The MoU was formally signed at the SRM University-AP campus by Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Registrar of SRM University-AP, and Watanabe, Executive Vice President of Technosmile. The occasion marked a major step in strengthening international academic-industry collaboration and expanding career prospects for students on a global scale.
During the visit, the Technosmile delegation held extensive strategic discussions with Prof. C V Tomy, Professor and Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences (SEAS), Dr Vinayak Kalluri, and Dr M S Vivekanandan, Director of Corporate Relations and Career Services (CR&CS). The discussions focused on the academic integration of the programme and the development of a structured framework that aligns technical education with international industry requirements.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior university officials, department heads, faculty members, and students, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering global opportunities through strategic international partnerships.
The collaboration builds upon an already successful relationship between the university and Technosmile. Five graduates from SRM University-AP have already secured competitive positions through the company in Japan. With the formalisation of the partnership, the programme is set for substantial expansion. Technosmile plans to recruit eight students during the academic year 2026 and ten students through an internship-to-placement model in 2027. Over the next four years, the company is considering hiring a total of 50 students from the university. These international internships are specifically designed to lead to full-time employment opportunities after graduation, creating a sustainable pathway from higher education to global careers.
The agreement also addresses a pressing challenge faced by Japan—its rapidly declining working-age population. Labour shortages across key industrial and technological sectors have intensified the need for international talent. Through this partnership, Technosmile will play a vital role in identifying, training, and integrating skilled students from SRM University-AP into the Japanese workforce, providing them with international exposure while contributing fresh talent to Japan’s economy and innovation ecosystem.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Technosmile Executive Vice President Watanabe stated that the company specifically selected SRM University-AP because of its reputation for producing highly skilled and industry-ready engineers. He noted that the institution is an outstanding university in India that has already sent more than 100 graduates to Japan. He further highlighted the university’s dedicated Japanese language programme, which equips students with essential linguistic and cultural competencies, making them strong candidates for employment in Japan.
Watanabe also praised “The Destination Japan” programme, the flagship initiative of the Corporate Relations and Career Services Department. The programme provides specialised preparation for students seeking careers in Japan. Training is delivered under the guidance of Jotish Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of SRM Global Consulting, and Sankar Karunanidhi, Country Manager, Japan, both of whom possess decades of professional experience in the Japanese market and have trained engineers specifically for employment opportunities in Japan.
Highlighting the success of the initiative, Jotish Kumar stated that students at SRM University-AP receive far more than language instruction. They are trained in Japanese culture and workplace practices, which are critical for professional success in Japan. He added that this comprehensive approach has enabled the successful placement of more than 100 SRM engineering graduates in Japan since May 2024.
Members of the Technosmile delegation also expressed admiration for the university’s advanced infrastructure and innovative academic initiatives, describing them as important strengths that support the development of globally competitive graduates.
Looking ahead, both organisations have committed to expanding the programme to benefit a larger number of students in future academic years. The university’s international relations division will collaborate closely with Technosmile’s corporate team to align training modules, language education, technical workshops, and industry-focused learning initiatives. The objective is to ensure that graduates remain equipped with the skills and competencies required to meet evolving global industry standards.
The landmark partnership represents a major advancement in SRM University-AP’s internationalisation strategy and reinforces its commitment to creating global career pathways for students. By combining academic excellence, industry-oriented training, language proficiency, and international employment opportunities, the collaboration is expected to significantly enhance the global employability of future graduates while addressing workforce demands in one of the world’s leading economies.
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