Announcement of Selected Institutions for the 2026 'Next-Generation Science and Technology Challenge Program (STELLA Program)'

JST (President: Kazuhito Hashimoto) has determined the institutions to be adopted for the 2026 'Next-Generation Science and Technology Challenge Program (STELLA Program).'

The STELLA program is an initiative launched in fiscal year 2023, which evolved from the integration of the Global Science Campus (primarily for high school students, started in 2014) and the Junior Doctor Training School (for elementary and junior high students, started in 2017). The purpose of this program is to foster outstanding next-generation talent who will lead science, technology, and innovation. It targets students in primary and secondary education (upper elementary to high school) who possess excellent motivation and ability in science and mathematics, aiming to further enhance their capabilities. The program supports diverse and challenging initiatives that leverage the characteristics of implementing institutions and regions, including advanced and practical efforts such as inquiry activities, STEAM education, entrepreneurship education, and the provision of international perspectives. The support period is up to 5 years, with a support amount (upper limit) of 12 million to 44 million yen per year.

This year, applications were accepted from January 21 to February 18, 2026, divided into three types based on the grade level of the target students: elementary/junior high type, high school type, and elementary/junior high/high school type. A total of 24 applications were received (7 elementary/junior high, 6 high school, 11 elementary/junior high/high school). Subsequently, a committee composed of external experts conducted a review, and based on the results, a total of 5 institutions (2 elementary/junior high, 2 high school, 1 elementary/junior high/high school) were selected.

For details on the project, please refer to the following website: https://www.jst.go.jp/cpse/stella/