On April 16, 2025, the Embassy of India in Japan, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and Tohoku University, Sendai, hosted a landmark event titled “Technology Translation & Entrepreneurship” at Tohoku University. This event marked a significant milestone in Indo-Japanese academic and research cooperation with the formal announcement of the Tohoku University–IIT Bombay Joint Institute of Excellence (JIE). The initiative, designed to foster innovation, advanced research, and entrepreneurship, underscores the deepening ties between India and Japan in science, technology, and innovation.
A Strategic Partnership for Global Impact
The Joint Institute of Excellence (JIE) represents a strategic collaboration between IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier engineering institutions, and Tohoku University, a leading Japanese research university. Formalized through a Joint Statement signed on April 15, 2025, at a ceremony attended by senior officials, diplomats, and academic leaders from both nations, the JIE aims to advance academic and research excellence, promote industry-academia partnerships, and address global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The JIE will focus on cutting-edge fields such as sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, materials science, and disaster resilience—areas critical to both nations and the global community. By combining Japan’s technological prowess with India’s academic and software expertise, the institute is poised to catalyze innovation and develop solutions to pressing global issues. Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership represents a significant milestone in Indo-Japanese academic relations. We are hopeful that the Joint Institute of Excellence will become a platform for innovation and long-term cooperation in critical areas of global importance.”
Key Features of the Joint Institute of Excellence
The JIE is not just a research hub but a comprehensive platform for academic and entrepreneurial collaboration. Key features of the initiative include:
- Dual Doctoral Degree Programme: Alongside the establishment of the JIE, IIT Bombay and Tohoku University signed an agreement to launch a Dual Doctoral Degree Programme. This program allows students to pursue joint PhD degrees under dual mentorship from faculty at both institutions, providing access to world-class resources and diverse academic perspectives.
- Student and Faculty Exchange: The JIE will facilitate robust exchange programs, enabling students and faculty to engage in cross-cultural academic experiences. This builds on the success of a Global Immersion Programme hosted by IIT Bombay in March 2025, where Tohoku University students praised the academically enriching and culturally rewarding experience.
- Joint Research Projects: The institute will prioritize collaborative research in high-impact areas, leveraging the complementary strengths of both institutions. This includes access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise to drive innovation in sustainable technologies and resilience strategies.
- Entrepreneurship and Industry Collaboration: The “Technology Translation & Entrepreneurship” event highlighted the JIE’s commitment to translating research into real-world applications. By fostering industry-academia co-creation, the institute aims to nurture startups and innovative solutions that address societal needs.
A Milestone Event: Technology Translation & Entrepreneurship
The April 16, 2025, event served as a platform to showcase the JIE’s vision and its potential to drive technological and entrepreneurial advancements. Held at Tohoku University, the ceremony was graced by distinguished attendees, including Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan; Gakuji Ito, Director-General of the Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan; and Kanji Fujiki, Director-General of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, Sakura Science Exchange Program. From IIT Bombay, key representatives included Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman of the Board of Governors, and Prof. Sudarshan Kumar, Dean of International Relations.
During the event, Prof. Masahiro Yamaguchi and Prof. Daisuke Komori from Tohoku University provided an overview of the JIE’s objectives and ongoing activities, while Prof. P. Seshu, convenor of the JIE Committee at IIT Bombay, outlined the institute’s long-term vision for the partnership. The discussions emphasized the potential for the JIE to serve as a global hub for innovation, bridging academic expertise from India and Japan.
Building on a 25-Year Legacy
The JIE builds on a 25-year partnership between IIT Bombay and Tohoku University, which has included academic exchanges, joint research, and collaborative programs. The recent Global Immersion Programme in March 2025, where Tohoku students experienced IIT Bombay’s academic and cultural landscape, laid the groundwork for deeper engagement. The positive feedback from participants underscored the value of such cross-border initiatives in fostering mutual understanding and academic synergy.
This collaboration also aligns with broader Indo-Japanese initiatives, such as the Sakura Science Exchange Program and the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program, which have facilitated student and researcher exchanges between the two nations. The JIE is expected to further strengthen these ties, with plans to expand into a full-fledged joint campus offering MTech programs by 2026.
A Vision for the Future
The establishment of the JIE marks a new chapter in India’s global education strategy and Japan’s commitment to international academic collaboration. Unlike standalone international campuses launched by other IITs, such as IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi and IIT Madras in Zanzibar, IIT Bombay’s partnership model with Tohoku University
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