ANRI Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; Managing Partner: Anri Samata; hereinafter “ANRI”), a venture capital firm, and STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (Yokohama, Kanagawa; Representative Director: Takanori Takebe; hereinafter “SS-F”) announce the launch of applications for the second cohort of their fellowship program for early-career researchers, newly rebranded as the “IPPO Science Fellowship.”
Originally launched in April 2025 as the Nova Science Fellowship, the program has been renewed under a new name and with a fully redesigned website.
About the Program
The IPPO Science Fellowship supports early-career researchers, primarily in the life sciences, who are pursuing ambitious research with strong potential for societal impact.
In addition to financial support, the program provides opportunities to connect with researchers across disciplines, business professionals, and investors through the networks cultivated by ANRI and SS-F. Through these initiatives, the program aims to help researchers accelerate their work while engaging more deeply with society.
Official Site: https://ippo-fellowship.jp
Our Vision
A single step of curiosity can move the world forward.
Each day, researchers take small steps in their work. Over time, those steps can become breakthroughs that shape the future. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, IPPO seeks to create a space where knowledge takes form and continues to evolve.
Following the successful first cohort in 2025, where five fellows were selected from across Japan, the program fostered meaningful connections through mentoring and community events, as well as engagement with broader interdisciplinary networks.
Through IPPO, we aim to support researchers in turning small steps into great leaps, and to build a society where early-career researchers can advance their work while staying connected to the world around them.
Scenes from the First Cohort’s Activities (Meetups, Networking Events, etc.)
Program Benefits
- Annual grant of 1 million JPY (up to 2 million JPY over 2 years)
- Networking opportunities across diverse fields and industries
- Hands-on support for advancing research toward real-world applications
- Priority access to SS-F programs supporting publications and research communication
Program Overview
Number of Fellows: 5 (planned)
Grant: 1 million JPY per year (up to 2 years)
Eligibility:
- PhD awarded within 8 years as of April 1, 2026
(maternity/paternity leave not counted) - Must be affiliated with a research institution in Japan during the fellowship
- Open to all nationalities (must be able to handle administrative tasks in Japanese)
- Applicants must manage their own visa/residency status
Candidate Profile
The program evaluates applicants based on ANRI’s vision of “An Overwhelming Future” and SS-F’s core value of “Stellarness”, a combination of creativity, collaboration, and personal presence.
Selection focuses on three key criteria:
1. Research Potential and Originality
- Research with strong potential to shape the future of science
- Interdisciplinary or unconventional approaches
- Balance of intellectual curiosity and societal impact
2. Independence and Willingness to Challenge
- Ability to develop and pursue independent research ideas
- Resilience in overcoming challenges
- Courage to explore unknown fields
3. Collaborative Mindset
- Openness to cross-disciplinary and global collaboration
- Interest in connecting research with society
Selection Process
- Phase 1: Document screening
- Phase 2: Video screening
- Final Round: In-person interview (currently planned to be held at Yokohama)
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: April 28, 2026
- Deadline: June 15, 2026 (noon)
- Document Screening Results: Early July
- Video Submission Deadline: Mid-July
- Video Results: Mid-August
- Final Interviews: Late August
- Final Results: Early September
- Fellowship Start & Meetup: October (tentative)
How to Apply
Please submit the required documents (application form, CV, recommendation letter) via the official website by June 15, 2026.
Website: https://ippo-fellowship.jp
About ANRI
ANRI is a Japan-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage startup investments. Operating since 2012, ANRI manages 5 flagship funds and the climate-focused ANRI GREEN fund, with approximately 78 billion JPY under management. It has a strong presence in internet, deeptech, and university-originated startups.
Website: https://anri.vc
About SS-F
STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F) is a Japan-based non-profit aiming to promote sustainable breakthroughs in science through a “People-Centric” approach. SS-F builds ecosystems where scientists, entrepreneurs, editors, and investors can collaborate across institutions and disciplines.
Website: https://ss-f.org
Contact
IPPO Science Fellowship Secretariat
E-mail: nsf@anri.vc
Press Inquiries
STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Marketing & Communications
Contact: Fujiwara / Terushita
E-mail: marcomm@ss-f.org
