Innovative ICT Fund Projects for Beyond 5G/6G

Beyond 5G/6G is expected to become the next generation's core information and communications infrastructure, serving as the foundation for all industrial and social activities and utilized across national borders. Based on the interim report on the "Information and Communications Technology Strategy for Beyond 5G" (June 2022, the Information and Communications Council(hereinafter referred to as the “Beyond 5G interim Report”)) by the Information and Communications Council of Japan, the Information and Communications Research and Development Fund was established in March 2023 by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) to provide stable and efficient R&D support over multiple fiscal years toward the realization of Beyond 5G/6G and strengthening Japan's international competitiveness.

The Innovative ICT Fund Projects for Beyond 5G/6G, which will be newly implemented by the same fund, is primarily intended to strengthen support for research and development aimed at social implementation and overseas expansion, focusing on technical fields where Japan has strengths. Specifically:

(1) Provide focused support for initiatives by the implementers of research and development projects, including their investments, who have strategies and determination towards social implementation and overseas expansion.
(2) Conduct research and development to establish elemental technologies to be addressed from a medium- to long-term perspective and the creation of technology seeds.
(3) Conduct research and development on technologies that contribute to the effective use of radio waves.