Grant · Hybrid
A research grant and coaching programme for teenagers researching the ocean, fisheries and water environments, run by JASTO and Leave a Nest with support from the Nippon Foundation. The 2027 call has not been announced yet.
Since 2017 the Marine Challenge Program has supported teenagers doing self-motivated research on any ocean or water topic: marine life, fisheries, ships and offshore engineering, environmental conservation, or the history and culture of the sea. Forty projects are selected across five regional blocks. Each receives a research grant, about four online sessions with a research coach, and travel support to present at a regional meeting. About 15 teams go on to the national final in Tokyo.