• This summit is an important step towards creating a dynamic workforce and strengthening international collaborations: Mona Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology
• The summit includes five thematic talks giving an overview of IITGN’s research in the areas of semiconductor technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advanced Materials, and Biomedical engineering
• A roundtable discussion on industry engagement for student training and placement, along with models of academia-industry partnerships, provided a platform for further dialogue and collaboration

NE EDUCATION BUREAU

GANDHINAGAR, MAR 23

The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) hosted a two-day summit, ‘Japan Meets India,’ on March 20-21, 2025, to foster academic and research partnerships with leading Japanese Universities and Industries.

The summit received a very good response with distinguished faculty members from seven Japanese universities, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) delegations, Industry representatives, along with the DST officials joining this event. The event featured technical talks, round table discussion, information session on opportunities in Japan for Indian Students, one-on-one meetings designed to explore joint research collaborations, and a cultural excursion. Participants also had the opportunity to visit IITGN’s world-class facilities including state-of-the-art research labs, and engage in collaborative dialogue aimed at strengthening Indo-Japan academic ties.

The summit was inaugurated by Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, Prof S P Mehrotra, Dean, External Relations, IITGN; Yu Yoshida, Director General, JETRO Ahmedabad; UEDA Daisuke, Deputy Director General (Head of Higher Education Cooperation, JICA), HRD, JICA HQ, and Prof D Sakthi Kumar, Toyo University, Japan and Chairman, Indian JSPS Alumni Association.

Setting the tone for the summit, Prof Moona remarked, “Our historical and cultural ties with Japan make it only natural for India and Japan to collaborate. This summit will foster opportunities for academic exchange, research, and cultural growth between our two countries.”

Guest of Honour, Mona Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the semiconductor sector’s vast potential and the vital role of academia-industry-government collaboration in driving innovation. “IITGN is emerging as a key player in the state’s capacity-building initiatives. This summit is an important step towards creating a dynamic workforce and strengthening international collaborations,” she noted.

Distinguished faculty members from several prominent Japanese universities, including Nagoya Institute of Technology, Hiroshima University, Hokkaido University, Kumamoto University, Shimane University, Tohoku University, and Toyo University provided an overview of their respective universities, presented their research, and discussed potential areas of collaboration. These presentations provided valuable perspectives on the unique strengths of each institution and the opportunities for future joint ventures.

The event also featured insightful sessions from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), followed by an engaging Q&A session. A roundtable discussion on industry engagement for student training and placement, along with models of academia-industry partnerships, provided a platform for further dialogue and collaboration.

Prof Kabeer Jasuja, Dr. Dinesh O Shah Chair Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, and faculty-in-charge, International and Visiting Students, provided an overview of IITGN’s current international ties. The summit also included five thematic talks giving an overview of IITGN’s research in the areas of semiconductor technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advanced Materials, and Biomedical engineering.

The summit concluded with a discussion session on taking the steps forward for strengthening ties of IITGN with Japanese Universities and Organisations.