San Luis Potosí and Osaka Metropolitan University to Connect Japanese Research, Talent, and Industry

, the state office in Japan, and the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association also participated. Therefore, the meeting incorporated both the academic component and the needs of the productive sector.

Osaka Metropolitan University reported that the meeting allowed for the analysis of potential areas of collaboration. Likewise, it indicated that it will seek to strengthen the relationship with Potosí institutions.

Four Facilities Showcase Japanese Research Scope

During the tour, the Potosí delegation visited facilities specializing in batteries, controlled agriculture, robotics, and smart energy. The visit included:

• The Solid-State Battery Research Center.
• The Plant Factory Research and Development Center.
• The Extended Reality Agricultural Robotics Laboratory.
• Equipment linked to smart energy systems.

These facilities demonstrate the scientific capabilities available at the Japanese university. However, they have not yet been confirmed as working lines for the international laboratory.

OMU began operations in 2022, following the integration of Osaka City University and Osaka Prefecture University. It currently reports approximately 16,000 students and 1,400 full-time faculty members. Additionally, it has 12 undergraduate schools and 15 graduate schools, including areas of Engineering, Agriculture, Informatics, and Sustainable Systems.

COOP Model Integrates Students into Companies from Sixth Semester

UPSLP also presented its COOP dual education model in Japan, focused on combining university training with experience within a company. According to the state government, the proposal sparked OMU’s interest in sending students for academic and professional internships in San Luis Potosí.

The model allows students with strong academic performance and English proficiency to join a company starting from their sixth semester. This way, they gain professional experience before completing their degree. UPSLP began implementing this scheme in 2008 in the Industrial Technologies and Manufacturing Technologies engineering programs. The program emerged through collaboration with Kettering University in the United States, also drawing on cooperative education models used in North American and European universities.

UPSLP

In March 2025, the institution reported activities for its fifteenth generation of the COOP Group, indicating the scheme remains a pathway for early integration into industrial companies. UPSLP

Nearly 60 Japanese Companies Operated in San Luis Potosí

The academic relationship is underpinned by the presence of Japanese companies in the state. The Secretariat of Economic Development reported in September 2025 that nearly 60 Japanese-owned companies were operating in San Luis Potosí, with the majority concentrated in activities related to the automotive industry.

Furthermore, Japan contributed $204 million in foreign direct investment during 2024, ranking second among countries of origin for new investments in the entity. SEDECO

Among the Japanese companies with reported operations are Daikin, North American Lighting, Ibiden, AGC Automotive, Nissin Manufacturing, and Midori. Therefore, the alliance between UPSLP and Osaka Metropolitan University aims to connect talent development with an already established industrial base. However, it has not been announced which specific companies will directly participate in the laboratory.

Over 150 Companies Learned About Potosí’s Academic Offerings

The mission also included UPSLP’s participation in the Mexico 2026 Business and Investment Seminar, held on July 21 in Osaka. The event brought together representatives from over 150 Japanese companies, according to the Government of San Luis Potosí.

During the seminar, UPSLP presented its capabilities for training specialized professionals, as well as its schemes for linking with companies and its dual education model. For its part,