Kyushu University engineering students participate in semiconductor program in U.S.

From August 10–23, 2024, twelve students from the School of Engineering and five from the Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering participated in a two-week semiconductor education program at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York State, U.S. The program was conducted as part of the Japan-U.S. University Partnership for Workforce Advancement and Research & Development in Semiconductors (UPWARDS).

Established in 2023, UPWARDS is a consortium of 11 universities from the U.S. and Japan, including Kyushu University. The initiative is supported by contributions from private companies in the U.S. and Japan, with a focus on nurturing future semiconductor professionals.

During the program, students learned about semiconductors and their uses, from fundamental to advanced applications. They also gained hands-on experience, creating photovoltaic devices in a cleanroom, making the program a highly rewarding experience.

After completing the program at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the students spent a few days visiting the offices at the NanoTech Complex in Albany. The opportunity to meet Japanese engineers working in the U.S. provided students with valuable insights into their future careers.

Kyushu University will continue to actively collaborate with partner universities in the UPWARDS consortium to foster talented individuals in the semiconductor field.