Certifying youth with high aspirations and exceptional talent as members to support, and providing financial assistance to selected applicants

The Masason Foundation (“the Foundation,” President: Masayoshi Son) has chosen 32 people aged between 9 and 24*1 as members of the Foundation (the 9th generation). The members will be given support as associate members*2 starting July 1, 2025.

Members chosen include a 12-year-old student who has developed an early tornado warning system using drones, and an 18-year-old student who has co-developed a risk prediction model using machine learning to prevent potential groundwater contamination during uranium mining. Associate members certified last year as the 8th generation members who passed the screening process will be certified as authorized members on the same day.

■About Members (Planned for July 1, 2025)
1. Number of members (from the 1st generation to the 9th generation): 169
2. Age distribution:
Youngest: 9 years old, Oldest: 29 years old
Under 10 years old: 1 member (1%), 10 – 19 years old: 100 members (59%), 20 – 29 years old: 68 members (40%)

*1 As of July 1, 2025
*2 The Foundation will certify talented persons as associate members for the initial year, and a decision will be made as to whether they will be registered as authorized members on the basis of their activities and achievements during that year. Associate members will receive support from the Foundation such as financial support and the free use of facilities for members, and will be able to participate in events organized by the Foundation. The period of validity will be determined on a case-by-case basis after taking into account the completion date of each individual’s educational process. However, if an authorized member reaches 29 years of age, the period of validity will end on the last day of the first fiscal year after that point. In addition, if an authorized member is 23 years old or younger at the end of the validity period and wishes to extend the period, it may be extended after re-screening.

The Foundation asked 5 of the members to share their thoughts. Their self-introductions will be posted sequentially on the Foundation’s website (https://masason-foundation.org/en/scholars/).

・Rioto Yasukawa, 9 years old
Rioto, who possesses enough knowledge and insight in biology to discuss his hypotheses about DNA with university professors, comments, “I would like to create an accurate map of cells by elucidating the internal structures and shapes of organelles, as well as the mechanism of their degradation within cells. My goal is to make a cell membrane with bound membrane proteins–an enigma of the origin of life. I am sure I will face many failures. However, if I can resolve questions one by one while enjoying the process, I believe I will discover wonders beyond imagination.

・Anirudh Rao, 12 years old
Anirudh, who received the grand prize as the youngest-ever winner of an international competition focused on solving global challenges, comments, “It’s a privilege and an honor to be selected as a Masason Foundation member among inspiring innovators. With the Foundation’s support and resources, I remain committed to building scalable, community-centered solutions for those most vulnerable to environmental change.”

・Gary Leschinsky, 17 years old
Gary, who conducts research projects at multiple universities and holds three U.S. patents for his medical device inventions, comments, “I am honored to be accepted as a member of the Masason Foundation. I hope to use the Foundation’s resources and support to facilitate my research. In doing so, I aim to publish more papers in peer-reviewed academic journals, make important scientific contributions, and help others. I am also excited to connect with fellow Foundation members so that we can grow and learn from each other.”

・Chiho Hayashi, 18 years old
Chiho, who earned third place in an international research presentation competition focused on solving global issues through STEM, is aiming to develop bioenergy using microorganisms, as well as technologies that contribute to environmental purification by effectively utilizing waste. She comments, “I am truly excited to meet so many talented individuals through the Masason Foundation. Together with the peers I meet, I will tackle various social issues—including those related to resources and energy—using microbiology and engineering to create solutions for a better future.”

・Pranav Kulkarni, 18 years old
Pranav, who invented a corollary for the Newton–Gauss Theorem and received the Best Paper Award at an international conference on knowledge, innovation and invention, is aiming to establish a sustainable energy system. He comments, “I want to deepen my expertise in AI agent systems and my energy optimization research to create solutions for real-world problems. I plan to continue my research into AI optimization for sustainable resource management, including projects like AI-powered irrigation scheduling to conserve water in agriculture. I also hope to launch an AI and machine learning company focused on energy and sustainability, and eventually create a firm that invests in startups addressing global challenges through technology.”

*All ages mentioned in this press release are as of July 1, 2025.

<About the Masason Foundation>
The Foundation was established in December 2016 by Masayoshi Son, SoftBank Group Representative, to provide an environment that enables youth with high aspirations and exceptional talent in order to develop their skills and contribute to the future of humankind. The Foundation supports these young members by expanding their potential and fostering their growth into pioneers who will shape the future through exposure to new values and the latest technologies, and interaction with other members.
For more details, please visit the Foundation’s website (https://masason-foundation.org/en).