Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman and CEO of JETRO, and Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., President of Purdue University, personally signed a Memorandum of Understanding, signaling a commitment to U.S.-Japan technological collaboration that extends beyond standard agreements. The partnership will specifically target semiconductors, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and life sciences, aiming to connect innovation ecosystems in both countries.
Purdue University will contribute its technology commercialization strengths alongside research, seeking to translate academic findings into viable products and businesses. The MOU was celebrated during the 10th Annual U.S. and Japan Digital Innovation Hub & Advanced Technology Workshop held at Purdue University from September 7-9, 2026.
JETRO-Purdue MOU Expands U.S.-Japan Advanced Technology Collaboration
JETRO will expand connections between Purdue University’s innovation ecosystem and Japanese companies, according to the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement builds upon existing initiatives designed to strengthen ties between the United States and Japan in key technological areas, moving beyond preliminary discussions to a framework for concrete collaboration.
“Through its global network, JETRO supports Japanese companies in accessing technologies, talent and research capabilities overseas,” the organization stated, emphasizing its role in facilitating partnerships and research institutions. This collaboration aims to promote exchanges of students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, fostering joint research ventures and industry-academia connections. and Japan Digital Innovation Hub & Advanced Technology Workshop, where leaders from academia, industry, and government convened to discuss collaboration in areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technologies.
JETRO explained that the new MOU provides a framework to further expand this relationship and create concrete opportunities connecting Japanese companies and other innovation stakeholders with Purdue researchers, startups and related organizations, signaling a high-level commitment to sustained U.S.-Japan technological advancement.
