Chennai Institute, Taiwan University Sign Semiconductor Pact to Boost Research, Talent
The Chennai Institute of Technology (CIT Chennai) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan's National Formosa University (NFU) and AGEM Technology to advance semiconductor research, talent development, and industry-academia collaboration. This trilateral initiative is among the first of its kind between Taiwan and South India in the semiconductor sector, establishing a framework for joint research, training, and innovation-driven cooperation.
The MoU was announced alongside the 14th anniversary celebrations of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in Chennai, where a new official office plaque was unveiled on June 25, 2026. The ceremony was jointly officiated by Director General Stephen S.C. Hsu and Vijayakumar, Head of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Branch Secretariat in Chennai.
According to a press release, bilateral trade between India and Taiwan has grown significantly, rising from $10.6 billion in 2024 to a record $12.5 billion in 2025. Trade has continued to grow strongly in 2026, recording an increase of approximately 30% year-on-year to date. More than 300 Taiwanese companies now operate across India, with about 75% of them based in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Their cumulative investments exceed $5.7 billion.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen India's semiconductor ecosystem, which the government has prioritised under the 'Semicon India' programme. The MoU will facilitate exchange of faculty and students, joint research projects, and technology transfer. Experts say such partnerships are crucial for building a skilled workforce in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
