SS-F × ANRI launch a new grant program to support the next generation of researchers
ANRI Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Partner: Anri Samata, hereafter “ANRI”) and the Stellar Science Foundation (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takunori Takebe, hereafter “SS-F”) are pleased to announce the selection of five inaugural fellows for the newly established Nova Science Fellowship, a grant program designed to support early-career researchers.
About the Nova Science Fellowship
The Nova Science Fellowship is a new initiative that supports early-career researchers, particularly in the life sciences, who are pursuing ambitious and socially impactful research.
Each fellow will receive a research grant of 1 million JPY per year (up to 2 million JPY for a maximum of two years), along with opportunities to engage with researchers, business leaders, and investors through the networks of ANRI and SS-F. Fellows will also be invited to participate in specialized programs that support research communication and outreach.
The program aims not only to provide research funding, but also to empower young researchers to rise as new “Novas” by fostering encounters with diverse collaborators and by building strong connections with society.
For details, please visit:
🔗 Official Website: https://nova-sf.jp/
Comments from the First Cohort of Fellows (in alphabetical order)
Yuichiro Iwamoto
Affiliation: Ota Lab, Laboratory for Optical Bioimaging, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo
Research theme: Building an ultra-high-speed single-molecule measurement platform through the fusion of deep learning and measurement technologies.
Comment: “I am truly honored to be selected. While the integration of informatics and measurement is still in its infancy, I believe it is a field that will shine in both basic research and social implementation. I will do my utmost to capture the fleeting light emitted by molecules and translate it into sparks of discovery for society.”
Masashi Okamoto
Affiliation: Department of Organ System Innovation (Takebe Lab), and Department of Respiratory Medicine & Clinical Immunology (Prof. Kumano-go), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
Research theme: Next-generation drug discovery platforms and personalized medicine using human immune-complex organoids.
Comment: “I am sincerely grateful for this selection. My goal is to establish immune-complex organoid technology that replicates human immune responses, thereby contributing to drug discovery and personalized medicine. With this fellowship as my driving force, I aim to co-create with others while pursuing the dream of advancing medicine and bridging discoveries to the clinic.”
Tomoko Kasahara
Affiliation: Saito Laboratory for Life Phenomenon Engineering ECL Team, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research
Research theme: Deciphering the rejuvenation program during human embryogenesis.
Comment: “There exists a moment of ‘rejuvenation’ in life. By uncovering its molecular mechanisms and making aging a controllable process, I hope to contribute to the future of medicine and to extending healthy lifespans.”
Ni Lu
Affiliation: Takahashi Laboratory, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University
Research theme: Identification and functional analysis of circular RNAs contained in stem cell-derived exosomes.
Comment: “Circular RNAs have diverse functions, from gene regulation to translation, and act as a molecular ‘language’ in intercellular communication. By decoding this language, I aim to establish new therapeutic approaches in the future.”
Keisuke Matsuda
Affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University
Research theme: Mechanical principles driving morphogenesis in living organisms.
Comment: “I am fascinated by how biological forms are created, and I am working to understand this through observation, experiments, and mechanical simulations. I look forward to meeting many new people through this fellowship. My goal is to pursue truly ‘interesting science’.”
About the Selection Process
The selection process consisted of three stages: document screening, video review, and a final interview. Candidates were evaluated not only on their research achievements, originality of their themes, future vision, and presentation skills, but also on their ambition, interdisciplinarity, and collaborative spirit.
The review committee included SS-F’s Stellar Inventors—a community of exceptional researchers known for their unique perspectives and bold approaches to science—alongside leading experts in their fields and members of ANRI.
【About ANRI】
ANRI is a venture capital firm with a vision of creating an “Overwhelming Future,” dedicated to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs who will change the world. Since launching its first fund in 2012, ANRI has consistently focused on seed-stage startup investment, with total assets under management approaching 80 billion JPY and investments in over 300 companies. ANRI also operates CIRCLE by ANRI, a 1,200m² incubation office in Roppongi Hills, providing close support to entrepreneurs from the earliest stages.
ANRI Website：https://anri.vc/ja
【About STELLAR SCIENCE FOUNDATION（SS-F）】
The Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F) is a Japan-based non-profit organization dedicated to building systems that sustain disruptive scientific discoveries and inventions, by focusing on the people behind science.
SS-F seeks to advance Japanese scientific research by supporting researchers’ freedom to explore, thereby enabling groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that benefit society. Guided by the principle of “People-Centric — created by people, connected through people, expanded with people”, SS-F is building an ecosystem that transcends institutional and disciplinary boundaries, fostering collaboration and exchange among researchers, companies, and organizations to generate new scientific breakthroughs.
SS-F Website： https://ss-f.org/
For inquiries regarding this release:
Nova Science Fellowship Administration
E-mail: nsf@anri.vc
Contacts:
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ANRI Inc.: Ms. Egami
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Stellar Science Foundation: Ms. Terushita
