Courtesy Visit by the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH)
On March 2, 2026, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) Director Budaraju Srinivasa Murty paid a courtesy visit to Kumamoto University. He was accompanied by Kyoko Nakano, a specialist in higher education academic collaboration from the JICA Project Team for FRIENDSHIP 2.Director Murty met with Hisao Ogawa, President of Kumamoto University, in the presence of Executive Vice President Jun Otani. During the meeting, Director Murty provided an overview of IITH’s recent developments, highlighting its globally advanced research areas. The discussion explored possibilities for expanding collaboration not only in semiconductor-related fields but also in other cutting-edge disciplines, including medicine and interdisciplinary research domains. President Ogawa reflected on the achievements of academic exchange and cooperation between Kumamoto University and institutions in India, including IITH. He also recalled his participation in ICFAST 2026, where he was particularly impressed by B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, Chairman of the Board of Governors of IITH. President Ogawa emphasized the importance of strengthening Japan–India academic collaboration and expressed his hope to welcome a greater number of students and researchers from IITH in the future.
During his visit, Director Murty also held a research meeting with Professor Tomohiko Igasaki of the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, who has been actively engaged in both past and ongoing joint research projects with IITH. Professor Igasaki introduced his current research activities, followed by an in-depth discussion on future collaborative directions. As a central figure in the partnership between the two institutions, Professor Igasaki has hosted several IITH students and is scheduled to welcome another student soon.
The visit additionally included a luncheon meeting with relevant faculty members, a tour of the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School, and an inspection of the University’s semiconductor cleanroom facilities.
Currently, the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology and the Faculty of Engineering maintain academic exchange agreements with IITH. Both institutions expressed their intention to further strengthen their partnership and to consider establishing a university-wide agreement in order to broaden collaboration and create new opportunities for joint research and academic exchange.
Meeting with President Ogawa and Executive Vice President Otani
Souvenir Exchange (From left: Director Murty, President Ogawa)
Group Photo
Discussion with Prof. Igasaki
Group Photo with Faculty Members
Tour of the Cleanroom Facility
In front of the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School
Inside of the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School