IITB- TU Cell | IIT International Relations

IIT Bombay (IITB) and Tohoku University (TU), Japan, share a longstanding collaboration that has evolved into a strategic partnership in recent years. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in December 2024 expressing commitment towards research collaboration, student and faculty exchange etc. Subsequently, the Cotutelle PhD program MoU was signed in April 2025 establishing the Double Doctoral Degree Program (DDDP). The initial institutional partnership agreement was established in 2000, which has been renewed in 2012, 2018, and 2021, with the current agreement extending until December 2029. This partnership encompasses education, scientific cooperation, joint workshops, symposia, research projects and student exchange programs reinforcing long-term academic and technological cooperation.

The IIT Bombay–Tohoku University Double Doctoral Degree Program (DDP) is a flagship academic initiative established under the strategic collaboration between IIT Bombay (IITB), India, and Tohoku University (TU), Japan. The program is designed to foster advanced research, joint academic supervision, and global talent development by enabling students to pursue integrated study and research at both institutions. Through this program, selected students benefit from the combined academic strengths, research infrastructure, and international exposure offered by IITB and TU. Upon successful completion of the academic and research requirements at both institutions, students are awarded degrees from IIT Bombay and Tohoku University.

Programme Overview:

• Promote interdisciplinary and high-impact research.

• Enable joint supervision by faculty from IITB and TU.

• Provide international academic and cultural exposure.

• Facilitate access to advanced laboratories and research facilities.

• Strengthen Indo-Japan academic and research partnerships.

• Develop globally competent researchers and professionals.

The program currently spans ten research areas: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Digital Health, Disaster Mitigation, Energy & Sustainability, Materials Science, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Semiconductors, Thermals & Fluids, and Transportation. Each of these themes is inherently interdisciplinary, spanning multiple Departments, Schools, and research centres. This structure encourages cross-pollination of ideas, collaborative problem-solving, and the creation of innovative solutions that cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Each identified research domain has dedicated Faculty Leads (FLs) responsible for steering domain-specific research. The program spans multiple engineering and science disciplines across both institutions.