Kyushu University hosts the 2026 Japan-U.S. Semiconductor UPWARDS Summer Student Exchange Program

From July 28 to August 5, 2026, the Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering at Kyushu University hosted seven students from five U.S. universities, namely Rochester Institute of Technology, Boise State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the University of Washington, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as part of the 2026 Japan-U.S. Semiconductor UPWARDS* Summer Student Exchange Program.

*UPWARDS: University Partnership for Workforce Advancement and Research & Development in Semiconductors

This program was conducted for the second consecutive year as part of the UPWARDS for the Future Network, a Japan-U.S. university partnership initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of semiconductor talent.

The program focused on research activities conducted in laboratories aligned with each participant's research interests. In addition, students had opportunities to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge semiconductor technologies through special lectures delivered by invited speakers from Micron Memory Japan, K.K. and an online seminar organized by Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation.

Although the planned visit to a semiconductor-related company was canceled due to the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, participants engaged in a wide range of academic activities. These activities included a lecture and laboratory tour hosted by Distinguished Professor Chihaya Adachi, an expert in organic electronics, as well as a tour of the cleanroom facilities of the Center for Semiconductor and Device Ecosystem (CSeDE) at Kyushu University’s Chikushi Campus. Through these activities, participants gained firsthand exposure to cutting-edge semiconductor technologies and research within Kyushu University’s advanced research environment.

Participants highlighted the value of the hands-on research experience and the welcoming environment of the host laboratories. Many students commented that they deepened their understanding through hands-on laboratory activities and were particularly impressed by the support from faculty members and student researchers. Participants also noted that interactions with Japanese students and daily life in Fukuoka were among the most memorable aspects of their stay. These comments suggest that the program contributed not only to academic and professional development but also to meaningful international exchange and networking.

The Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering at Kyushu University remains committed to promoting educational and research collaboration between Japan and the United States through the UPWARDS for the Future Network and to cultivating the next generation of leaders in the semiconductor field.