Chennai: Anna University has been selected among eight premier Indian institutions under the India-Japan Talent Bridge Program, a flagship initiative of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) aimed at strengthening educational and workforce collaboration between the two nations.

The program seeks to address Japan's demographic challenges by enabling the mobility of 50,000 Indian students and professionals over five years in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Other institutions chosen include IIT Kanpur, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Gandhinagar, BITS Pilani, IISc Bengaluru, and Delhi University.

As part of the initiative, a high-level Indian delegation visited Japan from August 3 to 8, engaging with top universities and corporations to explore opportunities for academic and industry partnerships. Representing Anna University, Dr. G. Shibu, Deputy Director of the Centre for University-Industry Collaboration (CUIC), participated in the visit covering Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto.

On Tuesday, CUIC hosted the India-Japan Talent Exchange Program Career Seminar at Anna University, where 26 representatives from leading Japanese companies including NIDEC Corporation, Musashi Seimitsu, and Money Forward India interacted with students. Deloitte and Tech Japan shared insights on Japanese work culture and industry dynamics.

Over 250 students attended the seminar, which featured presentations on job prospects and collaboration opportunities. CUIC Director Dr. K. Shanmuga Sundaram highlighted the university's research strengths and talent pool. The event marked a significant step in fostering student mobility and expanding India-Japan industry-academia ties.