Moonshot R&D Program Goal 10: Fusion Energy
Japan's Moonshot R&D goal to bring fusion energy into society by 2050, run by JST with project managers across universities and labs.
Overview
Moonshot Goal 10 is part of Japan's Moonshot Research and Development Program, managed by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Its goal: a dynamic society in harmony with the global environment and free from resource constraints, through diverse applications of fusion energy, by 2050.
The program backcasts from 2050 to identify the issues fusion must solve before deployment, and aims for disruptive innovation across fields. The Program Director is Prof. Zensho Yoshida (University of Tokyo).
Funded projects include accelerator-based high-intensity neutron sources (RIKEN), high-temperature superconducting magnets (Kyushu University), digital twin systems (NIFS), muon-catalyzed fusion (Chubu University), mathematical modeling (Waseda), superconducting dipole devices (University of Tokyo), isotope separation for compact fuel cycles (Shinshu University), compact breeding blankets (QST), and laser fusion using optical enhancement cavity and blue-violet semiconductor lasers (Osaka and others).
Who it is for
Project managers are selected through JST's open calls; researchers at universities, national labs and companies in Japan lead projects. Details are set in each call.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Moonshot R&D Program Goal 10: Fusion EnergyAdmissions and application
JST selects project managers through periodic open calls (projects were selected in FY2024 and later). No open call is currently listed on the Goal 10 page.
Benefits
- Multi-year government R&D funding for ambitious fusion projects.
- Collaboration across Japan's fusion research community under a Program Director.
Timeline
Target year 2050. Projects selected from FY2024 onward. No open call listed.
What came of it
At least nine projects are funded, spanning neutron sources, superconducting magnets, digital systems, muon-catalyzed fusion, isotope separation, breeding blankets and laser fusion.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
Research funding for selected projects; amounts are set per project and not listed on the page.
Questions about this program
What is Moonshot Goal 10?
A Japanese government R&D goal, run by JST, to put fusion energy into diverse uses in society by 2050.
Who leads it?
Program Director Prof. Zensho Yoshida of the University of Tokyo.
What does it fund?
Projects on neutron sources, HTS magnets, digital twins, muon-catalyzed fusion, isotope separation, breeding blankets and laser fusion.
Who can apply?
Project managers through JST's open calls, typically researchers based in Japan.
Is there an open call?
None is listed on the Goal 10 page right now.
When did projects start?
Projects were selected from FY2024.
Is it a startup program?
No. It is a government research program, though companies can take part.
Where can I learn more?
JST's Moonshot Goal 10 page.
About Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Government Agency
Japanese national funding agency for science and technology research, including the Moonshot R&D Program.
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From public sources
What the sources say about Moonshot R&D Program Goal 10: Fusion Energy
JST’s Goal 10 page was last updated July 1, 2026.
Source: JST Moonshot Goal 10 pageThe program works backward from a 2050 vision to solve implementation barriers through cross-disciplinary fusion R&D.
Source: JST Moonshot Goal 10 pageThe Goal 10 Secretariat sits within JST’s Moonshot Research and Development Program department.
Source: JST Moonshot Goal 10 pageJST lists ten projects selected in FY2024 across reactor, materials, digital, fuel-cycle, and laser-fusion technologies.
Source: JST Moonshot Goal 10 pageYoshida Zensho of the University of Tokyo serves as Program Director.
Source: JST Moonshot Goal 10 page
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