TOPPAN Holdings Inc.'s group company, TOPPAN Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Haruhiko Noguchi; hereinafter referred to as TOPPAN), and The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science (Head Office: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; Director: Masakazu Sugiyama; hereinafter referred to as UTokyo IIS), will establish a sponsored research department named "Quantum Dot Innovation Lab (TOPPAN)" for a period of five years starting from July 1, 2026. This sponsored research department will be established through a donation from TOPPAN with the aim of industrial application and innovation creation in quantum dot technology. It will leverage the academic knowledge accumulated by The University of Tokyo in epitaxial quantum dots (*1) and colloidal quantum dots (*2), as well as quantum optical measurement technology, combined with TOPPAN's nanoparticle synthesis technology, particularly in colloidal quantum dots, and its applied development capabilities. The department will promote fundamental research on realization technologies and applications of nanomaterials and nanostructures, including quantum dots. Furthermore, by fostering researchers who will drive the development of this field, it aims to create knowledge that contributes to the creation of new industrial fields and social implementation. ■ Background and Objectives for Establishing the Sponsored Research Department Quantum dots are currently being developed for market applications such as next-generation displays, quantum dot lasers, and highly sensitive sensors. The importance of colloidal quantum dots, which can be manufactured at low cost, is increasing for next-generation high-performance photonics elements and devices. For broader applications, the establishment of precise evaluation methods and the foundational technology for high-quality synthesis and coating processes are also required. On the other hand, many challenges remain, including improving the quality of mat