Okayama University and University of Aizu Signed an Inter-University Alliance Agreement

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, University of Aizu signed an Inter-University Alliance Agreement with Okayama University (headquartered in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture; President: Yasutomo Nasu), a national university corporation. This agreement transcends the differences in corporate status between a national university corporation and a public university corporation, aiming to promote collaboration that leverages the strengths of both institutions.

The agreement seeks to enhance human resource development, research capabilities, and innovation through education, research, and industry-government-academia collaboration. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation in Japan, as well as the revitalization of Fukushima Prefecture. For this reason, representatives including Yasuo Ito, Assistant Director of the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework Promotion Organization, a public interest incorporated foundation in Fukushima Prefecture, participated in the signing ceremony.

Under this agreement, we will deepen focused collaboration in the three key fields of space, computer science, and startups that create social innovation through innovative business models, all of which are strengths of Okayama University and also top-priority research areas of the University of Aizu. Through this collaboration, we aim to lead academic advancement and drive social transformation.

At the signing ceremony, President Yasutomo Nasu of Okayama University stated, "To realize Okayama University's Long-Term Vision 2050 -- co-creating the future of the region and the globe and contributing to global innovation -- we want to transcend the frameworks of national and public universities, and encourage faculty, staff, and students to collaborate closely and work together." Additionally, President Tsukahara of the University of Aizu expressed, "By leveraging our respective strengths, we hope to contribute to the advancement of education and research at both universities. We also aim to foster human resources who will lead the new era by facilitating student exchanges with Fukushima Prefecture," before signing the agreement.

After the signing ceremony, based on the alliance agreement, a research exchange meeting was held to discuss and exchange opinions on three collaborative fields: 'Space,' 'Computer Science,' and 'Startups & Ventures.'

Going forward, the two universities will jointly promote leading initiatives in education, research, and social implementation, focusing on their distinctive fields of strength.

This alliance marks the fifth collaboration for the University of Aizu with domestic universities, following partnerships with Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Yamagata University, Kyoto Institute of Technology, and Higashi Nippon International University.

(*1)　Okayama University

(*2)　Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework Promotion Organization