India-Japan MIRAI-Setu program connects IIT students with Japanese universities and industries

The India-Japan academic and industrial partnership is creating new opportunities for Indian students through a government-supported exchange programme that connects them with Japanese universities, researchers and companies.

The year 2027 will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. Ahead of the milestone, the two countries are strengthening educational and industry-related cooperation through initiatives such as the “Foster System = MIRAI - Setu.”

According to The Tribune, operated jointly by the Japanese Government, academic institutions and private companies, the programme aims to identify and develop the capabilities of Indian students. It provides participants with opportunities to explore Japanese research, industrial practices and potential career pathways.

In October, 40 Indian students and graduates traveled to Japan for a month-long programme. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the participants to visit universities and private companies, primarily in the Kyushu and Kansai regions.

The initiative allowed students to learn about Japanese academic and industrial environments while investigating areas of personal and professional interest.

Several participating institutions and companies welcomed the students, particularly because of their backgrounds at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), as well as their strong academic knowledge.

Shizuoka University highlights opportunities for Indian students

On Oct 29, the delegation visited Hamamatsu city in Shizuoka Prefecture, where students interacted with faculty members and senior Indian students at Shizuoka University.

The university has been welcoming international students through its academic initiatives since 2015. It has also established connections with Japanese companies, with 44 Indian students having secured employment at Japanese firms.

Associate Professor Yuko Ryan of Shizuoka University explained how the institution's international education initiatives support students and connect academic learning with industry requirements.

“In 2015, the ‘Asia Bridge Program’ started to receive foreign students. Fortunately, science and technology professors support education.

“The big advantage of Shizuoka University is having excellent companies in this area. It provides an opportunity to communicate with real industry.

“Also, Hamamatsu city is positive about accepting high-level foreign talent.

“Shizuoka University intends to foster high-level Indian talent and accelerate mutual activity between India and Japan.”

The university's proximity to established companies provides international students with opportunities to understand industrial requirements beyond classroom learning. Its collaboration with the local business ecosystem also helps students explore potential employment opportunities in Japan.

The initiative reflects the university's broader objective of developing skilled Indian professionals while encouraging academic, technological and industrial exchanges between the two countries.

Indian faculty members support the MIRAI-Setu initiative

The programme also receives support from the Indian academic community, with faculty members participating in mentoring and guiding students throughout their stay in Japan.

Assistant Professor Dr Asnish Singh Parihar, who participated in the initiative during the previous year, explained how the experience helps students develop a clearer understanding of their professional goals.

“In the last year, I participated in this programme. Including faculty, we contribute to this programme. For about one month, I followed students. They grow up to clarify their future job image through this experience.”

The month-long exposure allows participants to interact with professionals, observe industrial operations and evaluate possible career opportunities. Such interactions also help students identify sectors that match their academic interests and long-term ambitions.

IIT students explore Japanese manufacturing and employment opportunities

Several participating IIT students shared their experiences of visiting Japanese companies and learning about their manufacturing practices, business strategies and workplace cultures.

For some participants, the programme offered an opportunity to explore specific industries and understand how Japanese companies operate in international markets.

IIT student Shubhankit Tewari highlighted his experience at Murata Manufacturing, including a visit to its Fukui factory, which influenced his interest in automotive component production.

“This programme is very good. Especially, I learned at Murata Manufacturing and was invited to the Fukui factory. It was a big factory and stimulated me to focus on automotive component production.”

Student Harsh Singh said his interactions with Japanese businesses helped him understand their policies and potential contribution to addressing workforce requirements.

“Every experience was good. Business policy is respective. I will work for a Japanese company to compensate for the shortage of workers. My concern is focusing on Koizumi in Osaka because it has the plan to develop in India. I will contribute to realising successful business in India for Koizumi.”

His interest in Koizumi's plans for India also reflects the potential for students to contribute to business collaborations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, student Alan Royce expressed interest in understanding the distinctive features of Japanese corporate culture, particularly its traditional employment practices and adoption of new technologies.

“I am interested in Japanese companies’ traditions, especially lifetime employment and digital transformation.”

Student Nandhini Sriram said the hospitality extended to participants and the exposure to different industries had helped her identify opportunities for future professional development.

“I got great hospitality to participate. Comparing other students, I have a big advantage in developing future possibilities. I am interested in the EV sector. So, I am happy to visit Suzuki HQ.”

Her interest in the electric vehicle (EV) industry also shaped her experience during the delegation's visit to Suzuki's headquarters.

Suzuki headquarters hosts discussion on India's vehicle sector

At Suzuki's headquarters, participating students took part in a group discussion with company employees. The session focused on the theme, “How to solve the vehicle situation in local India?”

The discussion encouraged students to examine challenges in India's automobile sector and propose practical solutions based on their understanding of technology, infrastructure and energy requirements.

Participants suggested transitioning to electric vehicles, developing solar power energy systems and supply networks, and strengthening infrastructure.

They also presented practical plans and ideas that reportedly surprised Suzuki staff. The discussions provided an opportunity for the students to demonstrate their technical knowledge while examining how their proposals could address challenges in India's automotive sector.

The participants expressed hope that their suggestions would eventually be implemented by Maruti Suzuki and contribute to the development of Indian society.

The interaction also highlighted the scope for collaboration between Japanese automotive companies and Indian talent, particularly as the automobile industry explores new technologies and sustainable mobility solutions.

Japan aims to strengthen long-term academic and professional ties with India

Fuminori Yokote of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who organized the initiative, said the programme had initially faced some communication-related challenges. However, participants successfully demonstrated their abilities during interactions with Japanese institutions and companies.

“One of the initial challenges was language. However, the students have successfully demonstrated outstanding communication skills and intellectual strength, making a very positive impression on everyone they have met.

“We will continue this programme, and I very much hope that the students will build on the personal relationships they have developed with the people they met in Japan during this programme.”

The programme seeks to establish connections that extend beyond a month-long international visit. By bringing together Indian students, Japanese universities, government representatives and private companies, it creates opportunities for continued academic and professional engagement.

The involvement of Japanese institutions also gives Indian participants exposure to research environments, manufacturing operations, corporate traditions and emerging technologies.

With 2027 marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, initiatives such as MIRAI-Setu highlight the role of education and industry partnerships in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The hospitality and institutional support extended by the Japanese Government, universities and private companies have encouraged Indian students to explore opportunities in Japan while building professional relationships that could contribute to future collaboration between the two countries.