On August 21, 2026, Hiroshima University held the opening ceremony for the University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus at the Reception Hall of the Faculty Club. The University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus was designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in November 2025 as a “Location in Japan of a Foreign University.” It is the first foreign university campus in Japan specializing in engineering to receive this designation from MEXT.

As the importance of the semiconductor industry continues to grow worldwide, there is an increasing need to develop professionals with advanced technical expertise and a global perspective. At the University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus, the Microchip Engineering & Security Alliance (MESA), a bachelor’s degree program specializing in the semiconductor field, will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become the next generation of globally minded engineers.

The ceremony was attended by Suzanna Long, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Ginger E. Carney, Dean of the College of Science, along with representatives from the University of Idaho’s Strategic Partnerships, International Admissions, and Marketing teams, as well as staff involved in the administration of the MESA program. The ceremony also brought together the 18 inaugural students of the MESA program and their families, who joined in celebrating the beginning of this new chapter for the University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus. The students, who have come to Hiroshima from around the world, including Japan, Vietnam, the United States, South Korea, and Nepal, took part in the ceremony with excitement and anticipation for their studies ahead in Hiroshima.

The ceremony began with the official declaration of admission, followed by remarks from representatives of the University of Idaho and Hiroshima University, as well as distinguished guests.

Suzanna Long, Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Idaho, described the MESA program as a new international education initiative made possible by the longstanding relationship of trust that the University of Idaho and Hiroshima University have built over many years. She emphasized the importance of the partnership between the two universities in developing the next generation of talent to support the semiconductor industry. Addressing the students, she expressed her hope that, through their studies at Hiroshima University and the University of Idaho, they would gain advanced expertise and a global perspective and grow into engineers who can contribute and succeed on the global stage.
 

Mitsuo Ochi, President of Hiroshima University, described the opening of the University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus as a historic milestone, noting that it is the first campus in Japan to be designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as a “Location in Japan of a Foreign University” specializing in engineering. He also noted that the campus marks the launch of a new educational initiative on the Hiroshima University campus. Highlighting Hiroshima University’s commitment to the “pursuit of peace,” President Ochi expressed his hope that learning and interacting with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and values in Hiroshima would become an invaluable experience for the students. He also emphasized the significance of the MESA program in developing globally minded talent capable of contributing to advanced fields of engineering, including the semiconductor field. Addressing the inaugural students, he encouraged them to take on new challenges as pioneers who will help shape the history of the new campus.

In his congratulatory remarks, Yoichiro Kono, Director-General of the Chugoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), highlighted the growing importance of semiconductors amid advances in AI and digitalization. He expressed his hope that the University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus will foster professionals with a global perspective and advanced technical expertise who can contribute to the development of local industries and the global semiconductor industry. He also encouraged the students to pursue their studies with ambition and grow into engineers, researchers, and leaders who will make an impact on the global stage.

Kota Nosaka, Representative Director of Micron Memory Japan, described the occasion as a significant milestone in further strengthening collaboration between universities and the semiconductor industry. He highlighted Micron Memory Japan’s long-standing partnership with Hiroshima University through initiatives in education, research, and student exchange, including the UPWARDS program. He also expressed his hope that industry, academia, and government will continue to work together to support MESA students as they deepen their studies in both Japan and the United States and develop into globally minded professionals who will contribute to the future of the semiconductor industry.

The students felt the expectations placed on the MESA program and recognized how their studies can contribute to society. They renewed their determination to take on the learning opportunities ahead and strive to become professionals who can contribute to society.
 

The 18 inaugural students will begin their university studies following an orientation program. Through the four-year MESA program, students will study electrical engineering entirely in English. During the first two years, they will build a strong foundation at Hiroshima University’s Higashi-Hiroshima Campus before moving to the University of Idaho’s Moscow Campus in the United States, where they will pursue more specialized studies.

Students from diverse countries and regions came together for the ceremony, sharing their excitement about meeting new friends and beginning their studies. Faculty members, staff, and other guests warmly welcomed the students and shared in the excitement of the journey ahead. With their individual dreams and goals in mind, the students are now ready to begin their four-year MESA experience, learning and growing alongside peers from diverse backgrounds.

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