

NEC X recently opened applications for its latest Elev X! Ignite cohort, Batch 13. See how to apply to their venture studio program here.

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Startups have until December 20, 2024, to apply for the upcoming cohort, Batch 13, which will commence in early 2025, following a multi-phase selection process.

“Elev X! empowers ambitious founders with bold ideas to create a lasting impact,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “Each new cohort brings a fresh wave of innovation to solve pressing real-world challenges. These startups are pushing the frontiers of technology, creating solutions that address critical market needs and contribute to a better society. Batch 13 represents an opportunity to take these transformative ideas and provide the support they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.”

NEC X has continued to experience rapid growth, both in the number of Elev X! applicants, as well as its robust network of tech experts and entrepreneurs. Today, the NEC X network encompasses more than 6,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. NEC X has also expanded with new corporate partnerships, providing additional resources and invaluable startup support, including Sumitomo Life, SOMPO Digital Lab and Yazaki Innovations. 

Applications for Elev X! Ignite increased by 23% from Batch 11 and more than doubled year over year since 2023, underscoring the value of NEC X’s unique blend of support, funding and market access. In addition, SPIN, NEC X’s monthly startup-investor pitch and networking event series, has drawn more than 500 participants since launching in June, offering another gateway for startups to connect with investors.

Why Join Elev X! Ignite
Elev X! Ignite is unlike any traditional venture studio, offering a unique blend of strategic collaboration, engineering expertise, extensive R&D resources, comprehensive support services and funding to accelerate transformative startups. This customized program is ideal for entrepreneurs and founding teams in the ideation or prototyping phase. It is designed to fast-track innovations that synergize with NEC’s technologies and businesses, have a clear vision and the potential for substantial market impact.

While entrepreneurs from all industries are eligible, NEC X has a particular strength and focus on B2B software and SaaS startups innovating in the fields of AI, climate and agriculture, marketing, public safety, and healthcare.

During the six- to nine-month program, startups work closely with NEC X’s innovation team, researchers, industry experts, coaches, mentors and advisors to refine their product and market fit. This collaborative journey includes conducting customer discovery and validation, developing compelling Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), verifying Proof-of-Concept (POC), and engaging paying customers and investors.

Since its founding in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 130 startups.

How to Apply
Qualified candidates are those working on new business ideas, developing problem-solution hypotheses, or prototyping MVPs. It is not required to have launched a product or generated revenue. Submissions will be evaluated on innovation, market potential and scalability.

Approximately 30 applicants will advance to its first phase called “Business Design,” a fee-free and equity-free pre-program of workshops and mentorship, followed by a selection of six to nine startups to join Elev X! Ignite.

For application information, materials and deadlines, click here.

For more information about Elev X!, please visit: https://elev-x.com.

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Since 2018, NEC X has helped fuel the launch and growth of over 130 innovative tech startups, transforming their visionary ideas into scalable successes. The latest ventures were picked from a pool of 300 applicants for their industry-defining potential in areas such as climate and agriculture, software and app development, wireless network and IoT connectivity, recruitment and staffing, and more. 

Elev X! Ignite reimagines the venture studio framework by offering a distinctive combination of collaboration, funding, engineering expertise, extensive R&D resources, and holistic support services. This tailored program accelerates entrepreneurs through the critical ideation and prototyping stages, equipping them to scale their innovative technologies in global markets.

NEC X has experienced rapid growth since launching its Elev X! programs, evidenced by a 23% increase in applications since Batch 11 in Q2 2024. Each new cohort not only marks a rise in applications, but also in the quality of ideas and disruptive technologies submitted.

“Our continued growth and quality of applicants underscores the unique opportunities we create, turning groundbreaking concepts into viable solutions through an unparalleled collaborative experience,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “Our selected startups exemplify forward-thinking innovation with the power to address critical challenges making a measurable difference in both their sectors and the world around them.”

The startups of Elev X! Ignite Batch 12 include: 

• AppShip – Automates enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation and knowledge maintenance by layering AI over ERP and CRM systems like SAP or Salesforce.
• CEQAbase – Environmental impact reporting software delivers significant processing gains in project investigation, analysis and document preparation to meet regulatory requirements.
• CodeIntegrity – Automates software quality assurance, reduces technical debt and boosts productivity, allowing engineers to focus more on innovation.
• DASflect – Enhances wireless network performance using easy-to-install reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, enabling faster, more reliable connections at lower costs and complexity.
• LandWise Analytica – Promotes sustainable agriculture through data-driven AI algorithms, advanced land sustainability maps and tailored land use recommendations.
• Pairenthesis – First-of-its-kind AI-native data insights platform empowers businesses to achieve data excellence and accelerate decision-making—without writing any code – simplifying data import, cleaning and visualization to effortlessly unlock actionable insights.
• PolarisJobs – Revolutionizes sales team recruitment with AI-powered screening and interviewing, reducing hiring time by up to 70% and enabling HR teams to focus on top candidates.

Elev X! members benefit from NEC X’s vibrant ecosystem of unique resources and services tailored to transform and launch early-stage companies. This encompasses funding opportunities, tailored mentorship, access to leading technologies, exclusive workshops, skills training, strategic partnerships and more.

This powerful combination of support, tools and resources empowers startups to create a strong Minimum Viable Product (MVP), validate their Proof-of-Concept (POC), attract paying customers, secure seed funding and, ultimately, succeed in today’s competitive market.

Recent graduates include Verdi, Chekable, Multitude Insights, Qualitative Intelligence and many more.

Applications for the upcoming cohort, Batch 13, will open in November 2024. For more information about Elev X! Programs, click here.

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Startups have until July 7, 2024, to apply for the upcoming cohort, Batch 12, of NEC X’s coveted venture studio program, which will commence in Q3 2024 following a multi-phase selection process.

“We’re honoured to welcome the next wave of visionaries to apply for Batch 12 and join NEC X’s robust and growing ecosystem,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “It’s always inspiring to see the innovative ideas that emerge from our applicants, and even more inspirational to see their evolution and growth throughout our programs. I’m eager to see what the newest batch will create.”

Why Join Elev X! Ignite
Elev X! Ignite transcends traditional venture studio models, providing a unique blend of strategic collaboration, engineering expertise, extensive R&D resources, comprehensive support services and up to $200K in equity funding to propel transformative startups to success. The customized program is ideal for entrepreneurs and founding teams in the ideation or prototyping phase and is designed to fast-track innovations that synergize with NEC’s technologies, have a clear vision and the potential for substantial market impact.

During the six- to nine-month program, startups work closely with NEC X’s innovation team and engineers, NEC researchers, industry experts, coaches, mentors and advisors to refine their product. This collaborative journey includes conducting Customer Discovery and Validation with customer interviews, developing compelling Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), verifying Proof-of-Concept (POC), and engaging paying customers and investors.

Upon completion, participants will have validated a problem-solution fit and solution-product fit with a refined business model, a strong team, and scalable solutions, positioning them to generate recurring revenue and secure new funding.

While entrepreneurs and founding teams from all industries are eligible, NEC X has a particular strength and focus on B2B software and SaaS startups innovating in the fields of AI/ML, climate and agriculture, healthcare and digital health, marketing, and public safety.

How to Apply
Qualified candidates are those working on new business ideas, developing problem-solution hypotheses, or prototyping an MVP. It is not required to have launched a product or generated revenue. Submissions will be evaluated on innovation, market potential and scalability.

Approximately 30 applicants will be selected to advance to a pitch round and a pre-program of workshops and mentorship, followed by a final selection of six to eight startups to join Elev X!

Interested parties can learn more about the program by attending an introductory webinar.

For application information, materials, and deadlines, click here.

Fueling Startup Success
Since 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 100 startups. Past graduates of Elev X! include Metabob, eCommerceInsights.ai (now Indellia), Beagle Technology, NavigateIO, Flyhound, Qualitative Intelligence (Q.I.), WeWalk and many more.

• Manny Cerniglia, Co-founder and CEO of Flyhound (Batch 6): “We were impressed with NEC X’s continued support of our business. From facilitating investor introductions to connecting us with partners and helping us grow, they have been an incredible ally and a key figure in our success.”
• Nipun Kumar, CEO, Chekable (Batch 10): “The program structure – with pre customer discovery, customer discovery, and validation – helped me to think about how I could find a product that would be extremely profitable and business worthy. The great thing about pre discovery is that you get access to top coaches and mentors and you get a preview and a taste of what it’s like to work with NEC.”
• Tiffany Walling McGarity, CEO, Metapyxl (Batch 11): “The value of collaborating with NEC X has catalyzed our business scaling efforts by providing crucial insights into efficient operational practices and go-to-market strategies. This engagement has enriched our team’s capabilities in business acumen and strategic planning. Moreover, NEC X has fostered a vibrant network of peer companies, creating a collaborative community from which we all learn and grow. Their recognition of our efforts has also elevated our company’s profile, providing us with invaluable exposure and credibility in the industry.”
• Jean-Claude Junqua, Founder and Owner, CE2Innovate (Program Advisor): “Via the Elev X! program, a new venture or early-stage startup will have access to high quality workshops and expert guidance. They will also be able to experience a range of new perspectives while sharpening their problem solution fit via customer interviews. In a short period of time they will realize the power of a problem-centered approach. They will be able to do so with the guidance needed to be successful.”

To learn more about the Elev X! Program, please visit: https://elev-x.com. 

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