IIT Bombay and Tohoku University, Japan, have signed a joint statement to establish the Tohoku University–IIT Bombay Joint Institute of Excellence (JIE)—a major step forward in advancing academic and research excellence between the two institutions. The collaboration is designed to foster industry-academia co-creation and promote a broad spectrum of joint initiatives.

In a significant milestone for Indo-Japanese academic relations, both institutions also signed an agreement to launch a Dual Doctoral Degree Program, signalling a transformative new phase in bilateral research engagement.

This partnership is poised to accelerate cutting-edge research, enable student and faculty exchanges, and fuel innovation in several key domains of mutual interest, including sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, materials science, and disaster resilience.

The agreements were formalised during a special ceremony hosted at Tohoku University, attended by senior officials, faculty members, and delegates from both institutions. Distinguished guests included:

• Mr. Sibi George, Hon. Ambassador of India to Japan
• Mr. Gakuji Ito, Director-General, Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
• Mr. Kanji Fujiki, Director-General, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Sakura Science Exchange Program
• Mr. Kazuhiro Aoki, Managing Director, The 77 Bank Ltd
• Delegates from Tohoku University led by President Prof. T. Tominaga
• From IIT Bombay: Mr. Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairperson, Board of Governors; Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare, Director; Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (ART); Prof. Sudarshan Kumar, Dean (IR); Prof. Suvarn Kulkarni, Dean (AP); Prof. P. Seshu, Convenor, JIE Committee; and Ms. Chandrika Naik, International Relations Office

As part of the ceremony, Prof. Masahiro Yamaguchi shared an overview of the JIE initiative, Prof. Daisuke Komori presented Tohoku University’s ongoing activities, and Prof. P. Seshu spoke about IIT Bombay’s contributions and vision for the collaboration.

Earlier, in March 2025, IIT Bombay hosted a week-long Global Immersion Program for students from Tohoku University. The students described their experience as enriching and inspiring, offering glowing feedback on their engagement with the institute.

IIT Bombay’s partnership with Tohoku University marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter in global academic cooperation. By establishing the Joint Institute of Excellence and the Dual Doctoral Degree Program, the institute reaffirms its commitment to building impactful international alliances that advance knowledge, foster innovation, and deepen cultural and educational ties between India and Japan.

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