STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F) Selected
as an Operating Support Organization
for the Pilot Programs of Japan’s Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative
Supporting Two Key Programs: International Research and Talent Development (Fellowship)
STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F), a Japan-based nonprofit organization (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa; Founder & CEO: Takanori Takebe), has been selected as an Operating Support Organization for two pilot programs under the Japanese government’s Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative, a national project led by the Cabinet Secretariat of Japan.
Under this initiative, SS-F will be responsible for supporting the implementation of both the International Research Program and the Talent Development (Fellowship) Program.
Leveraging its global network of researchers, universities, research institutions, investors, and industry partners, SS-F will promote international collaborative research, cultivate the next generation of scientific talent, and accelerate the translation of research discoveries into innovation and societal impact.
【About the Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative】
The Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative is a national project launched by the Government of Japan to establish a world-leading innovation ecosystem where researchers, universities, research institutions, startups, companies, investors, and other stakeholders from around the world converge to accelerate the commercialization of research discoveries.
Ahead of the development of the full campus, the government is currently implementing a series of pilot programs focused on research, commercialization, and researcher development.
The GSC Initiative consists of three pilot programs:
- International Research Program
- Venture Builder Program
- Talent Development (Fellowship) Program
【SS-F’s Role in the Pilot Programs】
SS-F has been selected as the Operating Support Organization for two of the three pilot programs under the GSC Initiative:
- International Research Program
- Talent Development (Fellowship) Program
Working under the direction of the Cabinet Office of Japan and in collaboration with partner organizations, SS-F will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of these pilot programs.
【Overview of the Pilot Programs】
International Research Program
The International Research Program is designed to bring together world-leading researchers, investors, and other key stakeholders to advance deep-tech research with the potential to generate significant scientific, societal, and industrial impact.
The program was awarded based on a joint proposal submitted by STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F) and LINK-J (Life Science Innovation Network Japan).
As the implementing partner for the biotechnology domain, SS-F will work together with LINK-J to foster and promote international collaborative research by leveraging its global network of researchers, research institutions, and investors.
The program plans to appoint Venture Directors (VDs) and launch its first Request for Proposals (RFP) during the second half of 2026.
Talent Development (Fellowship) Program
The Talent Development (Fellowship) Program aims to support early-career researchers by providing opportunities for international research exchange and an environment that promotes the translation of scientific discoveries into societal impact.
Building upon its experience in designing and operating international fellowship programs for early-career researchers, SS-F will leverage its expertise and global network to cultivate internationally active scientific leaders and foster a vibrant global research community.
Beginning in the second half of 2026, the program will launch open calls for both Host Laboratories and Postdoctoral Fellows participating in the fellowship program.
【Statement from Takanori Takebe】
Founder & CEO, STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F)
“We are deeply honored to have been selected as the Operating Support Organization for the International Research and Talent Development (Fellowship) programs under the Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative.
We believe that scientific innovation emerges not only from outstanding research, but also from environments where talented individuals and diverse organizations can connect, collaborate, and support one another in pursuing ambitious ideas. Since its founding, SS-F has been dedicated to building a global community that brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and research institutions.
Through the GSC Initiative, we look forward to further strengthening international collaboration with researchers and institutions around the world while advancing bold international research projects and cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders.
By creating an ecosystem where meaningful connections between people lead to new discoveries, technologies, and ventures, we hope to contribute to the continued growth of innovation originating from Japan.
As the Operating Support Organization for the International Research and Researcher Development programs, SS-F will continue working closely with our partners to prepare for the launch of these pilot programs. ”
【About STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F)】
STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION(SS-F) is a Japan-based organization aiming to build mechanisms that promote the sustainable creation of disruptive discoveries and inventions by focusing on the power of the people who drive forward scientific discovery. We aim to contribute to society by promoting scientific research in Japan by supporting free research activities of scientists and generating world-changing discoveries and inventions. Guided by its philosophy of being “People-Centric”—Start with people, connect people, empower people—SS-F works to build an ecosystem where individual researchers can collaborate and connect across companies, organizations, and scientific disciplines. Through these efforts, SS-F strives to generate continuous breakthroughs and drive innovation.
WEB: https://ss-f.org/en/homepage-en/
Media Contact
STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION (SS-F)
Marketing & Communications
Masame Terushita / Miwako Fujiwara
Email: marcomm@ss-f.org
