Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: Strategic Information andCommunications R&D Promotion Programme (SCOPE)
Special Entries for Innovative Candidates“INNO-vation” Program

2022 Application Guidelines
Executing Agency
KADOKAWA ASCII Research Laboratories, Inc.
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Table of Contents
Ⅰ INNO-vation Program3

1 Message from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

3

2 Open Call for Applicants
3 Applicant Requirements
4 Application Period
5 Application Process (How to apply)
6 Intellectual Property Protection Policy, etc.
7 Contact information regarding the INNO-vation program

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5
5
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6
6

Ⅱ “Disruptive Challenge” Category

7

1 Call for Proposals

7

2 Applicant

7

3 Challenge Support/Funding Amount7

4 Challenge Period

7

5 Application Procedure and Contents

8

6 Selection

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7a Supervisors

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7b Advisors

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8 Joining the INNO-Masters After Graduation

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Ⅲ “Generation Award” Category
1 Objective
2 Applicant
3 Implementation Schedule
4 Award
5 Application Details
6 Applying via Social Media
7 Matching with our Cooperative Partners
8 Selection and Announcement of Results

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14
15
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Ⅳ Handling of Personal Information

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Purpose and use of submitted personal information.

16

Management of personal information provided at the time of application.

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Inquiries about personal information handling; complaints/consultation desk

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V Matters of Attention (Please Read)
1. Regarding the Handling of Contracts and Intellectual Property Rights

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17

Disruptive Challenge

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Generation Award

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2. Confidentiality

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Disruptive Challenge

19

Generation Award20

3. Regarding the Protection of Human Rights and Compliance with Laws and Regulations

20

4. Requirements for Passing Selection in Each Department

20

5. Points to Note Regarding Selection, etc.

21Note on Translated Documents

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Ⅰ INNO-vation Program
1 Message from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
The spectacular discoveries currently being made in Information and Communications Technology(ICT) are transforming at a breakneck pace. And yet the effects of COVID-19 are being felt across theglobe, overturning our everyday lifestyles and pushing us into the new normal. This new normal has
in turn promoted diversification and that every person in the world has the potential to awaken an
industrial or social revolution. Now is precisely the time to think about the next big stride into the
future. Calling conventional knowledge into question, breaking through existing barriers, andbringing about change to the industrial structure is essential. The realization of that change is
Disruptive Innovation.
In order for disruptive innovation to develop and grow, we require a bedrock on top of which theseeds of inspiration, seen as "unusual" by customary standards, can naturally grow, an environmentthat accommodates challenges without fear of failure and an acceptance of diversity and the value itbrings. This does not mean just pushing Japan's accomplishments into the world, but rather aiming
for global development from the onset.
As globally recognized, there is a need to establish an environment in which candidates can feel free
to challenge themselves in creating something out of nothing. Their ability to break beyond what AI
can achieve and create a new 1 from a state of 0 will open up the future, rather than relying on
pre-existing solutions.
In 2014, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (hereinafter referred to as “MIC”)
established the “INNO-vation” Program to brew a new challenging atmosphere and provide support
towards candidates (referred to as “strange or unusual”) that could bravely move forward with theirwildly peculiar and ambitious ideas to resolve the technological issues facing us today.
As we all endeavor to adjust to this new normal, we are eagerly anticipating applications from newchallengers. The MIC will also continue working to find the perfect structure to support world-classchanges and fast-moving revolutions in the field of ICT. Together, not only can we challenge ourselves
towards something new but also towards creating a better tomorrow for our world.
*ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology, as defined and used accordingly in Japaneseterminology.
*This program was launched in 2014 on the basis of the recommendations of a report from the Information
and Communication Council entitled “The Desired Course of ICT Policies towards Innovation Creation” (interim
report: 5 July 2013, final report: 27 June 2013). In the ensuing years, the program has been positioned as a key
national strategy. In FY2021, the Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, Action Plan of
the Growth Strategy, and Priority Policy Program for the Realization of a Digital Society included the program asa priority policy (all approved by cabinet decision on June 18th, 2021).

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2 Open Call for Applicants
Support for your Disruptive Proposal

Awards from our Cooperative Partners

Disruptive Challenge

Generation AwardA call for ambitious technologicalchallenges that create a "seed of disruptive
innovation" in the Information andCommunications Technology (ICT) field.
As society and industry approach the
new normal, a turning point in civilization
under the turbulent veil of the COVID-19
pandemic, and in response to the immensechange brought about by it, we call upon
those who boldly take on new challenges
without the fear of failure.

Challenge Period: Maximum of 1 year. There isa possibility of early advancement.
Funding Amount: Maximum of up to¥3,000,000.
Upon completion of the challenge, those whoare certified as "INNO-β" will receive support
for global deployment.

See page 7 for further details

In the ICT field, we award:- Small but interesting ideas that
nobody has conceived before- Cutting edge technologies, even
without knowing the best way toutilize them
- Discoveries you wish to make reality
and more!
The emergence of people and companies,
who can use your small, everyday ideas or
your peculiar technology in unexpected ways,
may be the first step in changing the world.
・From our cooperative partners, there will be
Category Award Supplementary Prizes(200,000 yen) and Special Corporate Awards(not set) provided
・Those proposals nominated for the awards(223 from last year) will be given theopportunity to implement their ideas incooperation with these partnering companies

See page 13 for further details

4Figure 1: Flow of Challenges

3 Applicant Requirements
・All ages. Those on Earth with a contact address (citizenship or residency will not be taken into
account).
・In the case of self-application: Individuals or groups
・In the case of third party recommendations*: A person or group who you know personally and wish
to nominate on their behalf*For privacy reasons, the third party’s identity will not be revealed to those who have been nominated by said
third party*It is possible to simultaneously apply to both the Disruptive Challenge and the Generation Award.

4 Application Period
From 12:00 PM JST (03:00 AM GMT) Monday, June 20th, 2022 to 6:00 PM JST (9:00 AM GMT)
Monday, August 22nd, 2022.

5 Application Process (How to apply)
Please apply via the application form on the official website. For further information, please refer tothe respective sections of each challenge:
https://www.inno.go.jp/en*Please enter your information into the form as stated in the application’s procedure.

5*Additional materials and/or prototypes will be accepted via submission through theapplication form on the official website and/or mail to the executing agency.
Please note, additional materials will not be accepted through in-person delivery to the
executing agency.

*For items sent via post, those with a postmark prior to the submission deadline date will
be accepted. Please note, as a general rule, submitted documents will not be returned.

*It is also possible to apply through social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) in the
Generation Award.

6 Intellectual Property Protection Policy, etc.
The Disruptive Challenge and the Generation Award each have different policies regarding
intellectual property protection. Please be sure to confirm any details about each respective
challenge on page 16 before continuing with the application.

7 Contact information regarding the INNO-vation program
INNO-vation Program Executing Agency
Kadokawa ASCII Research Laboratories, Inc., INNO-vation Executing Agency
Telephone: (Japan) +81(0)3-5840-7629
Business hours: Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and holidays) 10:00 - 18:00*Inquiries are also available on weekends and holidays during the final week of the application
period.
Email Address: info[at]inno.go.jp (please change [at] to @)Please also refer to the FAQ page on the INNO-vation official website
INNO-vation official homepage: https://inno.go.jp/en6

Ⅱ “Disruptive Challenge” Category
1 Call for Proposals
In the globally unpredictable field of ICT (Information and Communications Technology), where newideas and technologies are born every day, there is great potential for disruptive creation on a global
scale. We aim to support the further development of these technologies by looking for proposals
that can boldly take on these challenges and tackle issues with the potential of changing society andglobal industries without the fear of failure.
Please carefully read and confirm "V Matters of Attention" in full before proceeding with theapplication.

2 Applicant●●●●

Those who can propose a path and a vision towards their goal as well as being unafraid ofmaking mistakes in their attempt.
All ages. Those on Earth with a contact address (citizenship or residency will not be taken
into account).
In the case of self-application: Individuals or groups.
In the case of referrals: Individuals or groups in your vicinity.

*In addition, coordinate alongside the executing agency and follow decided activities.
*In the event you are selected, your name (or nickname), residing location, and proposal name will beannounced on the official website.
*You must abide by Japanese law. Those without Japanese residency or citizenship will not be bound by theIndustrial Technology Enhancement Act Article 17 (the Japanese equivalent of the Bayh-Dole Act).

3 Challenge Support/Funding AmountMaximum ¥3,000,000.
* The executing agency will handle any cumbersome paperwork for the administration and will create anenvironment in which, as much as possible, successful participants will be able to concentrate fully on thetechnical challenges. As such, no funding will be paid in cash.
*Those who wish to pay for personnel salaries must adhere to the accounting process principles set forth by
the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan. Personnel salary budgets for those who fallwithin these principles shall be calculated on the basis of the recipient's previous year of income.
* Depending on the selection, the maximum support/funding amount may be ¥1,000,000. Please see section
II-6: Selection Process for details.

4 Challenge Period
A made-to-order system for each challenger, up to a maximum of one year. You may take agraduation assessment at any point during the initial 12-month period. Upon graduating andbecoming an INNO-β you will receive a variety of support, including but not limited to global
expansion/development for your challenge.

75 Application Procedure and Contents
To apply, please use the form accessible from the official website and enter the following items.
Official website: https://www.inno.go.jp/en/
Please ensure that you provide all the following information:
・Name of the technological proposal (up to 100 characters)
・The target goal of the proposal (up to 1200 characters)
・Path to realization and implementation (up to 2,000 characters)
・Additional materials and prototypes may also be submitted (optional)*Supplementary documentation, prototypes, and other supporting documents can be submitted as part of theapplication either by attaching such material to the online application form or by mail to the executing agencyof the program. Please note, additional materials will not be accepted through in-person delivery to the
executing agency.
* Items delivered by post will be accepted provided they have been postmarked prior to the deadline or aremarked as having been received by the courier prior to the deadline. Please note, as a general rule, submitted
documents will not be returned.

6 Selection
・Following the confirmation of the format by the executing agency, the screening shall be
implemented by our INNO-vation Program Cooperative Partners.
・Evaluations will be based solely on the contents of the proposal (gender, age, background, andother accomplishments will not be considered).
*In the past, there have been applications ranging from 5 to 86 years old.
・Evaluations are absolute, and there is no predetermined number of adoptions.
・Proposals that awaken global-scale disruptive innovations are not created based on existing value orwith evaluations in mind, but rather they are based on the intuition of those who know about what it
takes to be an "unusual person" with ideas that will shake up society: our supervisors.
・The process from application to graduation (becoming an INNO-β) is displayed in Figure 2. There arelimits to the time period and costs (maximum of one year and ¥3,000,000, respectively), but as thisis a made-to-order system, you are free to set your own time period and costs within thoselimitations. The executing agency will support you.
・The challenge is laid out as a 2-step process.
- 0 to 1 Challenge:
The 0 to 1 Challenge is an opportunity to put your ideas to the test and experiment toyour heart's content without fear of failure in order to light up the path toward yourAmbitious Technical Goal. Freely set your own time period and budget (up to 4 monthsand ¥1,000,000, respectively) and set your sights toward the Disruptive Challenge.
Through appropriate self-assessment and a sound level of judgment, you may submit arequest once per month to the executing agency for an advancement screening to the
Disruptive Challenge. You may take the advancement screening up to two times. Upon
passing the selection, you may advance to the Disruptive Challenge.
-

Disruptive Challenge:
Press onward toward your "Ambitious Technical Goal". The 0 to 1 Challenge's time
period and support budget are deducted from the overall time and budget limit of one

8year and ¥3,000,000, respectively. (For example, the earlier the 0 to 1 Challenge iscompleted, the longer the time period for the Disruptive Challenge becomes.) You will beable to take a graduation examination.
Completing a proposal does not guarantee selection to be a Challenger. Those who are not selected
to be a Challenger by the selection process will have matching opportunities with our Cooperative
Partners. Please see section III-7: Matching with Our Cooperative Partners for details.
Figure 2: Process from Application to Graduation

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7a Supervisors

Satoshi Ikuta
President & CEO,
Nagi Spirits Company

Tetsuya Kawanishi
Professor, School of
Fundamental Science andEngineering,
Department of Electronic andPhysical Systems,
University of Waseda

Tomotaka Takahashi
CEO, Robo Garage Co. Ltd.

Gaku Ueda
CEO, MODE Inc.,

Youichi Sato
General Manager,
TikTok Japan

Hiroshi Harada
Professor, Department ofCommunication and Computer
Engineering, the University of
Kyoto

Erika Ogawa
Former Representative,
Guinness World Records
Japan

Katsuya Takasu
Chairman, Medical Corporation
Fukushi Kai, Takasu Hospital,
Takasu Clinic

Tomoe Makino
Activision Blizzard Japan,
Managing Director

Yukihiro Matsumoto
Chairman, Ruby Association

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7b Advisors

Adam D'Angelo
Quora Founder and CEO,
Former Facebook CTO

Hitoshi Tonomura
First Compass Group General
Partner, Scrum Ventures Advisor,
Former EvernoteJapan President

Joichi Ito
Venture Capitalist

Takashi Miike
Filmmaker

Shinichi Nakasuka
Professor of Aerospace
Engineering, Graduate Schoolof Engineering, The Universityof Tokyo

Sputniko!
ArtistAssociate Professor, Tokyo
University of the Arts
Department of Design

8 Joining the INNO-Masters After Graduation
Upon being authorized for graduation, you will then be recognized as an INNO-β (official recognition
from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as an unusual person) and will join the
INNO-Masters.
The INNO-Masters are a group of individuals that receive global-scale support for their activities. It is
an initiative to support the relentless INNO-β, those who continue to follow their remarkable"Ambitious Technical Goal" and dream of one day changing the world.
To provide global scale transmission support for INNO-β technology and information, support will be
provided focused around professionally made videos, mass/social media transmission, international
exhibitions, offers from organizations, and legal/financial/intellectual property rights support. In thisera of a "new normal", INNO-βs will receive various kinds of support to promote global scale
activities.
Once you are an INNO-β, you're an INNO-β for life.

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Example of INNO-Masters Support
Global-scale transmission support

Professionally made promotional videos
and mass and social media support. Let'sreach out to 1 million unique users together!

International exhibition support

Support with presenting at international
exhibitions; overseas cooperation from ourcooperative partners.

Professional support (intellectual property
rights and patents)

Support from legal, financial, andintellectual property experts andenterprises.

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Ⅲ “Generation Award” Category
1 Objective
I. Generation Award
Call for your small ideas, techniques, and discoveries that have the potential to take a leap forward in
unexpected ways as evaluated by our cooperative partners.
We are accepting applications in the ICT field for:・A small but interesting idea that nobody has conceived before
・Cutting edge technologies, even without knowing the best way to utilize them・Discoveries you wish to make reality
Please be sure to confirm section V: Matters of Attention before continuing with the application.

2 Applicant
・All ages. Those on Earth with a contact address (citizenship or residency will not be taken into
account).
・In the case of self-application: Individuals or groups
・In the case of third party recommendations*: A person or group who you know personally and wish
to nominate on their behalf*For privacy reasons, the third party’s identity will not be revealed to those who have been nominated by said
third party*It is possible to simultaneously apply to both the Disruptive Challenge and the Generation Award.

3 Implementation Schedule
All times given are in Japan Standard Time (JST)Screening by our Cooperative Partners

Late September-mid October 2022

Notification of Nomination

Late October 2022 (scheduled)Award Ceremony and Matching Event
with our Cooperative Partners

Late Mid-Late November 2022 (scheduled)*All scheduled dates are subject to change. Please check the official website for further details.

4 Award
The nominees for the Generation Award will be selected from the submitted proposals. Recipients of
the Generation Award will be selected from these nominees. In addition, corporate prizes may beawarded to any proposal that the cooperative partners wish to support.

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Category Awards
Awards will be provided for the ideas/technologies/inventions that supersede the "fivesenses of animals" or the "four dimensions of space and time".
Examples of these unorthodox awards are as follows:"Isn't this awesome!?", "Check out my discovery!", "I made this!", “Unexpected, isn't it?","Super convenient!", "Dishing out the flavor", "Conveying a fresh, new way to see!","Conveying a fresh, new way to hear!", "Bringing in the fun!", "Sending a message throughsmell!", "Sending a message through emotions!", "I made it this small/light!", "Opening up
the new era into space!", "Truly connecting with anyone, anywhere, at any time whileremaining safe and properly distanced," etc.
We eagerly await your unbound, unconventional ideas!
Those who are selected for a category award will also be awarded an additional ¥200,000 (twohundred thousand Japanese Yen) as a congratulatory gift. Furthermore, those selected for corporate
prizes may also be awarded a personal congratulatory gift.

5 Application Details
To apply, please use the form accessible from the official website. Please ensure that you provide all
the following information:
・Proposal title (up to 100 characters)
・Summary of the proposal (up to 1200 characters if written, videos, products, etc.)
・Supplementary documentation, prototypes, and other supporting materials may be submitted aspart of your application (optional).
* Supplementary documentation, prototypes, and other supporting documents can be submitted as part of
the application either by attaching such material to the online application form or by mail to the executing
agency of the program. Additional materials will not be accepted through in-person delivery to the executing
agency.
* Items delivered by post will be accepted provided they have been postmarked prior to the deadline or aremarked as having been received by the courier prior to the deadline. Please note, as a general rule, submitted
documents will not be returned.

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6 Applying via Social MediaYou may send your application via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For applications using Social
Media, please do so via the following URLs:
Facebook
Please apply through Facebook Messenger.
https://www.facebook.com/innovationprojecten/

Instagram
Please follow the following account and apply via Direct Message.
https://www.instagram.com/innovation_project_en/

Twitter
Please follow the following account and apply via Direct Message.
https://twitter.com/Inno_project_en

7 Matching with our Cooperative Partners
In the event that our cooperative partners discover a matching proposal during the Generation
Award screening process, their requests will be notified to the executing agency following thescreening process. Following this process, the executing agency will contact the applicant, and if theapplicant so desires, matching between the company and the applicant will be arranged.

8 Selection and Announcement of Results
Following the confirmation of the format by the executing agency, the screening shall be
implemented by our INNO-vation Program Cooperative Partners. The evaluation will be based solely
on the contents of the proposal (gender, age, background, and accomplishments will not be
considered). Method of application (Application form or through social media) will also have no
impact on evaluation.
The name, residing prefecture (or residence), and proposal title of the nominees and award winners
shall be announced via the official website following the screening process.
Any applicants who have not passed the screening process shall not be notified.

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Ⅳ Handling of Personal Information“Personal Information” refers to addresses, names, telephone numbers, email addresses, or any
other information that can be identified as a specific individual (or easily compared with otherinformation to identify an individual).
Any personal information received and handled at the time of the application will be handled inaccordance with the “Personal Information Protection Policy” of KADOKAWA ASCII ResearchLaboratories, Inc.

(1) Purpose and use of submitted personal information.
a. For notification of passing and selection into the program.
b. For confirmation of inquiries and subsequent communication.
c. For contact in any events related to this program.

(2) Management of personal information provided at the time of application.
a. Strict security measures will be implemented in order to prevent any unauthorized access, loss,
leaks, tampering, etc. of information.
b. At the time of inputting any personal information, data encryption technology is used in order toprotect this information during communication.
c. Personal information acquired by the executing agency throughout the application will not be used
for any other purpose without prior consent unless required by law.

Inquiries about personal information handling; complaints/consultation desk
For matters related to the disclosure, correction, suspension of use, etc. of personal information,please contact the following:
Company name: KADOKAWA ASCII Research Laboratories, Inc.
Address: 2F, KS Building, 1-17-8 Nishikata, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0024, Japan
Telephone: +81(0)3-5840-7800 (Japan), FAX: +81(0)3-5840-7812
Email Address: info[at]lab-kadokawa.com (Please replace [at] with @)The person in charge of personal information: Eiji Yoshikawa
The “Personal Information Protection Policy” of the executing agency is disclosed below:
URL: https://www.lab-kadokawa.com/privacy/en/16

V Matters of Attention (Please Read)
1. Regarding the Handling of Contracts and Intellectual Property Rights
The handling of contracts and intellectual property rights within the INNO-vation program is as
written below.

Disruptive Challenge
To successfully apply for the Disruptive Challenge, applicants must meet the following requirements.

1. Time of Applicationa. According to Security Export Control*, in order to handle technology leaks overseas, there must be
no concerns with the following points:
・The applicant is not on the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) End User List.
・The applicant is in agreement with the multilateral export control regime.
・The applicant can conduct activities in accordance with Security Export Control's Sensitive
Technology Guidance.
・The applicant must behave in a just and ethical manner, be credible in society, and must not oppose
market economy rules or have compromised freedom.
(Reference)
Security Export Control Management (part of the multilateral export control regime)
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/link.html
METI Overseas Trade Control End User List
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/2_0514.pdf
Security Export Control's Sensitive Technology Guidance
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/law_document/tutatu/t07sonota/t07sonota_jishukanri
03.pdfb. The applicant must not be a member of any criminal organization or take part in activities withcriminal organizations.
c. If the applicant who has passed the screening committee is a minor (under 20 years old), he/she
must fulfill a contract with their legal guardian. If an arrangement is required with the legal guardianfor obtaining such consent, the executing agency of this program will provide support.
*The Security Export Control refers to regulations concerning weapons, military-grade equipment, technology,
and/or intellectual property rights that may be used by nations or terrorists to cause harm to the national
security of Japan.

If the executing agency determines that an application does not fit the requirements needed to fulfill
a contract, the challenge may not be accepted, regardless of evaluation.

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2. After Being Selected as a Challenger
a. If an applicant is selected as a Challenger, each Challenger will work with the executing agency tomanage confidentiality and intellectual property and enter into a Disruptive Challenge contract
which will specify the various necessary rules and regulations.
b. Japanese law must be obeyed. Patents and intellectual property rights born of this program will
be based on each section's individual contract, and in accordance with the Industrial Technology
Enhancement Act Article 17 (the Japanese equivalent of the Bayh-Dole Act), rights for inventions
or discoveries will belong to the inventor. Furthermore, it is important to note that even if theapplicant(s) that pass the screening process are currently affiliated with an organization or
institution, the deliverables shall not become the property of said organization or institution. The
Industrial Technology Enhancement Act Article 17 (the Japanese equivalent of the Bayh-Dole Act)
shall not apply to those without Japanese residency or citizenship.
c. As stated in subsection b, because the intellectual property rights belong to the Challenger,
please consult with the executing agency as soon as possible to discuss gaining possession of said
intellectual property rights. The executing agency's patent attorney will provide support with theprocedures.
d. If the achievements made in this program are discovered to be in relation to weapons of mass
destruction (WMD) or if the developer is discovered to be a part of any terrorist organization inaccordance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, support may be canceled andappropriate measures may be taken.
e. Concerning the aforementioned intellectual property rights, the applicant holds a responsibility
to attain prior approval when transferring or implementing property rights and bears a
responsibility to file the proper reports with regard to applications, implementation, registration,
abandonment, etc.

Generation Award
To successfully apply for the Generation Award, applicants must meet the following requirements.

1. Time of Applicationa.

According to Security Export Control*, in order to handle technology leaks overseas, there
must be no concerns with the following points:
・The applicant is not on the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) End User List.
・The applicant is in agreement with the multilateral export control regime.
・The applicant can conduct activities in accordance with Security Export Control's Sensitive
Technology Guidance.
・The applicant must behave in a just and ethical manner, be credible in society, and must not
oppose market economy rules or have compromised freedom.
(Reference)
Security Export Contro Management (part of the multilateral export control regime)
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/link.html
METI Overseas Trade Control End User List
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/2_0514.pdf

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b.

c.
d.
e.

Security Export Control's Sensitive Technology Guidance
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/anpo/law_document/tutatu/t07sonota/t07sonota_jishukanri
03.pdf
The applicant must not be the developer of any weapon of mass destruction (WMD) or amember of a terrorist organization. Applicants must take proper precautions not to develop
anything that could be converted for military use, in accordance with the Foreign Exchange
and Foreign Trade Act.
The applicant must not be a member of any criminal organization or take part in activities
with criminal organizations.
So those cooperating businesses may fully provide support, all patents and intellectual
property are designated to belong to the developer.
Since the application contents are to be disclosed to our cooperative partners, it is strongly
recommended to not apply in the event that the applicant wishes to keep their contents
confidential.

*The Security Export Control refers to regulations concerning weapons, military-grade equipment,
technology, and/or intellectual property rights that may be used by nations or terrorists to cause
harm to the national security of Japan.

2. After Applicationa. Awarded proposals will be revoked if discovered to not be in compliance with the Foreign
Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
b. If the applicant who has passed the screening committee is a minor (under 20 years old),he/she must fulfill a contract with their legal guardian. If an arrangement is required with thelegal guardian for obtaining such consent, the executing agency of this program will provide
support.

2. Confidentiality
Applicants in all sections of the INNO-vation Program must be aware of responsibilities regarding
confidentiality.

Disruptive Challenge
1. Confidentiality of Proposal Contents until Passing the Evaluation Process
With the exception of the information contained in Section III-8: Announcement of the Screening
Process and Results, no information relating to the ideas submitted in applications, including
information relating to the assessment of said ideas, will be disclosed under any circumstances.

2. Confidentiality Obligations of Applicants Passing the Evaluation Process
Applicants passing the screening process are forbidden to disclose or leak any information to any
third party or use the information for any purpose other than the program itself with regard to any
confidential information, e.g., corporate information, which the applicants may come to learn
through this program.
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Generation Award
1. Confidentiality of Proposal Contents until Selection of the Generation Award
Excluding details outlined in "Ⅲ 8 Selection and Announcement of Results", we will not disclose any
information regarding the proposals, including evaluation-related information.

2. Confidentiality Requirements for those who Pass the Screening Process
Under no circumstances are successful applicants allowed to disclose or leak any confidential
information obtained through this program, nor are they allowed to use this gathered information
for any reason other than this program.

3. Regarding the Protection of Human Rights and Compliance with Laws andRegulations
Upon application into the INNO-vation Program, the applying party's agreement, and cooperationmust be given toward the handling of personal information, bioethics, and general safety. There may
be additional legal procedures necessary, including procedures involving domestic and foreign ethics
committees. In these instances, please promptly consult with the executing agency and comply withapplicable procedures. In the event that any activities or implementation will be conducted in or withan organization outside of Japan, please confirm the laws and regulations of the respective country
prior to any activity. Please consult with the executing agency's attorney to resolve any unclear items.
Particularly with life science research, laws, and regulations may have been amended amongst
various ministries, so please make sure to confirm the latest version of the law. If any activities arefound not to be in compliance with any law or regulation, the selection results may be invalidated.
Please refer to the bioethical and safety security measures as set forth by the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) at the website below.
● LifeSciences Plaza, "Ethics and Safety Initiatives".
https://www.lifescience.mext.go.jp/bioethics/index.html (Japanese only)
If the applicant's proposal requires consent/cooperation of other parties, it is important to ensurethat appropriate measures for the protection of human rights are taken, i.e., do not engage inunethical behaviors.

4. Requirements for Passing Selection in Each Department
The essential conditions for passing the selection of each department are as follows.
General Matters・ If an interview is to be scheduled after the screening process or after receiving an award, theapplicants must be able to attend. In such cases, the transportation costs shall be covered by the
executing agency of this program.
・If an interview is to be scheduled as part of the screening processes of each department, theapplicants must be willing to attend meetings related to this program.
・If an applicant is affiliated with an organization, such as a corporation, written consent from theaffiliated organization must be submitted after passing the screening committee or receiving an

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award. If an arrangement is required with the affiliated organization for the submission of adocument of consent, the executing agency of this program will provide support.
・In the event you are selected as a nominee, challenger, or award winner, you agree to your name(or nickname), residing location, and proposal title being announced on the official website.

Disruptive Challenge・ Applicants must be the originators of the technical proposal and must be the person who intends
to achieve the resolution of the proposal independently. If the proposal is to be implemented withina group, the roles and responsibilities must not overlap.
・Applicants must be able to take all necessary steps towards the achievement of their target goals
throughout the entire period of the challenge.

Generation Award・ Must be the originator or the originating group of the proposal.
・Rights regarding the application contents (including additional reference materials) shall be
managed as they belong to the applicant or originator. However, due to the possibility of ourcooperative partners considering and/or researching similar ideas, technologies, or proposals, if theapplicant prefers their content to be absolutely confidential it is recommended to avoid applying.

5. Points to Note Regarding Selection, etc.
General Matters
1. Regarding the Originality of the Contents of the Application
For the entire period of this program, it is strictly forbidden to plagiarize or infringe upon the ideas orintellectual property of third parties. Applicants must be aware, from the beginning of theapplication process, of the need to be duly vigilant with regard to any plagiarism and infringement of
the ideas and intellectual property of third parties.

2. Handling of Malpractice“Malpractice”, as defined by this program, refers to any and all acts that infringe upon general laws
and regulations. For example, using goods supplied for the purpose of the technical proposal for any
other purpose than the stated technical proposal would constitute malpractice.
This program forms part of the competitive research funding system operated by the Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications of Japan. Measures for dealing with malpractice are disclosed in
the “Policy regarding the Appropriate Implementation of Competitive Research Funding”. Applicantsmust read and understand this policy prior to submitting any application.
[Reference] Policy regarding the Appropriate Implementation of Competitive Research Funding
https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/compefund/shishin_r3_1217.pdf

3. Obligation to Participate in Follow-up Inquiries
In order to continuously improve the program for the future, we shall implement inquiries on thestatus and situation of the applicants who have passed the screening process (at the point of the21

program and approximately 10 years later). Applicants who pass the screening are expected tocooperate with these inquiries.
In addition, Award winners will be surveyed following commendation. We kindly request that thesewinners participate in follow-up inquiries.

Disruptive Challenge
1. Matching with our Cooperative Partners
All applicants who do not pass the screening process (Challengers) shall be eligible to apply to the
Cooperative Partners Program. However, from the perspective of protecting the applicants’
intellectual property, it should be noted that any participation in the program assumes the applicant
has agreed to and will adhere to the cautionary guidelines set out in the application form.

2. Regarding Selection
・The nominees who have passed the screening process shall be contacted by the executing agencyof this program regarding whether or not they desire to participate in the screening process.
・Supervisors will not intervene in the program proposals/challenges.
・Evaluation criteria are as follows:・Originality: if the applicant demonstrates ideas and characteristics befitting a person capable oftaking on the disruptive technical challenges.
・Self-Determination: if the applicant possesses strong and determinative attributes that do not
expect justification from others
・Clarity and Understanding: if the applicant has a clear understanding of the problems,solutions, and possibilities.
・Indomitable Will: If the applicant possesses the indomitable will

Generation Award
1. Award Implementation
・The executing agency will not disclose personal information without the permission of theapplicant.
・Applicants cannot directly or indirectly negotiate (such as through the executing agency) withcooperating companies through this program・After selecting the Generation Award, the Cooperative Partners may continue to review the
proposals even after the award announcement.

Note on Translated Documents
If an issue should arise as a result of this document, all rules and regulations shall abide by theoriginal Japanese document and in the event of any discrepancies, the Japanese document shalltake precedence.

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