The Kyoto Prize

The Kyoto Prize is a preeminent international award created by Japan’s non-profit Inamori Foundation to honor those who have contributed significantly to humankind’s scientific, cultural and spiritual betterment. The prize is presented in Kyoto on November 10 each year in the categories of Advanced Technology, Basic Sciences, and Arts and Philosophy. Since 1985, Kyoto Prizes have been awarded to 124 laureates from 18 countries – ranging from scientists, engineers and researchers to artists, architects, musicians, sculptors and film directors.

Dr. Kazuo Inamori, an international entrepreneur and humanitarian, established the Kyoto Prize for two reasons: First, to reflect his belief that there is no higher calling than to work for the greater good of society; and second, to recognize dedicated people who improve the world through their research, science and art. Through the Kyoto Prize, the Inamori Foundation works to recognize extraordinary human achievement and stimulate people to reach still greater heights.

The Kyoto Prize Symposium

The Kyoto Prize Symposium is a three-day North American celebration of the lives and works of those receiving the prestigious Kyoto Prize. The Symposium provides the only opportunity for a North American audience to learn about the achievements of the latest Kyoto Prize laureates and to discuss the relationship between their accomplishments and the common quest for peace and harmony among peoples, cultures and nations.

Major Programs Include:

Benefit Gala

KSO’s Opening Ceremonies & Scholarship Gala is the hallmark event of KPS week honoring the annual Kyoto Prize laureates. The Gala also presents the annual Kyoto Prize Symposium Scholarship winners from San Diego and Tijuana. Scholarships are valued up to $10,000 each.

Public Programs By the Kyoto Prize Laureates

Presentations and workshops by the Kyoto Prize Laureates are held annually at UC San Diego and ancillary venues. Please visit our upcoming events page for more information. Registration for all public programming opens January each year.

Kyoto Prize Symposium Bi-national Scholarship Program

Since 2004 KSO has provided over $1.3 million in college scholarships (over $50,000 annually) to San Diego and Tijuana high school seniors. KSO partners with San Diego Foundation and the Fundación Internacional de la Comunidad (FIC) to administer these scholarships.

Kyoto Symposium Organization UPLIFT Program

KPS sponsors transportation for underserved high schools to attend the KPS presentations and meet the laureates. The program includes lunches, campus tours and laureate-specific curriculum. Sponsorships support this important outreach and ensure equitable opportunities for our region. Of the 600+ high school students sponsored annually, approximately 150 attend from Tijuana. Past and current participating schools include San Ysidro High School, Mar Vista High School, Sweetwater High School, Monarch School, Chula Vista High School, Hoover High School, Eastlake High School, El Cajon Valley High School, Morse High School, Southwest High School, Lincoln High School, Crawford High School, Logan Memorial Educational Campus and Montgomery High School.

KPS impact across key areas of college readiness:

27% increase in students’ comfort asking questions about college.

14% increase in students’ confidence navigating a college campus.

13% increase in students’ confidence in their ability to succeed in college.