Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has launched the FY2026 Open Call for Applications under the Young Talents Exchange and Capacity Development Program (Y-tec), a flagship initiative of the NEXUS program aimed at strengthening science, technology, and innovation cooperation between Japan and ASEAN countries. The programme supports two-way exchanges that foster the development of future researchers, educators, and science and technology leaders while strengthening long-term institutional partnerships across the region.
About the Program
Y-tec promotes human capital development and international exchange through collaborative activities between Japan and ASEAN countries.
The programme focuses on:
- Human capital development and capacity building
- International brain circulation between Japan and ASEAN
- Development of highly skilled human resources
- Strengthening sustainable institutional partnerships
- Cultivating young talent
- Expanding the pool of future international collaborative researchers
- Enhancing educational leadership capabilities
- Strengthening research leadership capabilities
- Improving research and mentoring skills
- Promoting future international joint research
- Supporting international research exchange
The programme seeks to build a sustainable regional research ecosystem through people-to-people connections and institutional collaboration.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Strengthen science, technology, and innovation cooperation between Japan and ASEAN countries
- Develop the next generation of researchers and educators
- Promote international mobility and exchange
- Encourage long-term institutional collaboration
- Expand opportunities for future joint research
- Improve mentoring and leadership capacities
- Foster international networks among early-career talent
- Support knowledge exchange and mutual learning
- Promote future study and research opportunities
- Facilitate formal cooperation between participating institutions
Activities should contribute to sustainable partnerships and future collaboration.
Exchange Courses
The programme offers two exchange courses.
Young Talents Exchange Course
This course is intended for:
- High school students and above
- Participants aged 40 years or younger
Course features include:
- Exchanges of up to one year per participant
- Participation of between two and fifteen individuals
- Short-term group exchanges
- Longer residential placements for selected participants
Leadership Exchange Course
This course is intended for:
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Teachers
- Science and technology professionals
Course features include:
- No age restriction
- Exchanges of up to ninety days per participant
- Participation of up to two individuals
The two courses are designed to address the needs of different stages of professional and academic development.
Participating Countries
Applicants may conduct exchanges with one or multiple ASEAN countries within a single exchange plan.
Eligible ASEAN countries include:
The programme encourages diverse regional engagement and collaboration.
Exchange Activities
Funding supports two-way exchanges between Japan and ASEAN through a variety of activities.
Eligible activities include:
- Invitations to participants
- Dispatch of participants
- Year-round online exchanges
- Group exchange programmes
- Residential exchange placements
- Educational exchanges
- Research exchange activities
- Leadership development initiatives
- Mentoring and networking activities
- Collaborative learning opportunities
Activities should contribute to talent development and institutional cooperation.
Funding Information
Funding is available for costs directly related to implementing exchange activities.
Eligible expenses include:
- Consumable materials
- Gratuities for lecturers and speakers
- Airfare and travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Meal expenses
- Outsourcing costs
- Printing expenses
- Conference-related costs
- Operational expenses necessary for implementation
For the Young Talents Exchange Course:
- Travel expenses must account for at least seventy percent of the direct costs included in the proposed exchange plan.
Funding should be used solely for activities related to programme implementation.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is intended for institutions and organisations proposing exchange activities involving Japan and ASEAN countries.
Participants under the Young Talents Exchange Course include:
- High school students and above
- Individuals aged 40 years or younger
Participants under the Leadership Exchange Course include:
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Teachers
- Science and technology professionals
Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to implement safe and effective exchange activities.
Assessment Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Suitability of participants
- Qualifications of participants
- Effectiveness of the implementation plan
- Anticipated outcomes
- Strength of institutional collaboration
- Adequacy of implementation arrangements
- Measures for safe and smooth implementation
- Country balance considerations
- Avoidance of concentration among specific institutions
- Available budget conditions
Projects demonstrating strong collaboration and meaningful impact will be viewed favourably.
Expected Outcomes
Supported activities should contribute to:
- Stronger Japan–ASEAN partnerships
- Enhanced international cooperation
- Increased mobility of young talent
- Improved leadership capabilities
- Expanded research and mentoring skills
- Growth of future international collaborative researchers
- Sustainable institutional relationships
- Increased opportunities for joint research
- Stronger educational and research networks
- Development of future science and technology leaders
The programme encourages long-term engagement that extends beyond the exchange period.
Why This Program Matters
International exchange plays a critical role in developing future leaders capable of addressing shared regional and global challenges. By connecting emerging talent and experienced professionals across borders, Y-tec helps build trust, strengthen institutional partnerships, and expand opportunities for collaboration.
The programme contributes to a more connected and resilient science and innovation ecosystem by investing in people, knowledge exchange, and sustainable cooperation between Japan and ASEAN countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Y-tec programme?
- The programme strengthens science, technology, and innovation cooperation between Japan and ASEAN through talent development and international exchange.
What are the two exchange courses available?
- The programme offers the Young Talents Exchange Course and the Leadership Exchange Course.
Who can participate in the Young Talents Exchange Course?
- High school students and above who are 40 years old or younger.
Who can participate in the Leadership Exchange Course?
- Postdoctoral researchers, teachers, and science and technology professionals with no age restriction.
Which countries can participate in exchange activities?
- Exchanges may involve Japan and one or more ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
What expenses can be covered through the programme?
- Eligible expenses include travel, accommodation, meals, consumable materials, lecturer gratuities, outsourcing, printing, conference-related costs, and other operational expenses.
How are proposals assessed?
- Applications are evaluated based on programme alignment, participant suitability, implementation quality, anticipated outcomes, institutional collaboration, implementation arrangements, country balance, and budget considerations.
Conclusion
The Young Talents Exchange and Capacity Development Program (Y-tec) provides an important platform for strengthening cooperation between Japan and ASEAN countries through international exchange and capacity building. By supporting future researchers, educators, and science and technology professionals, the programme helps cultivate the talent, partnerships, and leadership needed to advance a collaborative and sustainable regional innovation ecosystem.
For more information, visit JST.
