Deadline: 28-November-2025
The Toyota Foundation seeks projects that examine the medium- to long-term social impact of digital technologies such as AI, particularly from historical and macro perspectives that contrast current developments with past relationships between science, technology, and society.
The research may also explore reforms within existing institutional frameworks or focus on the specific utilization of cutting-edge digital technology in daily social life through practical, on-site activities. Emphasis is placed on addressing urgent societal issues, such as Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population, through innovative applications of digital tools in education and other fields.
Projects that explore not just digital adaptability but also uniquely human skills are encouraged. In addition, the foundation values activities that promote interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting humanities and science researchers and fostering international networking with a focus on the arts.
The grant will support projects for up to three years starting May 1, 2026, with a total funding pool of approximately 45 million yen. Collaborative research projects may receive between 5 million and 10 million yen, while individual research projects may receive between 1 million and 2 million yen.
Administrative expenses of major organizations can be included but must not exceed 10% of the total budget. Although restrictions on technological development have been relaxed, projects purely focused on prototyping, improving technologies, or generating profit without addressing social issues remain ineligible.
Joint research projects must involve at least two participants, with the representative under 45 years old at the start of the grant. Collaboration across disciplines, generations, and professions is encouraged to form diverse, cross-disciplinary teams capable of addressing complex challenges.
These projects should also aim to disseminate research results to the wider public through publications, videos, or symposiums. Individual research projects, led by applicants under 40 years old, should demonstrate originality, ambition, and a clear awareness of the social implications of digital technology, with potential to evolve into future collaborative research.
Eligible applicants must reside primarily in Japan, be able to communicate in Japanese, and maintain close contact with the Foundation throughout the grant period, including participation in its symposiums.
Applications will be accepted till November 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM (Japan time). Selection will be conducted by the “Specific Issues: New Human Co-creation with Cutting-Edge Technology” committee, with results announced in March 2026.
For more information, visit The Toyota Foundation.