Hyderabad, Feb 12: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), marking a significant milestone in strengthening Japan–India industry–academia collaboration in advanced science and technology.
The MoU, effective from February 2026 to February 2029, aims to promote joint research, human resource exchange and innovation in cutting-edge areas including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and cybersecurity, with the shared objective of accelerating the societal implementation of research outcomes and nurturing globally competitive R&D talent.
JICA has supported IITH both financially and qualitatively, with a strong focus on strengthening international academic and research partnerships. A key initiative under this support is the establishment and operation of the Japan Desk at IITH, which serves as a dedicated platform for facilitating multi-dimensional cooperation between Japanese institutions, companies and Indian academia. Through this initiative, JICA has facilitated Mitsubishi Electric Corporation’s engagement with IITH, leading to the formalisation of this strategic collaboration.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative, JICA India, said:“This collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric and IIT Hyderabad reflects the growing depth and maturity of Japan–India cooperation in science, technology and innovation. JICA is pleased to have supported the creation of an ecosystem that brings together industry and academia to co-create solutions for global challenges. We believe this partnership will contribute meaningfully to human resource development, technological advancement and the long-term sustainability of both countries.”
Under the MoU, Mitsubishi Electric and IITH will collaborate on joint research projects and academic publications, conduct lectures, workshops and hackathons through personnel exchange, support student internships, and implement programs aimed at developing globally oriented R&D professionals. These initiatives are aligned with JICA’s broader mission of promoting sustainable development through innovation, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
IITH, one of India’s premier engineering institutions, has emerged as a leading centre for research excellence and industry engagement, with expanding collaboration with Japanese universities and corporations. Mitsubishi Electric continues to strengthen its global co-creation efforts, focusing on foresight technologies to address complex societal challenges.
The MoU signing and related launch event, attended by representatives from JICA, underscores the deepening partnership between Japan and India in education, research and advanced technology, and reaffirms JICA’s role as a facilitator of impactful, long-term industry–academia collaborations.