Kadokawa ASCII Research Laboratories, Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masakazu Kakinuki) is pleased to announce that 23 research and development themes have been selected for FY2026 (FY2026) under the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Deep Tech Human Resource Development Project "Kakusei Project". Kadokawa ASCII Research Laboratories has been entrusted with the secretariat operations since the establishment of this project in FY2023 and has been responsible for its operation. In this, the fourth year, we will continue to support the project through secretariat operations so that the selected research and development can lead to future societal implementation and solutions to social issues. About the "Kakusei Project" The "Kakusei Project" is a project that challenges societal problem-solving by promoting original and innovative research and development in the deep tech field, utilizing the advanced research facilities possessed by AIST by young human resources. In FY2026, 23 research themes were selected from proposals by young researchers in the four research areas of AI, Biotechnology, Materials & Chemistry, and Quantum, following a rigorous selection process. Selected researchers will receive support from project managers (PMs) and supervisors (SVs) of this project, AIST researchers, financial support of 3 million yen per research theme, free use of AIST's cutting-edge research environment, and support for networking with awardees and experienced support personnel. The research and development period is from July 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Selected Researchers, Research Themes, PMs, and AIST Receiving Researchers (Titles omitted) Name: Momoka Ikegami Affiliation: Graduate School, Komazawa University Research Theme: Towards Forward-Ending Conversations: A High-Context Dialogue Support System with Gyaru Mindset as an Intervention Principle PM: Masaki Onishi Receiving Researcher: Masaki Onishi Name: Chi