BOOST NAIS | Next-generation AI for Intelligent Society

The University of Tokyo “Advanced AI Talent Development to Lead the Next-Generation Intelligent Society (BOOST NAIS)” supported by the Broadening Opportunities for Outstanding young researchers and doctoral students in STrategic areas (BOOST) of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) , is open to all doctoral students (including those in 4-year doctoral programs) at the university. We seek approximately 21 project participants who will enroll the doctoral program in Spring 2025.

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Purpose and contents of the project

The purpose of this project is to provide an environment where project participants can acquire not only the knowledge and skills necessary to pioneer and lead the next generation of AI research but also the ability to collaborate across disciplines and communicate their research outcomes as societal value. Unique to this project, a variety of development programs will be offered, including interdisciplinary research exchange meetings, on-campus internships, research planning workshops, and entrepreneurship lectures. Furthermore, this project will be closely coordinated with the university’s SPRING GX project, offering all participants access to the complete range of transferable skills development programs conducted by SPRING GX, including core GX programs, study abroad and dispatch programs, voluntary interdisciplinary project research, and industry-academia partnership internships.

Number of places

Approximately 21 students

Doctoral students who enroll in Spring 2025, including those in 4-year doctoral programs who aspire to pioneer and lead in the field of AI, currently engaged in research and development in the field of AI or planning to undertake research and development that contributes to the advancement of the field of AI by leveraging their high level of expertise in various fields.

Students receiving support from WINGS and WISE can also apply.
Please note that once adopted, the support will be provided by BOOST NAIS. (Duplicate grants are not possible.)

Application period

From January 10,2025 (Fri.) to January 29,2025 (Wed.) by 3pm.

Financial support

A research stipend of 280,000 yen per month will be provided. In addition, a flat sum of 540,000 yen per year will be supported for research grant.

Application guidelines and application forms

[Application guidelines for Recruitment in April 2025]

[Application Form]

Entry of applicant information
Please enter the required information on the webform for submission.
Submission of “Application Form”
Download and fill in the designated forms, convert them to a PDF file, and upload it from the webform for submission.
Presentation video
Create a video (no longer than 60 seconds) explaining how your research can contribute to innovation in the field of next-generation AI following the application guidelines.
Please upload the presentation videos via the presentation video submission URL.

Website for application

Online application form (From January 10,2025 (Fri.) to January 29,2025 (Wed.) by 3pm.)

https://spring-gx.adm.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/apply/

※It is also used for SPRING GX.

Presentation video submission URL (From January 10,2025 (Fri.) to January 29,2025 (Wed.) by 3pm.)

［Presentation video submission URL］

Co-application with SPRING GX

Applicants may apply concurrently with SPRING GX.
In the case of a concurrent application, you may be offered a position in SPRING GX if you are not offered a position in BOOST NAIS.
For more information about SPRING GX, please click here.

In the application form, there is an option to choose to apply for both SPRING GX and BOOST NAIS.
Upload the application form as one PDF file in the order of “SPRING GX Application Form” and “BOOST NAIS Application Form”.
Please note that each application form must be completed separately, even if they have the same content.
Also note that applicants to BOOST NAIS are required to submit a presentation video.

About the Development Program

The following is a tentative list of items that everyone needs to participate in.

Orientation for new students (online, 1 hour)
Interdisciplinary research exchange meetings
Online participation (2 hours/month)
In-person participation (half a day/year)
Workshops (in-person participation, totaling about 2 days by the end of the program)
Lectures (about 2 credits by the end of the program)
Consultations with faculty members in charge of development programs (as needed)

FAQ (Updated as needed)

Eligibility for Application I have been offered a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (DC), can I apply?: You can apply, but you cannot receive duplicate benefits with the DC, so if you are selected for BOOST NAIS, you will have to decline one or the other.
Eligibility for Application I am in receipt of (or have applied for) another scholarship, can I apply for BOOST NAIS?: Scholarship providers may not allow co-subsidization, so please check the application guidelines for the scholarship in question and be sure to consult the department in charge at the University of Tokyo in advance.
Application Documents Can I make an application in English?: Yes, you can.
Application Documents I found a mistake on my application. Can I modify and submit it again?: No. Once you submit your application, you cannot change it.
others If I am selected, can I receive the scholarship together with the Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO)?: Co-subsidization with JASSO is possible. Please note that JASSO may not allow the joint awarding of scholarships of the benefit type, so please be sure to check with JASSO before applying. In addition, students who were selected as JASSO Type 1 Scholarship recipients in doctoral programs in 2023 or later are not eligible for the ‘Exemption from repayment for outstanding achievement’. For details, please refer to the JASSO webpage.
JASSO webpage: https://www.jasso.go.jp/shogakukin/saiyochu/gyosekimenjo/seidogaiyo/choufukukinshi.html

Contact Address

boost-nais.adm [at] gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp