Japan Cybersecurity Defense Scholarship to Tackle 110,000 Talent Shortage, Launched from Shizuoka with Full Tuition Coverage

Nihon Cyber Defence Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO and Founder: Cartan Joseph McLaughlin, hereinafter "NCD"), a provider of advanced cyber defense solutions for national critical infrastructure and government agencies, will establish the "Nihon Cyber Defence Scholarship," a grant-based scholarship program for students at four universities and colleges of technology in Shizuoka Prefecture, starting April 2026. This scholarship will cover full tuition and facility fees during the period of study, with no repayment obligation. This initiative aims to build a sustainable talent development ecosystem through industry-academia-government-private collaboration, starting from Shizuoka, to address the domestic cybersecurity talent shortage, estimated at approximately 110,000 people. The program will be gradually expanded to educational institutions outside the prefecture from fiscal year 2027.

Background of Establishment | Addressing the 110,000 Cybersecurity Talent Shortage from Shizuoka

Japan faces a shortage of at least 110,000 cybersecurity professionals, and the gap between demand and supply is expected to worsen. In fact, job postings in related fields have increased 24-fold over the past decade, and securing specialized personnel is extremely difficult, particularly in regional areas. To solve this national challenge of talent shortage, NCD will play a leading role in nurturing cybersecurity talent.

In response to these challenges, Nihon Cyber Defence signed a "Partnership Agreement on Human Resource Development Utilizing Digital Technology and New Industrial Cluster Formation" with the City of Shizuoka on December 24, 2025. The company will establish the "Nihon Cyber Shizuoka Centre of Excellence (NCSCOE)" near JR Shizuoka Station, equipped with state-of-the-art functions, with plans to invest approximately 2 to 3 billion yen and create 80 to 100 jobs over the next two to three years.

This scholarship is positioned as a "core measure for human resource development" that complements the establishment of NCSCOE, aiming to expand a sustainable talent development ecosystem, built on collaboration between industry (NCD), academia (educational institutions), government (City of Shizuoka), and the private sector (local community), from Shizuoka to all over Japan.

"Since founding this company 8 years ago, I have never been more deeply moved than when I witnessed the passion of the first generation of applicants. If we show people the path to becoming Japan's future 'Cyber 007,' they will surely gather. Protecting the digital homeland with AI-powered digital guardians is extremely important for Japan's defense. I am confident that the 'Cyber Ecosystem' we are building here in Shizuoka will serve as the starting point and a major driving force for nationwide expansion."

Cartan McLaughlin, Founder and CEO

Scholarship Features | "Full Tuition Coverage x No Repayment Obligation"

The most significant feature of this scholarship is the "full coverage of tuition fees for the standard period of enrollment" without any time limitation. It provides an environment where students can concentrate on their studies without financial burden, while simultaneously offering practical experience, research opportunities, and networking in one place.

Name: Nihon Cyber Defence Scholarship

Type: Grant-based (no repayment obligation)

Coverage: Full tuition and facility fees for the standard period of study

Duration: 2 years (graduate school) / 4 years (university) / 5 years (college of technology)

Eligible Institutions: Shizuoka University Faculty of Informatics, University of Shizuoka School of Management and Information, Tokoha University Faculty of Business Administration, National Institute of Technology, Numazu College. Expansion to universities and colleges of technology inside and outside Shizuoka Prefecture is planned sequentially from fiscal year 2027.

Number of Recipients: 1 per institution (first year)

Start Date: April 2026

Application Requirements: Aspire to build a career in the cybersecurity field in Shizuoka

Ecosystem-Type Support (Scholarship + α)

Practical Internships: Hands-on security operations experience at NCSCOE

Joint Research & Special Lectures: Cutting-edge curriculum delivered by frontline analysts

Alumni Network: Continuous career support through the graduate community

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Nihon Cyber Defence Co., Ltd.

Public Relations: press@nihoncyberdefence.co.jp