【NEWS RELEASE】*shorter version
August 1, 2024
University of Tsukuba
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group

University of Tsukuba and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Announce
Comprehensive Partnership Agreement
University of Tsukuba and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (the “SMBC Group”) haveconcluded a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement. This agreement is aiming to contribute to socialtransformation by promoting the science/technology advancement and human resource development.
Through the agreement, the University of Tsukuba will undertake management reforms to develop
sustainable and competitive operational foundation. The SMBC Group, will develop various
collaborative initiatives as a partner of the university. We also aim to become a model that foster
regional revitalization and the collaboration between universities and financial institutions.

1.

Background
The University of Tsukuba, a National University founded in1973, has been striving to be auniversity that transform entrenched social systems and values. To solidify the foundations ofuniversity management, the university has promoted various educational and research
initiatives with a focus on social implementation and contribution.
Diverse initiatives from this agreement aim to not only solve the university's issues in the shortterm, but also expand and connect with the society and other universities. This is the beginningof a “new adventure” that will open up new horizons for the University of Tsukuba.
Meanwhile, the SMBC Group has placed “Creation of Social Value” as a pillar of its
management policies in its current Mid-term management plan, and works to contribute to“Japan’s Regrowth”, which is listed as a key issue to be addressed.
By supporting universities -an organization that brings together a wealth of knowledge and aconnection to society- to improve their environment, enhance their competitiveness, andpromote regional revitalization that stem from these actions, it will lead to “Japan's Regrowth”,

which must become increasingly important in the future. With these in mind, the SMBC Group
resonates the ideals of the University of Tsukuba, and as a transformation partner, the SMBC
Group and the University of Tsukuba will work together to implement various initiatives
towards social transformation.

2.

Overview of the Agreement
The University of Tsukuba and the SMBC Group will create the future with “Finance andKnowledge”, and jointly work primarily in the following five areas:(1) Enhancing University Management, including more robust financial foundation - Towards auniversity supported by the community(2) Developing a new joint research and commercialization system – Addressing the social needs(3) Fostering talents who can drive education, research and business together - Connecting withsociety(4) Promoting sports and related fields - Leading a brighter future society(5) Promoting inclusive education - Contributing to a society that thrives on diversity

The University of Tsukuba and the SMBC Group will expand these on-campus initiatives to thecommunity, leveraging the location of the Tsukuba City, designated as a Super City initiative toprovide a place for joint research and proof-of-concept projects with startups and global
companies.
We will also work to expand this model across Japan as a leading collaboration model between
universities and financial institutions.

END