JASWI Convenes Global Leaders at UW–Madison to Explore Advanced Manufacturing, Quantum & AI, and Clean Energy

Written by JASWI Executive Director Kerry Clark

MADISON, Wis. – Oct. 22–23, 2025 

JASWI gathered participants from UW-Madison, Wisconsin companies, Japanese firms, and economic development organizations for a 2-day program to explore the best of UW-Madison’s College of Engineering focusing on the themes of advanced manufacturing, quantum & AI technology and clean energy.  

This event included in-depth tours of campus laboratories and facilities with plenty of time for networking and allowed guests to enjoy some classic Wisconsin hospitality. Keynote speakers including Chancellor Mnookin, Dean Devesh Ranjan and Acting Consul-General Naoya Kishi emphasized how people-to-people connections underpin successful collaborations between academia, industry, and government. They also noted that shared values such as ongoing innovation, reliability, and long-term relationships create a natural fit between Wisconsin and Japan, making it easier to translate cutting-edge ideas into real-world projects. By bringing students, faculty members and corporate decision-makers into the same room, the event helped move conversations from general interest to concrete next steps, including follow-up visits and joint research opportunities. 

The forum reinforced Wisconsin and UW-Madison’s position as a trusted partner for Japanese industry and government, particularly in sectors where precision engineering and advanced manufacturing are critical for the state. Important groundwork was established for future collaboration, positioning not only JASWI but also the UW-Madison College of Engineering, Office of Business Engagement and WARF as key connectors in the ongoing Wisconsin–Japan relationship. 

To view the gallery from this event, please check out the link below:

Gallery: UW–Japan Engineering & Technology Forum | Oct. 22-23, 2025