The LOTUS Programme is a collaborative initiative between India and Japan designed to support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from India in conducting research exchanges in Japan. The program operates through joint research projects led by Principal Investigators (PIs) in both countries. For FY2026, the program has been significantly expanded to select approximately 1,000 participants, up from 300 in the previous year. It now features two distinct schemes: LOTUS Basic for short-term foundational research and the new LOTUS-ASPIRE for long-term projects aimed at creating tangible research outcomes. Target Audience: ◦Master’s degree students. ◦Doctoral degree students. ◦Postdoctoral researchers (under 40 years of age). ◦Note: Nationality is not restricted, but the focus is on researchers from India. Geographic Eligibility: Researchers based in India conducting research in Japan. Tangible Benefits: ◦LOTUS Basic: Support for up to 12 months, covering living expenses and trip-related costs. ◦LOTUS-ASPIRE: Support for up to 36 months, covering living expenses and dedicated research funds. ◦Networking: Access to researcher networking events, including an annual event at the Embassy of India in Tokyo. Eligible Research Fields: 1. AI, Information and Intelligent Robotics 2. Biotechnology 3. Energy 4. Materials 5. Quantum Science 6. Semiconductors 7. Network and Telecommunications (Other fields are eligible if relevant to these seven priority areas) Application Deadline: June 9, 2026, at 12:00 JST. Application Process: The applicant to JST must be a Principal Investigator (PI) at a university or institution in Japan.