【KU-STAR Program for India 2025】Innovation in Action: KU-STAR Program Students Visit Samco Inc.

BLOG 2025.06.6

【KU-STAR Program for India 2025】Innovation in Action: KU-STAR Program Students Visit Samco Inc.

India internship KU-STAR Kyoto University research

The KU-STAR Program not only immerses students in cutting-edge research at Kyoto University laboratories but also provides invaluable opportunities to experience innovation in Japanese industry. On June 2, 2025, a group of bright students from India participating in the KU-STAR Program visited Samco Inc., a global semiconductor manufacturing equipment company headquartered in Kyoto.

Through this direct exposure to Japan’s advanced technology and manufacturing sites, the students gained a deeper understanding of how academic research translates into tangible products and technologies.

A Warm Welcome and the Seeds of Innovation

Upon their arrival at Samco Inc., the students were warmly welcomed, even seeing the Indian flag displayed in their honor. The visit included seven undergraduate and graduate students from the STEM fields within the KU-STAR Program, representing institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IIT Delhi, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, and IIT Madras.

First, Dr. Hemanth Ramachandraiah, Head of Bengaluru Preparatory Office, provided an overview of the company. He highlighted Samco’s impressive thin-film technology and its applications, noting the company’s future expansion not only in semiconductor manufacturing equipment but also into quantum and bio-related businesses. The students listened intently, absorbing this forward-looking perspective.

So warmly welcomed with the Indian National Flag!

Dr. Hemanth explaining thin film technology and its applications to KU-STAR Program students

Following this, a discussion was held with Mr. Osamu Tsuji, the founder of Samco Inc., who has traveled to India many times. This was a valuable opportunity for the students to explain their respective fields of interest to the chairman. Mr. Tsuji emphasized that Samco Inc. values culture as a global company and encouraged the students to “Please learn about Japanese culture here in Kyoto, a hot spot of Japanese culture.”

Dr. Hemanth also shared his personal experience of completing his Ph.D. at a University in Japan, explaining that studying at a Japanese graduate school offers a “Good Platform” and “Good Exposure.” His insights resonated deeply with the students.

Experiencing Cutting-Edge Technology and the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Next, the students embarked on a tour of the factory. The students toured the manufacturing floor and clean room. They observed dry etching equipment and plasma CVD equipment.

Another highlight was the visit to the Samco Museum, which features a replica of the garage where Mr. Tsuji founded the company in 1979, after his research work as an engineer at NASA in the U.S.A. This exhibit was a powerful inspiration, demonstrating how a global company can begin from humble origins. The students learned from Samco representatives how their innovative technologies support various aspects of modern society and gained a profound appreciation for the passion and effort behind cutting-edge technological advancements.

Future Prospects

This visit to Samco Inc. will undoubtedly broaden the horizons of the KU-STAR Program students and significantly influence their future career choices and research directions. We eagerly anticipate that such practical experiences will contribute to their academic growth and future success.