Deadline: 05-Jun-2026
The Toyota Foundation Research Grant Program offers funding of up to 8 million yen for innovative, interdisciplinary research projects addressing complex social issues. Open to researchers aged 45 or younger based in Japan, the program encourages collaborative and international approaches that promote societal transformation over a two-year period from November 2026 to October 2028.
Overview
The Toyota Foundation Research Grant Program funds research projects that address complex social issues using new perspectives and collaborative approaches. The program encourages projects that examine the connections between:
- People and society
- People and nature
- People and technology
The initiative emphasizes interdisciplinary research, diverse participation, international perspectives, and strong societal impact, supporting efforts that challenge existing systems and aim for meaningful social transformation.
Objectives
The program aims to:
- Promote innovative and free-thinking approaches to social challenges
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple fields
- Foster international engagement for global and regional relevance
- Support transformative projects that generate meaningful societal change
- Reexamine social systems to create more harmonious and prosperous communities
Funding Details
- Grant Period: November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2028 (2 years)
- Total Program Budget: 60 million yen
- Maximum Funding per Project: 8 million yen
Projects should demonstrate clear potential for societal impact and innovative solutions that go beyond conventional academic research.
Who is Eligible?
Project representatives must:
- Be 45 years old or younger at the start of the grant period
- Have a contact address in Japan
Project Requirements:
- Must involve joint research with at least two participants
- No restrictions on nationality or institutional affiliation
- Participants can be from universities, research institutes, or non-governmental organizations
Ineligible applicants:
- Individual researchers working alone
- Projects that do not demonstrate collaboration or societal impact
How to Apply
- Form a Research Team: Include at least two participants with complementary expertise
- Define the Research Problem: Focus on complex social issues and their connections to society, nature, or technology
- Design an Innovative Approach: Emphasize interdisciplinary methods, free-thinking, and transformative potential
- Plan Project Budget: Ensure requested funding aligns with the maximum of 8 million yen
- Submit Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, expected societal impact, and collaborative framework
- Implement Project: Conduct research over the two-year grant period, integrating diverse perspectives and international collaboration
Why It Matters
- Encourages creative solutions to societal challenges
- Promotes interdisciplinary and collaborative research
- Supports projects with global or regional significance
- Fosters a new generation of researchers who challenge conventional approaches
- Contributes to social transformation and sustainable development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting applications with only one researcher
- Failing to meet the age or Japan-based contact requirements
- Overlooking the need for interdisciplinary or collaborative elements
- Neglecting to clearly demonstrate the societal impact of the project
FAQ
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Researchers aged 45 or younger with a contact address in Japan who plan to conduct joint research with at least one other participant.
2. Is nationality restricted?
No, there are no restrictions on nationality or institutional affiliation.
3. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to 8 million yen per project.
4. How long is the grant period?
Two years, from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2028.
5. Can individual researchers apply alone?
No, projects must involve at least two participants working collaboratively.
6. What type of research is supported?
Projects addressing complex social issues using interdisciplinary, innovative, and transformative approaches.
7. Who can participate in the research team?
Researchers from universities, research institutes, and non-governmental organizations; international participants are welcome.
Conclusion
The Toyota Foundation Research Grant Program empowers young researchers in Japan to tackle complex social challenges through interdisciplinary, collaborative, and innovative approaches. By fostering international perspectives and emphasizing societal impact, the program encourages transformative research that reimagines social systems and promotes a more harmonious and sustainable world.
For more information, visit The Toyota Foundation.