Call for Applications: 'Hoiku ICT Lab Project' Briefing Session Announced!

The Children and Families Agency of Japan has begun accepting applications for the 'FY2026 (carried over from FY2025) Childcare Countermeasure Comprehensive Support Grant (Hoiku ICT Lab Project - FY2025 Supplementary Budget).'

This project aims to create and horizontally scale model cases for ICT environment development in the childcare field, enabling childcare staff to experience the benefits of reduced administrative burdens and improved quality of care. It also contributes to creating a better workplace environment, attracting young people to become childcare professionals, and utilizing the knowledge gained to improve future childcare-related ICT projects.

Subsidies will be provided to entities that implement these initiatives.

In conjunction with the start of the application period, a briefing session will be held.

[Business Briefing Session] ◆Date: June 12, 2026 (Fri), 16:00-17:00 ◆Format: Online ◆Registration: Please apply via the link below. https://forms.office.com/r/khWqvctGDW

[Project Overview] ◆Eligibility Requirements (1) Collaborating with local governments or childcare facilities, conduct either or both of the following initiatives during the project period: (A) [Showcasing Advanced Childcare ICT] In childcare facilities practicing advanced ICT, conduct analysis of issues related to practice using ICT and verification of introduction effects, and showcase these practices to maximize their impact (choose from the following themes): ① Creation of comprehensive workload reduction cases utilizing childcare activity information linkage platforms and childcare facility management platforms ② Ensuring effective safety using ICT ③ Utilizing childcare ICT data in local governments ④ Effective utilization methods and points to note for childcare ICT supporting childcare practice ⑤ Ways of childcare systems utilizing childcare ICT ⑥ Others (B) [Consultation Counter & Talent Development for ICT] Technical support for ICT introduction, development of core personnel for ICT promotion in childcare facilities, and talent development through 'hands-on' support by external experts. (2) In conjunction with initiative (1), implement the following: [Network Formation & Awareness Promotion] Formation of networks among childcare facilities and local governments efficiently utilizing childcare ICT, and awareness-raising initiatives to foster social momentum for these efforts by horizontally expanding the cases from (1).

[Application Overview] ◆Subsidy Upper Limit (A) Showcasing Advanced Childcare ICT: 12 million yen (B) Consultation Counter & Talent Development for ICT: 24 million yen ◆Project Period From the date of grant decision to February 28, 2027 For details, please refer to the Children and Families Agency website: https://www.cfa.go.jp/policies/hoiku/hoiku-ictlabo/zyoseikoubo

◆Inquiries Hoiku ICT Lab Secretariat ([email protected]) (Within JTB Corp., Kasumigaseki Division)