TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — TSMC announced Thursday the establishment of its first joint semiconductor laboratory with an overseas university, the TSMC-UTokyo Lab, at the University of Tokyo.

The collaboration will drive R&D in advanced chip technologies, such as materials, processes, packaging, and circuit design. Research outcomes will be presented at conferences held at the university, per CNA.

TSMC said its chip design center, 3DIC R&D center in Japan, and the Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) specialty fab will use the new lab to conduct more advanced research. TSMC’s 3DIC R&D center focuses on materials, packaging, process, and equipment technologies for 3D integrated circuits, in collaboration with Japanese industries and research institutions.

TSMC highlighted its ongoing partnership with the university, which began in 2019 and has launched 21 research projects. The two parties also signed a cooperation agreement to advance research, education, and talent development in April.

In 2023, the university began offering a specialized TSMC N16 (FinFET) course, marking the first time such a program was adopted by a Japanese university. The course is part of TSMC's global initiative to support semiconductor education by providing curriculum resources to universities worldwide.

FinFET, or Fin Field Effect Transistor, is a crucial technology in modern chip manufacturing. It features a three-dimensional structure that resembles a fish's fin, which allows for improved performance and energy efficiency compared to traditional planar transistors.

TSMC Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer Y.J. Mii (米玉傑) expressed optimism about the newly lab. He hopes the facility will strengthen long-term collaboration and become a hub for chip education.

In 2013, TSMC and National Taiwan University established a joint R&D center, which has offered specialized courses and scholarships to NTU students. To date, the facility has trained more than 1,000 semiconductor professionals.

TSMC also established research centers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Cheng Kung University, and National Tsing Hua University. The company has invested over NT$300 million (US$9.2 million) in these initiatives, with more than 1,800 students participating in the programs.