ICFAST TOKYO 2026 Strengthens India–Japan Science & Technology Cooperation at University of Tokyo

As India and Japan expand their strategic partnership, ICFAST TOKYO 2026 at the University of Tokyo (14–15 February) highlights how science, technology, and innovation are driving the next phase of bilateral cooperation—bringing together diplomacy, research excellence, industry leadership, and young talent.

ICFAST TOKYO 2026 highlights India–Japan cooperation in science, technology, and academic innovation in Tokyo.

As preparations reach their final stage, ICFAST TOKYO 2026, the India–Japan Science and Technology Seminar, is set to take place at the University of Tokyo on 14–15 February 2026. The seminar brings together policymakers, scientists, academic leaders, industry representatives, and young innovators, reinforcing the growing role of science diplomacy in India–Japan bilateral relations.

Organised by the India Japan Society for Science, Technology, and Education (IJSSTE) in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Tokyo, the University of Tokyo, and the Indian JSPS Alumni Association (IJAA), ICFAST TOKYO 2026 is designed to deepen India–Japan cooperation in science, technology, and higher education at a time when global innovation ecosystems are undergoing rapid transformation.

High-Level Inauguration Highlights Diplomatic Priority

The seminar will be inaugurated by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, underscoring the diplomatic importance New Delhi attaches to academic collaboration and technology partnerships with Japan. The inaugural session will be chaired by Yujin Yaguchi, Vice President of the University of Tokyo.

Felicitation addresses will be delivered by senior leaders from Japan’s science and innovation ecosystem, including Shiota Tsuyoshi, Executive Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and Ito Sotaro, Deputy Director General of the Sakura Science Program at the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Their participation reflects strong institutional commitment to India–Japan research collaboration.

Keynote Speakers Link Fundamental Science and Industry Innovation

A central attraction of ICFAST TOKYO 2026 will be keynote addresses by two globally respected figures. Kajita Takaaki, Nobel Laureate (2015) and Professor at the University of Tokyo, will offer insights from frontier scientific research. Complementing this perspective will be B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman of CYIENT and Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Hyderabad, bringing an industry-led view on technology-driven growth and innovation ecosystems.

Together, the keynotes reflect the seminar’s objective of bridging basic science, applied research, and industrial innovation, a space where India–Japan science and technology cooperation continues to expand.

Universities Drive Sustainable India–Japan Academic Partnerships

ICFAST TOKYO 2026 places universities at the centre of bilateral engagement. Presidents, vice presidents, vice chancellors, and directors from leading Indian and Japanese institutions will introduce their universities and participate in a dedicated brainstorming session.

The focus will be on building sustainable and impactful academic collaborations, including joint research programmes, faculty mobility, student exchanges, and co-development of technologies aligned with societal and industrial needs. This reflects a shared understanding that long-term India–Japan collaboration in science and education depends on institutional continuity and trust.

Empowering Young Scientists and Future Innovators

A defining feature of the seminar is its emphasis on young scientists and students. Oral and poster presentations by early-career researchers will provide exposure to international audiences, while project presentations by high school students underline the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity at an early stage.

A special session titled “Inspiring Young Minds” will enable direct interaction between high school students and Prof. Kajita and Mr. Mohan Reddy. The session is designed to motivate the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, and innovation, reinforcing talent pipelines between India and Japan.

ICFAST TOKYO 2026 as a Platform for Science Diplomacy

As India–Japan relations evolve, science and technology have emerged as key pillars of strategic engagement. ICFAST TOKYO 2026 exemplifies how science diplomacy, academic exchange, and innovation collaboration can reinforce broader bilateral ties.

By bringing together diplomacy, academia, industry, and youth, the seminar positions itself as a forward-looking platform shaping the future of India–Japan science and technology partnership in emerging and critical domains.

Further details and the complete programme are available at www.icfast2026.com.