Philosophy, Founding Principles and History
Philosophy
By deepening our support for science and technology and broadening our grants to cover the arts and culture, we are empowering creative innovators who challenge conventional thinking and generate new value in their respective fields.
Motto
The Toshiaki Ogasawara Memorial Foundation adheres to the philosophy expressed by the Founder as it provides grants in the spirit of the motto,
Empowering innovators to challenge conventional wisdom
Founding Principles
Japan has made steady growth in production technology in its steel, polymer chemistry, automobile, and electronics industries through the implementation, improvement and expansion of science and technology from overseas, and this has enabled such industries to provide effective responses to social and economic needs. Electronic technology and polymer chemistry in particular have become driving forces for the major industries in Japan.
However, along with the transition of the economy from its high- to stable-growth periods, science and technology must be further developed to better respond to the diverse and changing needs of the global community. This will help us realize an enriched society, contributing and sustaining the well-being of this planet and benefitting mankind.
Electronics technologies in particular will have a significant impact on Japanese industries and people's lives as development of an advanced information society proceeds. It is expected to grow further as a fundamental common technology across broad fields of science and technology. The use of polymer chemistry is also expected to expand to diverse applications, from the creation of new organic substances and materials to the clarification of mechanisms of proteins that control life phenomena. In all of these fields, basic research and development aiming to create innovative technology must take priority over applied research and development.
As its place in the international community has become more significant, Japan's contributions to research and development in science and technology have become increasingly influential. It is important for Japan to further promote research cooperation and the cultivation of human resources from an international perspective.
To support cutting-edge research and development in electronic and digital technology and polymer chemistry, the Ogasawara Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Engineering was established with a donation from Toshiaki Ogasawara. The Foundation strives to develop and promote cutting-edge research on science and technology as well as promote international exchange to contribute to the promotion of science and technology and socioeconomic development.
Date of Foundation: September 12, 1986
History
| 1986 September | The Ogasawara Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Engineering is established with a donation of 2 million shares of Nifco Inc. owned by Toshiaki Ogasawara to start the provision of grants for innovations in science and technology. |
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| 2013 April | The Foundation shifts to a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation along with the reform of the public interest incorporated association system. |
| 2015 September | The Foundation starts IncuVenture Grant project. (IncuVenture is a coined term combining incubation and venture.) |
| 2016 November | Founder Toshiaki Ogasawara passes away. |
| 2017 June | Kiyoteru Ogasawara assumes the position of President and Chair of the Board of Directors. |
| 2020 June | With a donation of 594 million shares of Nifco Inc. in compliance with the final wishes of Toshiaki Ogasawara, the Foundation changes to the Toshiaki Ogasawara Memorial Foundation and begins awarding grants for arts and culture. |
| 2021 October | Sanshiro Ogasawara assumes the position of President and Chair of the Board of Directors. |