The Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation (hereinafter referred to as “SPRING”) is a support program for doctoral students, implemented with funding from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
In addition to financial support, SPRING provides practical educational programs centered on participation in international collaboration projects and industry-academia-government-public sector collaboration projects, as well as career development support in cooperation with other universities. Through these initiatives, the program aims to cultivate doctoral researchers who can contribute to solving societal challenges and creating innovation. 

JST Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation (External Website) 

Fostering SIGMA‐typed doctoral human resources with international and industry‐academic‐government collaborations 

Since 2008, Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) has promoted the Sigma-Type Integrated Competency Development Program, with the goal of nurturing doctoral professionals capable of contributing across a wide range of fields, including industry.
Sigma-Type Integrated Competency Talent refers to individuals who possess the following core competencies and can integrate diverse forms of knowledge to drive innovation:

Sigma-Type Integrated Competencies 

1. Engineering Research Competency 
　　　Advanced research and practical capabilities within one's area of specialization. 
2. Multidisciplinary Engineering Competency 
　　　The ability to acquire, utilize, and integrate broad engineering knowledge beyond one's own specialization. 
3. Technology Management Competency 
　　　The ability to design and manage businesses by leveraging knowledge resources. 
4. Metanational Competency 
　　　The ability to think and act from a global perspective while maintaining awareness of one's national and cultural identity. 

Building upon this foundation, the SPRING Program has evolved to address the needs of doctoral talent in today's rapidly changing and unpredictable VUCA environment. According to the Humanics framework proposed by Dr. Joseph E. Aoun, the seventh president of Northeastern University, four key cognitive capacities are essential for thriving alongside intelligent machines: Systems Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Cultural Agility, and Critical Thinking (Aoun, 2017). 

At SIT, these competencies are integrated with the philosophy of the Sigma-Type Integrated Competency Development Program to cultivate Sigma-Type Doctoral Talent capable of integrating diverse knowledge and contributing to innovation. 

To achieve this goal, the university provides not only financial support but also opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary international collaborations and industry-academia-government-public sector projects. In collaboration with other universities, SIT also offers educational programs and career development support designed to prepare students for diverse career pathways. 

Through these efforts, SIT nurtures doctoral professionals who combine strong research capabilities with practical skills and who can contribute to solving societal challenges and creating new value. 

Career Development Support

1. Support for international collaboration training and industry-academia-government collaboration training
2. Career Vision Seminars
3. Research and Activity Report Meetings
4. Mentoring System and Individual Consultations
(Reference)
International Collaboration Training and Industry-Academia-Government-Public Sector Collaboration Training | Shibaura Institute of Technology(Japanese website)  

Applicants must be enrolled as a first-year doctoral student in the doctoral program at the start date of SPRING support.
* Please note: Individuals are receiving government-funded research funding the same purpose as SPRING are not eligible. For details, please refer to the application guidelines.

Support period

Support is provided for up to 3 years, within the standard period of doctoral study. 

1. Participation in Career Development and Training content provided
　　　Selected students must participate in either or both of the following:
　　　a. International Collaboration Training (Study Abroad/Overseas Dispatch) Program
　　　b. Industry‐Academia‐Government Collaborative (Domestic Internship) Program
　　　*Requirement: The total participation period must amount to at least three months during the standard doctoral program period,
　　　and the training may be conducted multiple times.
2. Participation in Doctoral Human Resources Career Vision Seminar 
　　　Selected students are generally required to attend seminars organized several times each year by the University for researcher development.
3. Selected students must take research ethics education courses designated by the University,
　　　attend compliance briefing sessions,and submit written pledges.
　　　Selected students must also complete the University's research ethics training program (eAPRIN)
　　　to gain a proper understanding of research ethics and the ability to make appropriate judgments independently.
4. In order to verify the effectiveness of the career development and training content,
　　　students must cooperate with the career follow-up survey conducted by the University for approximately 10 years after completing this program. 

Application Information

Application Period
*Applications for the 2026 academic year have closed. 
Information regarding applications for the 2027 academic year is scheduled to be released around December 2026. 

List of Supported Students (Japanese website)
SPRING Student Interviews | Shibaura Institute of Technology 

Past SPRING-Related Events and News (Japanese website)
News and Awards Information | Shibaura Institute of Technology

References
Aoun, J.E. (2017) Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.