Japan-Funded NIPPON AI Dojo Launched at North South University

North South University (NSU), Bangladesh’s premier private university, hosted the grand opening and orientation of the NIPPON AI Dojo on 21 September 2025, marking the launch of the country’s first AI education program of its kind.

The ceremony was attended by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, as the chief guest, and Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Interim), as the special guest.

The NIPPON AI Dojo, a free AI education initiative, is a collaborative effort by Chowagiken Japan and AI Samurai Japan, funded by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Introduced in Bangladesh as part of a feasibility study, the program is being conducted in partnership with NSU and BRAC University, two of the nation’s leading academic institutions.

Over 350 students applied for the inaugural phase, with only 20—10 from each university—selected for the pilot batch, which will run from September 2025 to January 2026. The program aims to equip participants with hands-on skills in AI project development, addressing the global demand for skilled engineers.

With the AI industry booming worldwide, Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment. Each year, thousands of computer science and IT graduates emerge from top universities, yet many lack industry-level experience. Meanwhile, Japan faces a shortage of skilled AI professionals. The NIPPON AI Dojo bridges this gap by providing Bangladeshi students with practical, industry-driven training, preparing them for real-world AI solutions.

The initiative promises mutual benefits: Bangladesh can advance its transition to a knowledge-based economy by producing industry-ready graduates, while Japan gains access to a pool of highly skilled engineers to meet its workforce needs.

NSU has pledged strong support for hosting the program, marking a significant milestone in Japan-Bangladesh ICT collaboration. A successful feasibility study could pave the way for more Bangladeshi graduates to enter Japan’s AI industry while addressing the critical shortage of skilled professionals domestically.