Global Outreach & Service
JICA & Skill Development Initiative
Project: Building a Business Model for ICT Startup Human Resource Development Targeting Youth and Women (Tunisia)
A collaborative, multi-year JICA Grassroots Technical Cooperation Project between the University of Aizu and the Higher Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (ISTIC), University of Carthage, focused on fostering innovative training and ICT entrepreneurship.
Project Milestones and Engagements
- September 18, 2025: Closing Seminar
and Ceremony
Closing Seminar Held in Tunisia: Prof. Ben Abdallah attended the closing ceremony of the JICA-supported initiative at the Cité des Sciences in Tunis. The event marked the successful completion of the project, which has already facilitated several young Tunisian participants in launching their own ventures.
During the ceremony, Prof. Ben Abdallah exchanged words with His Excellency Ambassador Takeshi Osuga (Ambassador of Japan to Tunisia) and met with Mr. Malek Kochlef (Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Higher Education), reflecting a shared commitment to advancing international academic collaboration.
Photo Source: Facebook and JICA Tunisia Office.
- June 19, 2023: Launch of Training
Program
Initial Training Initiative Launched: A five-day training initiative was conducted at ISTIC, University of Carthage. The visiting team included faculty members from the University of Aizu and an external consultant.
This program marked the launch of a specialized training series focused on advanced technologies and ICT startups. A participating student noted, “I hope this program will provide more hands-on experience to help overcome [business model development] challenges.”
(More details at the UoA website)
- January 23, 2023: Project Kickoff
Ceremony
Lecture on AI-Chip Design and Applications: Prof. Ben Abdallah delivered a lecture during the JICA Grassroots Technical Cooperation Project Kickoff Ceremony. This marked the official start of the collaborative initiative to foster innovative training programs.
(Details at the UoA website)