The University of Idaho announced on May 14 a new partnership with Hiroshima University in Japan, offering students the chance to study electrical engineering at both institutions through the Microchip Engineering and Security Alliance (MESA). The program aims to address the growing global demand for engineers in semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries.
The initiative is designed to help fill a projected shortage of more than one million semiconductor-related jobs worldwide by 2030. By providing hands-on experiences in fabrication, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence laboratories at the University of Idaho along with Hiroshima University’s expertise in materials and device engineering, MESA seeks to prepare students for careers in these critical fields.
“MESA is a powerful partnership, connecting hands-on experiences in U of I’s state-of-the-art fabrication, manufacturing and artificial intelligence laboratories with Hiroshima’s deep technological knowledge in materials and device engineering,” said Suzie Long, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Idaho. “If your goal is to be hired quickly in the U.S. semiconductor industry or internationally, this is the path.”
Students enrolled in MESA will spend their first two years studying at Hiroshima University before completing their degrees on the Moscow campus. The program will offer dedicated classroom and office space on Hiroshima’s campus during those initial years. Dean Kahler, vice provost for strategic enrollment management at U of I, said: “Students in this program are University of Idaho students from day one — they’re not transferring later. They start with us, receive support while studying in Japan and then complete their degree in Moscow.”
The program welcomes applicants from around the world. Scholarships supported by donors are available to help offset costs for Idaho residents.
MESA builds upon a longstanding relationship between both universities that began after World War II when U of I responded to a request from then-Hiroshima President Tatsuo Morito for aid following the atomic bombing. Over time this relationship has grown into academic exchanges focused on education and shared learning opportunities.
Sean Quinlan, dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences at U of I who helped develop this international partnership said: “Japan and the United States were once adversaries, and today they’re not just allies — they’re partners and friends. This partnership reflects that shared future and gives students a chance to be part of it.”
