Building the Future of Manufacturing—Together
The future of manufacturing will be shaped by the people we inspire, educate, and develop today. At the University of Kentucky's Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology, that belief drives our mission to build a stronger workforce pipeline—from middle school students discovering engineering for the first time, to university students preparing for industry, to professionals developing the leadership skills needed to guide the next era of innovation.
Under the leadership of Dr. Nelson Akafuah, the department is pursuing a bold vision to become a national leader in Lean education, Smart Manufacturing, and workforce development across K–12, collegiate, and professional education.
That vision recently received a major endorsement from Toyota Motor North America Production Engineering, which has committed $400,000 over five years to support two flagship initiatives: the Fujio Cho Smart Manufacturing Summer Academy and the Fujio Cho Leadership Lecture Series.
Together, these programs create a powerful continuum of learning and leadership development. The Smart Manufacturing Academy introduces middle and high school students to engineering, technology, and manufacturing careers through immersive, hands-on experiences, while the Leadership Lecture Series will bring nationally recognized executives and thought leaders to campus to explore Lean leadership, Smart Industry, artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and innovation.
Most importantly, these initiatives strengthen the connection between education and industry. Students gain real-world experiences and career pathways. Employers gain access to emerging talent, fresh ideas, and future leaders. Communities benefit from a stronger, more competitive workforce.
This mission cannot be accomplished by education alone. We invite industry partners to join us through internships, co-ops, capstone projects, workforce training, and collaborative research. The result is a true win-win-win: students gain invaluable experience, organizations gain innovative solutions and access to top talent, and together we build the workforce that will drive manufacturing excellence for generations to come.
Fujio Cho Smart Manufacturing Summer Academy Inspires Tomorrow's Innovators
Building the future workforce starts early.
The Fujio Cho Smart Manufacturing Summer Academy was created to introduce middle and high school students to the exciting possibilities found in engineering, advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, and digital technologies. Made possible through Toyota's investment and the partnership between the University of Kentucky and Toyota Motor North America Production Engineering, the Academy provides students with hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
Participants engage directly with modern manufacturing technologies, problem-solving activities, teamwork, and Lean thinking principles that help organizations improve quality, safety, and performance. Through immersive experiences on the University of Kentucky campus and within industry environments, students gain an early understanding of how innovation and technology shape the products and services they use every day.
The Academy reflects the Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology's commitment to developing talent long before students enter college. By sparking curiosity and confidence at an early age, the program helps create a stronger pipeline of future engineers, technologists, and manufacturing leaders.
As industries across the nation face growing workforce challenges, programs like the Smart Manufacturing Summer Academy demonstrate how universities and industry can work together to inspire the next generation and ensure a bright future for manufacturing.
Fujio Cho Leadership Lecture Series Launches at UK
Preparing future leaders is just as important as preparing future workers.
The inaugural Fujio Cho Leadership Lecture Series will launch on November 5, 2026, bringing nationally recognized executives, innovators, educators, and industry leaders to the University of Kentucky for a day of discussion focused on the future of manufacturing leadership.
Developed in partnership with Toyota Motor North America and co-hosted by UK Innovate, the annual event is inspired by the leadership philosophy of Fujio Cho, whose commitment to continuous improvement, respect for people, and servant leadership helped shape one of the world's most admired manufacturing organizations.
Under the theme "Leadership for the Next Era of Manufacturing: From Lean Foundations to Smart Industry," speakers will explore topics including Lean leadership, artificial intelligence, digital engineering, workforce transformation, innovation, healthcare improvement, entrepreneurship, and operational excellence.
The Lecture Series is designed to strengthen collaboration among industry, education, and research while creating new opportunities for workforce development, executive education, technology commercialization, and applied innovation. Equally important, it provides students with direct access to leaders who are actively shaping the future of industry.
As a cornerstone of the department's long-term vision, the Fujio Cho Leadership Lecture Series will help position the University of Kentucky as a leading voice in Lean leadership, Smart Manufacturing, and workforce innovation for years to come.