The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has approved funding for two new research projects under the ASPIRE 2024 Joint Call “Japan-Germany Quantum Technologies,” implemented jointly by JST’s ASPIRE Program and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The ASPIRE program aims to strengthen and enhance Japan's scientific and technological capabilities by connecting top researchers in Japan to researchers in advanced STI countries and regions through international joint research and talent circulation. The program focuses on promoting cutting edge R&D, researcher mobility, and fostering the next generation of research leaders. This call aims to support internationally competitive collaborative research projects between Japan and Germany focusing on quantum technologies for ultrafast and massively parallel information processing, quantum communications, improved quantum measurement technology, and cutting-edge quantum sensors and materials.

JST and DFG received a total of 10 proposals for this call, and two projects were selected for funding after undergoing an assessment by a panel of experts in both Japan and Germany and a joint meeting between the funding agencies.

The research period will be up to five years.