The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Purdue University today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen innovation collaboration in advanced technology fields and further connect the innovation ecosystems of Japan and the United States.

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Naoyuki Maekawa, Director-General, Innovation Department, JETRO (right), and Dimitrios Peroulis, Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Online, Purdue University (left), exchange the signed MOU at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on September 9, 2026. The MOU was signed by JETRO Chairman and CEO Norihiko Ishiguro and Purdue University Interim President Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. (Photo credit: Krock Photography, LLC)

Naoyuki Maekawa, Director-General, Innovation Department, JETRO (right), and Dimitrios Peroulis, Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Online, Purdue University (left), exchange the signed MOU at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on September 9, 2026. The MOU was signed by JETRO Chairman and CEO Norihiko Ishiguro and Purdue University Interim President Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. (Photo credit: Krock Photography, LLC)

The MOU was signed by Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman and CEO of JETRO, and Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., President of Purdue University.

Under the MOU, JETRO and Purdue University will leverage Purdue’s research capabilities and expertise in technology commercialization and JETRO’s extensive network in Japan and the United States to promote collaboration among universities, research institutions, companies, startups, investors, public organizations and other innovation stakeholders.

The collaboration will focus on advanced technology fields including semiconductors, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The two organizations will also seek to promote exchanges among students, researchers and entrepreneurs and create opportunities for joint research, technology commercialization, startup engagement and industry-academia collaboration.

Purdue University is a leading U.S. research university with significant strengths in engineering and advanced technologies. In addition to research and education, Purdue has developed a strong ecosystem supporting technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, startups and industry collaboration.

JETRO and Purdue University have built a collaborative relationship through initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and strengthening connections between Japan and the United States. 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.

Through its global network, JETRO supports Japanese companies in accessing technologies, talent and research capabilities overseas and in developing partnerships with universities, research institutions, companies, startups and innovation organizations. Under the new MOU, JETRO will work with Purdue to expand connections between the Purdue ecosystem and Japanese companies and organizations and to facilitate concrete U.S.-Japan collaboration opportunities.

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. The workshop brought together leaders from academia, industry and government to discuss collaboration in areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced materials and manufacturing, technology diplomacy, space and quantum technologies.

About JETRO

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a Japanese government-related organization that promotes mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. JETRO supports Japanese companies seeking to expand globally while also facilitating foreign investment into Japan and promoting international business and innovation partnerships.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, known for its strengths in engineering, science and technology. Purdue works closely with industry and other partners to advance research, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship and workforce development.

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