Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) recently welcomed a high-level delegation from Japan, led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Horii Iwao and Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi. This visit signifies a considerable advancement in strengthening industrial and academic collaborations between IIT-G and Japan. Prof. Devendra Jalihal, the director of IIT-G, expressed his enthusiasm for the existing strong ties, noting that the institution currently hosts more than ten honorary professors from Japan. He also highlighted a remarkable increase in the participation of Japanese students, with over seventy engaging in exchange or joint degree programs over the past two years.
Mr. Iwao commended IIT-G’s rapid development and acknowledged the evolving academic partnerships with Japanese organizations. Ambassador Keiichi emphasized their commitment to facilitating student travel by improving the visa application process for those going to Japan. During the visit, the delegation toured IIT-G’s technological facilities, including the Centre for Nanotechnology and the IITG Research Park. They connected with numerous startups and witnessed a live demonstration of an innovative robotic hand developed by researchers in the park.
The delegation was also introduced to the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII), showcasing IIT-Guwahati’s dedication to advancing healthcare research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Overall, this visit was a pivotal moment in enhancing the synergy between Indian research capabilities and Japanese innovations, laying the groundwork for expanded student mobility and collaborative technological projects.