This NWO-JST Call for proposals aims to strengthen the relationship between Japan and the Netherlands in the high-tech sector and to stimulate the formation of transnational networks in the field of semiconductors, photonics, quantum and neuromorphic technologies. This call focuses on the development of unconventional information technologies for the advancement of computer science. A budget of €4,650,000 is available for this call, the closing date for full proposals is September 9, 2025 2:00 PM, the online information meeting and matchmaking is on June 3, registration is possible until June 2.
Purpose
The programme aims to advance the frontiers of computational science by exploring unconventional approaches to information processing. The programme seeks to:
- Foster innovation in computational technologies that address complex global challenges,
- Strengthen research networks between the Netherlands and Japan, promote international talent mobility, and train early-career researchers who may become future leaders by connecting top researchers,
- Deliver societal and scientific impact by translating unconventional methods into practical solutions.
Example of scientific research directions are:
- Quantum information processing: Investigating new methods and applications for quantum algorithms and systems,
- Neuromorphic computing: Developing systems that emulate neural architectures for energy-efficient and scalable computation,
- Bio-inspired algorithms: Drawing inspiration from biological processes to design novel computational paradigms,
- Integrated approaches: Combining interdisciplinary insights to tackle challenges in data processing, communication, and machine intelligence.
For whom?
Applications are drawn up by a consortium consisting of at least one main applicant affiliated with a Japanese knowledge institution and one main applicant affiliated with a Dutch knowledge institution. The consortium works on one joint application, which is submitted by the main applicant in the Netherlands via the NWO web application ISAAC and by the Japanese main applicant to JST via e-Rad.
Five categories of participants in a consortium are distinguished:
- Main applicant,
- Co-applicant(s),
- Research participants (only on the Japanese side),
- Collaboration partners,
- Co-financiers.
The conditions per participant are further explained in the Call for proposals.
Budget
Per project, a subsidy amount of at least €800,000 and a maximum of €1,150,000 can be requested by the Dutch part of the consortium at NWO. The Japanese part of the consortium can request a subsidy amount of maximum 250,000,000 YP at JST. The main applicant and co-applicant(s) may request budget for personnel, equipment, knowledge utilisation and project management. The minimum duration of the proposed project is 48 months/4 years, the maximum duration of the proposed project is 60 months/5 years. A total budget of €4,650,000 is available.
Important data
- Webinar and Matchmaking: June 3, 2025
- Deadline letter of intent (not mandatory): July 31, 2025
- Deadline applications to NWO-JST: September 9, 2025
Webinar and Matchmaking
On Tuesday 3 June, NWO and JST will organise an online information meeting for the joint NWO and JST call ‘Unconventional information processing technologies’ with an opportunity for matchmaking. NWO and JST invite researchers to attend. Registration for this meeting is possible until 2 June 2025.
