Key facts
- Japan's Lotus Programme aims to foster international scientific collaboration.
- The program focuses on AI and chemistry research.
- An estimated 1,000 Indian fellowship candidates are expected for fiscal year 2026.
- This represents a twentyfold increase from two years prior.
- Japan is considering developing an AI system for disaster relief.
- The AI system would optimize the distribution of relief supplies.
- The system would integrate data from government agencies and businesses.
- The goal is to improve the speed and equity of aid delivery after disasters.
Japan's scientific collaboration initiatives are seeing a notable surge in participation from Indian researchers. The Lotus Programme, designed to foster international scientific partnerships, is projected to attract approximately 1,000 Indian fellowship candidates for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents a substantial twentyfold increase compared to the number of candidates from two years prior. The program specifically targets collaboration in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and chemistry.