10th – 11th February 2025 | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
The India-Japan Business Immersion Program, hosted by the Mizuho India Japan Study Centre (MIJSC) at IIM Bangalore, provided an enriching experience for 65 students from Waseda University’s Graduate School of Business. Over two days, the delegation explored India’s dynamic digital ecosystem, corporate landscape, and cultural ethos through a series of lectures, company visits, and interactive sessions.
The program began with an onboarding to India’s fintech revolution, where participants experienced Unified Payments Interface (UPI) firsthand. This was followed by an insightful lecture on India’s Digital Public Infrastructure by Prof. Jaideep Sarkar, highlighting how open digital ecosystems are driving financial inclusion. A visit to MITTI Café at IIMB Campus, a social enterprise empowering people with disabilities, offered a heartwarming perspective on inclusive entrepreneurship. The day also included a deep dive into Frugal Innovation, where students learned how Indian businesses maximize impact with minimal resources.
The corporate engagement segment featured an immersive visit to Toshiba Software India Pvt. Ltd. (TSIPL), where the delegation explored India’s growing Global Capability Centers (GCCs). TSIPL leaders shared insights on innovation, digital transformation, and talent development, concluding with a tour of their state-of-the-art R&D facilities.
Day 2 commenced with a visit to the General Electric (GE) Global Research Center, where executives introduced GE’s vision for innovation in India, particularly in healthcare technology. A guided lab tour showcased cutting-edge developments in medical imaging, 5G innovation, and additive manufacturing. The delegation then returned to IIM Bangalore for an engaging startup showcase, where founders from AI Planet and Astrek Innovations presented breakthrough technologies in artificial intelligence and assistive robotics.
The program also delved into Indian culture and business ethos through an engaging session led by Prof. Jaideep Sarkar, covering India’s entrepreneurial mindset, leadership styles, and socio-cultural influences on business. Meanwhile, regular MBA students participated in an exciting Startup Pitch Competition, judged by Industry Veterans from IIM Bangalore and representatives from Waseda University.
The immersion program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, reinforcing the strong India-Japan academic and business collaboration. Participants departed with valuable insights into India’s innovation-driven economy, entrepreneurial spirit, and evolving corporate landscape, marking the program as a resounding success.