Activity Report of Open Application Program 2025 vol.14 (Course B)
Project for Building a Platform to Foster India–Japan Global IT Human Resources through Collaborative Analysis of Sports Health Data
Report from Faculty of Collaborative Regional Innovation, Ehime University
In November 2025, our university concluded an inter-university partnership agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH). The Faculty of Collaborative Regional Innovation has been working with IITH on international educational and research projects centered on sports data analysis.
This year as well, with support from the Japan Science and Technology Agency's Sakura Science Program, we welcomed IITH students to Ehime and carried out a two-week program of learning and exchange.
This report summarizes the activities from December 8 to 21.
December 8
The group traveled from Hyderabad to Matsuyama. Upon arrival, we conducted a brief orientation to prepare for the following day's activities.
December 9
Students became acquainted through a campus tour and ice breaking activities. They also observed the training session of the Ehime Orange Vikings (professional basketball team). In addition, the group appeared on a local Nankai Broadcasting radio program to introduce the significance of this international exchange initiative.
"IITH students learning about the connection between player movement and data analysis."
December 10
IITH students presented their preliminary assignments on sports data analysis. In the evening, the group watched an Orange Vikings game, allowing them to directly connect real-game situations with analytical perspectives.
December 11
The group visited Hiroshima, where—thanks to the cooperation of Sanfrecce Hiroshima—they toured the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima stadium. They then visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, gaining valuable perspectives beyond their usual academic experience.
"Participants receiving explanations of stadium facilities from Sanfrecce Hiroshima staff."
December 12
With the cooperation of Koizumi Seika, a local Japanese confectionery shop, students participated in a workshop on co developing sweets for the Indian market. They discovered that anko (sweet bean paste) is suitable for vegetarian students and engaged in discussions on new variations of obanyaki.
"IITH and Ehime students learning about the production process of anko and obanyaki."
December 13-14
Joint research teams from both universities gathered to discuss collaborative research and examine data analysis methods. They also discussed concrete directions for future research cooperation.
December 15-16
The mid program presentation for the Sakura Science Program was held. Students also paid courtesy visits to the Institute for International Relations and the Faculty of Collaborative Regional Innovation, helping raise university wide awareness of collaboration with India.
December 17
The group visited Daiki Axis, a local company engaged in environmental projects in India, and learned about the company's international initiatives.
"Research teams discussing analytical methods using sports data."
December 18-19
The final presentation sessions were held, along with exchange classes with first-year students in the Department of Regional Resource Management. During the social gathering that followed, students and stakeholders exchanged ideas in a friendly atmosphere.
"Students and stakeholders concluding two weeks of exchange and sharing 成果."
December 20
A final discussion session was held to explore ways to deepen future exchange. Many ideas emerged regarding student mobility, collaborative research, and cooperation with local companies.
December 21
Departure day. The IITH students left Japan.
Throughout their stay, they received warm support from many local individuals, and many students commented that they had grown even more fond of Japan and Ehime.
This program reaffirmed Ehime University's important role in connecting the region with the international community and has helped solidify ongoing collaboration for the future.
[Contact information]
Dr. Akira YAMANAKA
yamanaka.akira.xk<at>ehime-u.ac.jp (Please replace<at>with @, the at symbol)