Overview

The Marine Challenge Program, launched and operated by the Nippon Foundation, JASTO, and Leave a Nest, supports teenagers who take on research in marine and water-environment fields. Since 2017, it has helped young researchers find challenges in the ocean and water sectors and build relationships for the future between people and the ocean.

Technology strengths

By 2024, the program had supported 359 middle and high school research teams and was supporting 40 teams in 2025. Many alumni have chosen marine-related careers and continued research in masters and doctoral programs.

Deployment examples

Partner

The Marine Challenge Program

Use case

Research funding and support from research coaches are provided to teenagers working on a broad range of marine, fisheries, and water-environment topics.