The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully hosted Japan Academic Day 2025 at the IITH campus aiming to further enhance research, innovation, and people-to-people exchange between IITH and Japanese academic institutions.
A total of 76 participants from Japan including 22 universities, 3 research institutes as well as the Embassy of Japan in India, JICA, and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) took part in the event. The event was graced by H.E. Mr. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India; H.E. Ms. Nagma Mohamed Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan; Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad; and Prof. Kazuhito Hashimoto, President, JST, and Mr. HARA Shohei, Senior Vice President, JICA HQ along with distinguished delegates from academia and industry.
H.E. Mr. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India noted in his address to the gathering:
“The IIT Hyderabad-Japan Academic Day is more than just a meeting of minds, it is a great link, strengthening the ties between our country’s academic communities. Through scholarly discussions, joint research initiatives and growing networks, this day reinforces the dynamic and innovative spirit that binds Indian and Japanese academic exchanges.”
The event witnessed active discussions and participation between IITH and Japanese academic and research institutions, reaffirming the shared commitment to fostering academic collaboration, technology exchange, and innovation-led growth.
In his address, Mr. HARA Shohei, Senior Vice President, JICA emphasized the long-standing partnership between Japan and IIT Hyderabad, rooted in the vision of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and late Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2007. He highlighted JICA’s sustained engagement with the institute, including the 23-billion-yen (₹1,400 crore) ODA loan that enabled IITH’s world-class infrastructure and the decade-long FRIENDSHIP Project, which has supported 160+ student scholarships to Japan, 100+ joint R&D projects, and the establishment of the IITH Japan Desk. He also underscored IITH’s growing role as a bridge connecting Japan’s academic and industrial strengths with India’s emerging technological capabilities.
Adding to this, Mr. HARA stated, “IITH stands today as one of the shining examples of JICA’s cooperation in the world—a living platform of India–Japan collaboration that continues to grow stronger.” He added, “Our partnership with IITH reflects JICA’s belief in the power of knowledge exchange and innovation-led growth. As both nations look toward a future shaped by innovation, JICA remains committed to deepening collaboration in research, skill development, and emerging technologies.”
Highlighting the institutional vision, Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IITH, said, “The 3rd Japan Academic Day reflects the enduring strength of the IITH–Japan partnership in driving innovation and meaningful knowledge exchange. Since 2008, IITH has built a deep, productive relationship with Japan, and we sincerely appreciate JST, JICA, and all participating universities for their commitment to advancing educational and research collaboration.”
