[Taiwan Chip News] TSMC and University of Tokyo Establish Joint Research Institute After 6 Years of Partnership... Closer Ties with Japan

Established on the University of Tokyo Hongo Campus
Collaboration in New Technology Research and Talent Discovery

TSMC, the world’s leading foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) company based in Taiwan, has joined forces with the prestigious University of Tokyo in Japan to establish a semiconductor research institute. This marks the first time TSMC has created a joint semiconductor research base with an overseas university. The institute represents the culmination of a six-year partnership between TSMC and the University of Tokyo that began in 2019. It is drawing significant attention in the industry as a platform that will further expand close collaboration with Japan, not only in research and development (R&D) of new technologies but also in talent discovery.

TSMC, which established a joint semiconductor research institute with the prestigious University of Tokyo in Japan. Photo by TSMC

According to Taiwanese media outlets such as Economic Daily News on June 14, TSMC and the University of Tokyo launched the “TSMC-U Tokyo Lab” on June 12. This lab is expected to serve as a forward base for advanced semiconductor research, education, talent development, and industry-academia cooperation between TSMC and the University of Tokyo. Regarding the launch of the institute, TSMC stated, “The goal is to promote semiconductor research and development, seek innovative solutions, realize a vision for sustainable next-generation technologies together, and contribute to society.”

The research institute was established on the Hongo campus of the University of Tokyo and will be operated and managed by the university’s faculty. TSMC and the University of Tokyo expect the institute to drive future-oriented research on semiconductor technologies for real-world applications, covering materials, components, processes, measurement, packaging, and circuit design. Research outcomes and progress will be applied to TSMC’s R&D and chip manufacturing, and will also be regularly shared at technical seminars held at the University of Tokyo. Since 2019, the University of Tokyo has hosted technology symposiums. Students and faculty at the university are expected to have regular opportunities to interact with key TSMC personnel at these symposiums. In addition, the University of Tokyo will run social contribution programs linked to the research institute.

TSMC plans to actively utilize the research institute at its production and research bases across Japan, both existing and under construction, so the scope of the institute’s activities is not expected to be limited to the university. Specifically, technologies developed at the institute can be immediately applied at various factories and centers, and talents nurtured at the University of Tokyo will find it easier to apply for positions at TSMC. TSMC completed its first factory in Kumamoto in February 2024 and began mass production of semiconductors, and is building a second factory with completion targeted for 2027. The company is also considering building a third factory in Osaka. Design centers are located in Yokohama and Osaka.

TSMC has been collaborating with the University of Tokyo on semiconductor research since 2019. The two sides have jointly carried out 21 research projects and have achieved remarkable results. Since 2023, the University of Tokyo has incorporated the “TSMC N16 (FinFET) ADFP Note” into its engineering and engineering research curriculum, allowing students to learn advanced process design. In April 2024, the two parties signed an “Industry-Academia Cooperation Strategic Agreement” to promote research, education, and talent development.

Mi-Wu Jie, TSMC Vice President and newly appointed co-Chief Operating Officer of the institute, said, “This newly launched research institute was created through close cooperation with the University of Tokyo. Both the University of Tokyo and TSMC are global leaders in their respective fields, and we hope the institute will serve as a hub for broad and long-term collaboration that transcends the boundaries of knowledge and fosters the next generation of talent.”

Taiwan Economic Daily News = Reporter Yang Lingwen / Translated by Asia Economy

*This column is published as part of a strategic partnership between Asia Economy and Taiwan Economic Daily News.