Cairo:Egypt and Japan are collaborating to expand joint research and co-funding programs, focusing on fields such as artificial intelligence, water, renewable energy, semiconductors, and materials science. This initiative is part of the Egyptian-Japanese Partnership in Education, which has been extended through 2031.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Abdel Aziz Konsowa, who is also Acting Minister of Culture, announced these efforts during his visit to Japan. His visit, which began on Saturday and concludes on Wednesday, included a series of meetings with senior officials from Japanese and international scientific, research, and educational institutions.

The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and innovation. They aimed to create new opportunities for institutional cooperation and knowledge exchange while supporting researchers and students.

During his visit, Konsowa met with the vice president of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to explore launching a jointly funded research program with Egypt's Science, Technology and Development Fund (STDF). The program will focus on priority areas such as renewable energy, water, artificial intelligence, and materials science.

The meetings also addressed increasing the involvement of Egyptian students and researchers in Japanese research initiatives, alongside cooperation on university-based startups and technology transfer. Additionally, they discussed linking JST programs with Egypt's university innovation ecosystem and business incubators.

Plans were also outlined to organize an Egyptian-Japanese science and innovation event in Cairo in 2027. This event is intended to build sustainable research and technology partnerships and leverage the scientific capabilities of both nations.