'TSMC-UTokyo Lab' Launched to Promote Advanced Semiconductor Research, Education and Talent Incubation

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The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and TSMC announced the opening of the “TSMC-UTokyo Lab”, dedicated to advancing semiconductor research, education and talent incubation. As TSMC’s first joint lab with a university outside Taiwan, it will leverage the extensive knowledge, experience, and creativity of these two global leaders in their fields. Together, TSMC and UTokyo aim to promote cutting-edge research and development in semiconductor technologies, generate innovative solutions, and cultivate semiconductor talent, all while working towards a shared vision of “creating and advancing sustainable semiconductor technologies for the next generation and contributing to society”.

Since 2019, UTokyo and TSMC have collaborated at both the university and company-wide level on leading-edge semiconductor research, leading to 21 research projects which have achieved fruitful research results. Furthermore, TSMC and UTokyo have extended their industry–academia partnership to include semiconductor education and next-generation talent incubation. In 2023, UTokyo adopted the “TSMC N16 (FinFET) ADFP*1”, specialized for advanced process design education and the first of its kind at a Japanese university, into courses at its Faculty of Engineering and Graduate School of Engineering. To further collaborate more systematically and strategically, UTokyo and TSMC signed the “Strategic Industrial/Academic Collaboration Agreement” taking effect in April this year to promote research, education, and talent development. In addition to the establishment of the TSMC-UTokyo Lab, the “Social Cooperation Program” was launched in UTokyo in line with specific initiatives set out in the agreement.

Located on UTokyo’s Asano campus in the Hongo district, the Lab will be managed by UTokyo faculty and staff guided by directors from both UTokyo and TSMC, serving as a central hub for a Strategic Collaboration initiative. The Lab will facilitate research in semiconductor technologies with an emphasis on practical applications in the future, covering areas such as materials, devices, processes, metrology, packaging, and circuit design. Research findings will not only be applied to TSMC’s R&D and chip manufacturing but will also be shared regularly at a technology symposium held at UTokyo. Since 2019, these symposiums have provided a platform for UTokyo faculty and students to engage with TSMC R&D staff. Additionally, the Lab will explore collaboration through activities such as TSMC-sponsored project calls and internship opportunities.

“In an era where challenges and rapid changes surround humanity and the future is hard to foresee, universities should not only refine their knowledge in diverse fields but also collaborate with different sectors beyond academia to contribute to solving global challenges and to nurture the talent who will shape the future,” said Teruo Fujii, President of UTokyo. “Through our collaboration with TSMC, we aim to pursue broad social implementation and actively engage with the historic challenges that humanity shares.”

“The TSMC–UTokyo Lab is built on the success of institution-wide collaboration that started in 2019, which has blossomed into the close collaboration that we have today,” said Dr. Y.J. Mii, Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer at TSMC. “TSMC and UTokyo are both global leaders in their respective fields, and we hope that this lab will serve as a hub for a broad and long-lasting partnership to expand the boundaries of knowledge in the field of semiconductors and nurture generations of talent for the future.”

In addition to deepening research efforts, through this partnership UTokyo will offer the most comprehensive infrastructure for advanced semiconductor design education and hands-on research opportunities, cultivating talent poised to lead in the global semiconductor arena. TSMC, along with its Japan Design Center, Japan 3DIC R&D Center, and Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) specialty fab, will leverage the Lab to further its next-generation talent development. Positioning the Lab as a focus point for semiconductor research in Japan, UTokyo and TSMC will collaborate towards the goal of nurturing domestic talent and advancing the creation and development of sustainable next-generation semiconductor technologies to positively impact society.