On April 10, during Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to Japan, Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer Littlejohn from the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and Takayuki Fujiyoshi, Deputy Director General for the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy at the Japan Cabinet Office signed a Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement aims to deepen connectivity between U.S.-Japan science and technology entrepreneurs, expand investment opportunities, and foster technological innovation. The MOU is set to catalyze innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote entrepreneurial endeavors in the advancement of science, technology, and societal well-being.
Signed on March 26, 2024, this MOU builds on a longstanding history of scientific and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Japan. The agreement sets the stage for innovative initiatives that will connect American technology companies with Japanese entrepreneurs. Japan will fully fund Japanese participants and the expanded GIST operational costs for Japan-specific programs while the United States will provide technical expertise and facilitate visa processing as needed.
For more information about this exciting initiative please contact OES-Press@state.gov.
