In a significant step toward strengthening Taiwan-Japan semiconductor collaboration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and Kyushu University jointly hosted the 2nd Taiwan-Japan Global Partnership Semiconductor and Innovation Startup Forum on July 10–11 in Fukuoka. The two-day event gathered over 270 participants from academia, industry, and government to explore cross-border cooperation in advanced semiconductor technologies, talent cultivation, and innovation ecosystems.
As part of this growing alliance, the two universities signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 11 to co-develop a joint education and research framework to nurture the next generation of global semiconductor professionals. The MOU builds upon the foundational agreement signed in 2024, expanding the partnership from collaborative research into broader educational and entrepreneurial initiatives.
“Taiwan’s strength in semiconductors is inseparable from our robust university-industry-government collaboration,” said NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin during the signing ceremony. “Through this partnership with Kyushu University, we hope to share Taiwan’s experience and co-create a model that brings innovation and talent mobility to the entire Asia-Pacific region.”
NYCU, located in the heart of Hsinchu Science Park—home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s global headquarters—has long served as a critical talent incubator and R&D partner for Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. As Japan accelerates its semiconductor capacity, including TSMC’s expansion in Kumamoto, the collaboration between NYCU and Kyushu University has drawn increasing attention.
Dr. Takashi Kiyoura, Deputy Director-General of the Research Promotion Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)—a role equivalent to Deputy Minister—spoke at the forum and remarked:
“Japan sees Taiwan as a model in semiconductor education and ecosystem building. We are eager to learn from NYCU’s experience in integrating academia with industry needs, and we believe this partnership with Kyushu University will catalyze Japan’s innovation pipeline.”
The newly signed MOU outlines a joint campus initiative, with plans to launch around 2027. Discussions are underway to allow Kyushu University undergraduate and graduate students—approximately 10 to 20 annually—to study at NYCU, with joint credit or degree programs opportunities. In parallel, the two universities will exchange faculty, collaborate on curriculum development, and share research facilities.
Kyushu University President Tatsuro Ishibashi emphasized, “We aim to create a powerful innovation engine by bridging the strengths of both universities. This partnership is about sharing infrastructure and building a future where research, education, and industry converge.”
Alongside educational goals, the collaboration seeks to foster startup incubation and industrial outreach. NYCU has built a vibrant startup ecosystem, especially in the semiconductor and biomedical fields. The alliance will also support Taiwanese and Japanese startups in exploring overseas markets by connecting with Kyushu University’s local networks and Japan’s industrial clusters.
The forum on July 10 featured over 40 companies from both countries, with individual matchmaking sessions focused on semiconductor manufacturing equipment, materials, and component development. Representatives from TSMC-related supply chains and local Japanese industries explored avenues for R&D collaboration. Nearly 170 government and corporate delegates attended the first day’s industry-focused session, while around 100 university and research leaders joined the second day’s academic dialogue.
Prof. Seiji Samukawa, Director of NYCU’s Taiwan-Japan Collaboration Office, noted, “The success of TSMC is built on a tightly integrated academic and industrial ecosystem. We hope to bring this experience to Japan and support the evolution of a similar model that aligns with Japan’s unique strengths.”
As Taiwan and Japan continue to deepen their semiconductor ties, NYCU remains committed to its role as a regional hub for cross-border innovation, talent development, and academic-industrial synergy.
Written by： OIPO–Chance Lai
Source： NYCU News
