Boise State University has formalized a new educational partnership with a Taiwanese institution to advance semiconductor workforce training and research collaboration. The agreement with Minghsin University of Science and Technology was signed May 7 at the Idaho State Capitol during a ceremony highlighting Idaho’s expanding role in microelectronics manufacturing.
The memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, and curriculum development between the two universities. Boise State officials said the partnership will create pathways for Idaho students to gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s leading semiconductor production regions.
Building on Recent Trade Mission
The signing follows a February trade delegation to Taiwan organized by the Idaho Department of Commerce. Boise State College of Engineering leaders joined representatives from across Idaho for 13 site visits to universities, research facilities, and technology companies to explore workforce development models.
During that visit, Idaho delegates toured Minghsin University’s fabrication facility and observed how the private institution integrates practical manufacturing training with classroom instruction. Minghsin’s academic programs are closely aligned with semiconductor industry needs, preparing graduates for careers in Taiwan’s advanced technology sector.
Boise State Interim Provost Zeynep Hansen said the partnership builds on decades of economic ties between Idaho and Taiwan. “These agreements will create exceptional opportunities for our faculty and students to learn, innovate and collaborate while strengthening Idaho’s position on the global stage,” Hansen stated.
Hands-On Training Focus
The agreement is designed to leverage both universities’ strengths in technology education. Boise State’s Microelectronics Education and Research Center has positioned the university as a regional leader in semiconductor research and workforce preparation.
College of Engineering Dean Amy Fleischer said Taiwan’s global semiconductor leadership combined with Idaho’s growing microelectronics capabilities creates significant collaborative potential. The partnership will support joint research projects and innovative workforce development approaches, Fleischer noted.
Eric Jankowski, director of Boise State’s Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering, said the university is already developing specific programs under the new agreement. These include faculty sabbatical opportunities, Mandarin language programs for students in Taiwan, and graduate degree programs featuring one year at each institution.
“All of these opportunities deepen our semiconductor expertise and position students for leadership to enhance Idaho’s ability to fuel the state’s ability to accommodate major semiconductor investments,” Jankowski said.
Statewide Semiconductor Initiative
The May 7 ceremony included partnership agreements between multiple Idaho institutions and Taiwan universities. The University of Idaho and Idaho State University also signed individual memorandums of understanding during the event.
The signing took place during a two-day “Invest in Idaho: From Potato Chips to Microchips” event showcasing the state’s semiconductor ecosystem. The program included presentations on regional manufacturing capabilities, facility tours, and meetings with industry partners including Micron Technology.
Sister-State Relationship
Taiwan ranks as Idaho’s second-largest trading partner. The two established a sister-state relationship in the early 1980s, creating a foundation for educational and economic collaboration that has continued for more than 40 years.
The Idaho Department of Commerce facilitated both the February trade mission and the May signing ceremony as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties and workforce development partnerships in the semiconductor sector.
What Comes Next
Boise State officials said implementation of exchange programs and research collaborations will begin in the coming academic year. The university expects the partnership to expand opportunities for Idaho students to gain international experience in semiconductor manufacturing and technology development while attracting Taiwan students and researchers to Idaho programs.