Japan has opened applications for the LOTUS program FY2026, which offers nearly 1,000 Indian Masters, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to participate in funded research stays at leading universities and institutions in Japan.Initiative, part of India-Japan Circulation of Talented Youth in Science Programmeaims to deepen bilateral scientific cooperation while providing young Indian researchers with international exposure and career-building opportunities.
Application Process and Eligibility
The program is open to graduate students and post-doctoral researchers under the age of 40 who are currently affiliated with Indian universities or research institutes. However, candidates cannot apply independently. Instead, applications should be submitted by a principal investigator based at a Japanese university or research institute, which will host the selected participant.Direct link to apply for Japan’s LOTUS program.The application window will remain open until 9 June 2026 (12:00 JST). The review and selection process is expected to take place between June and August, with final results announced at the end of August. Selected candidates will start their research stay from October 2026.
Focus areas and academic scope
The program prioritizes emerging and high-impact research fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy, materials science, quantum technology, semiconductors, and telecommunications. At the same time, applicants working in relevant interdisciplinary domains may also be considered, provided their research is compatible with these core areas.
Two program tracks with expanded scope
For FY2026, the program will operate through two tracks: LOTUS Basic and the newly introduced LOTUS-ASPIRE. The core track supports the establishment of short-term research of up to 12 months and focuses on building core collaborations through shared supervision.In contrast, the LOTUS-ASPIRE track allows for a longer engagement of up to 36 months and is designed to produce concrete research results. It also includes expanded funding support and a structured review of joint research outputs, reflecting a shift towards deeper and more results-based collaboration.
Funding support and opportunities
Selected participants will receive a monthly stipend of around ₹1.4 lakh to cover living expenses including accommodation. Depending on the track, additional funding is provided for research activities, travel within Japan, and support expenses.While the program covers most domestic expenses, travel expenses from India to Japan are not included, and institutions in India are encouraged to support these expenses.In addition to financial aid, the program also offers advanced research infrastructure, academic networking opportunities, and potential pathways to internships or employment in Japan.
promote India-Japan Scientific Cooperation
The LOTUS program is positioned as a strategic initiative to strengthen academic ties between India and Japan. By facilitating mobility and collaboration between young researchers, it aims to accelerate collaborative research output while supporting the long-term career development of participants.With the addition of the ASPIRE track and a larger intake target, the 2026 edition signals a significant expansion in the scale and ambition of the programme.
