Nine US students join ‘UPWARDS for the Future’ semiconductor summer program at Nagoya University

As part of the “UPWARDS for the Future” project, which aims to promote workforce development and research exchange in the semiconductor field between universities in Japan and the United States, the Leading-edge Semiconductor Technology Research Strategy Office at Nagoya University hosted the “UPWARDS for the Future Summer Intensive Program 2026” from July 27 to August 7, 2026. The program welcomed nine students from five U.S. universities: Boise State University, the University of Washington, Virginia Tech, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Rochester Institute of Technology.

The “U.S.-Japan University Partnership for Workforce Advancement and Research & Development in Semiconductors (UPWARDS) for the Future” is an initiative funded by the Micron Foundation, Micron Technology, Inc., and Tokyo Electron Limited. Five universities in Japan, including Nagoya University, and six universities in the United States participate in the initiative, which seeks to strengthen workforce development and research activities in the semiconductor field through collaboration between Japanese and U.S. universities.

At the opening ceremony on July 28, Professor Yoshiyuki Suto (vice president for international affairs, planning and evaluation, and IR) and Professor Tatsuya Suzuki (dean of the Graduate School of Engineering) welcomed the participating students. Professor Jun Suda (director of the Leading-edge Semiconductor Technology Research Strategy Office) also introduced the purpose of the program and spoke about expectations for the development of global talent in the semiconductor field. In the afternoon, the students participated in a Japanese cultural experience workshop and visited the Nagoya University Museum. At the cultural experience workshop, participants learned about the history of origami and participated in hands-on origami-making, deepening their understanding of Japanese culture.

On July 29, the students participated in laboratory tours at the Center for Integrated Research of Future Electronics (CIRFE) and the Center for Low-temperature Plasma Sciences (cLPS). They had the opportunity to see the state-of-the-art research facilities and environment that support semiconductor research, deepening their understanding of the research conducted at Nagoya University. The next day, the students took part in lectures and experiments related to plasma science and technology, gaining practical knowledge of the fundamental science and applied technologies that support the semiconductor field.

On July 31, the students visited the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and the DENSO Corporation Koda Plant. The visit offered a chance to learn about the history of manufacturing in Japan and advanced technologies and to deepen their understanding of how research and development is connected to industrial applications.

From August 3 to 6, the students took part in laboratory training conducted in cooperation with four laboratories at the Graduate School of Engineering at Nagoya University. They engaged in hands-on experimental work involving semiconductor device evaluation, photodiode fabrication, and semiconductor processing techniques such as photolithography. Through interaction with faculty members and graduate students, they gained firsthand experience of research activities at a Japanese university and deepened their understanding of cutting-edge semiconductor research.

On the final day, August 7, the program concluded with a presentation session and completion ceremony. Students shared what they had learned and reflected on their research experiences throughout the program. Certificates were awarded at the ceremony, marking the end of the two-week program.

In this program, 13 students from Nagoya University participated as tutors, supporting the visiting students in their research activities and day-to-day life. The students interacted not only in the laboratories and at the sites they visited, but also in various everyday situations, talking about their respective cultures and future career paths. In addition to being an academically enriching experience, the program provided a valuable opportunity for students from both countries to broaden their international perspectives.

The program provided a rewarding academic and cultural experience for participating students from both Japan and the United States. Guided by the principles of “UPWARDS for the Future,” Nagoya University will continue to promote international workforce development and research exchange in the semiconductor field and contribute to nurturing the next generation of talent who will play active roles on the global stage.

UPWARDS for the Future is an international workforce development and research exchange program in the semiconductor field, implemented through collaboration between universities and industry partners in Japan and the United States. The program was launched following the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit.