The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) is Japan's leading research and development agency focused on information and communications technology (ICT). It plays a vital role in advancing ICT to support economic growth and enhance societal well-being. NICT conducts integrated research, ranging from basic to applied studies, and collaborates with academia, industry, and international partners.NICT's key areas of focus include time standardization, cybersecurity, network technologies, disaster resilience, and space communications. It maintains Japan Standard Time (JST) and develops advanced security protocols to protect digital infrastructure. The institute also researches next-generation communication systems and innovates ICT solutions for emergency response. NICT partners with government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector to promote technological innovation and contribute to global ICT standardization.