FY2026 New Research Projects Selected for Transport Innovation

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is advancing the development of innovative technologies through the Transport Technology Development Promotion System to promote innovation in the transport sector. On August 7, 2026, it selected six new research projects for FY2026, including research on technologies contributing to autonomous ship operation. The decision was based on evaluations by an external expert committee and administrative needs.

The system supports innovative technologies that contribute to achieving a safe, secure, and comfortable transport society and reducing environmental impact, from discovery through social implementation.

The selected projects comprise two general projects, three matching promotion projects, and one SBIR interministerial collaboration project. The general category covers research and development expected to produce results within up to approximately three years, based on outcomes such as proof of concept, while the SBIR interministerial collaboration category covers research and development expected to produce results in approximately two years, based on outcomes from other ministries, agencies, or organizations. The matching promotion category links technology development needs from administrative bodies and other organizations with available technological seeds, aiming for early social implementation. Each fiscal year, the system solicits themes that contribute to resolving policy issues and commissions outstanding proposals as research and development projects.