IIT Bombay, Tohoku University to set up joint institute for research; focus on AI, energy, disaster resilience

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Tohoku University, Japan, signed an agreement to set up the Tohoku University–IIT Bombay Joint Institute of Excellence (JIE). The agreement focuses on academic and research collaboration, as well as industry-academia partnerships and joint initiatives.

The two institutions also agreed to establish a dual doctoral degree programme. The move aims to enhance bilateral research collaboration between India and Japan.

“In a significant milestone towards strengthening Indo-Japanese academic ties, the two institutions also signed an agreement to establish a Dual Doctoral Degree Program, marking a transformative step in bilateral research collaboration,” the official press release said.

Focus areas include energy, AI, disaster resilience

The partnership includes research collaboration, student and faculty exchange, and work on areas of mutual interest such as sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, materials science and disaster resilience.

During the ceremony, Masahiro Yamaguchi shared details of the joint institute, Daisuke Komori gave an overview of Tohoku University's ongoing work, and P Seshu presented IIT Bombay's vision for the collaboration.

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Key dignitaries

The agreements were signed at a ceremony held at Tohoku University, attended by officials, faculty members and delegates from both institutions. The attendees included:

• Sibi George, ambassador of India to Japan
• Gakuji Ito, director-general, higher education bureau, ministry of education, culture, sports, science and technology, Japan
• Kanji Fujiki, director-general, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Sakura Science Exchange Programme
• Kazuhiro Aoki, managing director, The 77 Bank Ltd
• Delegates from Tohoku University led by T. Tominaga, president, Tohoku University
• From IIT Bombay: Sharad Kumar Saraf, chairperson, board of governors; Shireesh B Kedare, director; Milind Atrey, deputy director (ART); Sudarshan Kumar, dean (IR); Suvarn Kulkarni, dean (AP); P Seshu, convenor, JIE committee; Chandrika Naik, international relations office

According to the official press release, IIT Bombay earlier hosted a week-long global immersion programme for students from Tohoku University. Students gave positive feedback about their visit and academic interaction.

“This partnership marks the beginning of a new era of global academic synergy, innovation and enduring friendship between India and Japan,” the press release said.