In recent months, there has been intensive communication with investors in the supply chain of the semiconductor industry, focused on internationalization and the development of cooperation in this key area. The goal of this activity is to build a strong ecosystem that will support the competitiveness of our region and attract investors willing to invest in local companies for the long term. The joint meeting in February 2024 in Taiwan was part of ICUK's entry into the Czech National Semiconductor Cluster, zs (CNSC).
The development of the semiconductor industry is one of the priorities of the Czech Republic and the European Union. ICUK, as a representative of the cluster, thus promises a further step towards the development of the innovation ecosystem in the Ústí Region from the signed memorandum. This initiative confirms that we are part of an important cluster with potential for companies and we strive to strengthen the region through strategic investments and international cooperation in the field of semiconductors.
On July 12, 2024, a lecture by Professor Jeng-Ywan Jeng from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, director of the High Speed 3D Printing Research Center, took place at UJEP. Prof. comprehensively introduced Taiwan's semiconductor chain, the related economic and technological trends in the industry, the business model, but also the key technologies behind the success of TSMC, a Taiwanese chip manufacturer. He also introduced a scholarship program for students in tech-oriented fields to gain experience in Taiwan. Prof. Jeng is an expert in additive manufacturing (3D printing or rapid prototyping), laser processing, corporate patent research and development, and knowledge management and cross-disciplinary integration, collaborating with TSMC. He has experience with the Czech environment thanks to cooperation with ELI Beams.
The investment by TSMC (from Taiwan) of one of the most important chip manufacturers near Dresden, the prioritization of the development of the semiconductor industry in the Czech Republic and the EU (see the recent announcement of ONSEMI's investment in the Czech Republic) brings unique opportunities for the further development of our region and UJEP. The rector of UJEP, doc. RNDr. Jaroslav Koutský, Ph.D.: "Of course, this investment is primarily technological in nature, but on the one hand, it has significant spillovers into other industries connected to the production of chips, as well as into other economic and social activities - e.g. further professional and lifelong training of employees, professional analyses, contract research on various topics, etc. In other words and directly: a giant investment will take place beyond our borders and it is up to us how we react to it. The topics do not have to be primarily oriented only to technically oriented faculties, but opportunities for cooperation can be surprising and multidisciplinary, even at first glance."
"Following the already completed first interviews with those interested in investing in the region from the supply chain and their visits to UJEP, there was a need to better understand how the chain works, what activities and competences need to be developed. As a prerequisite for long-term competitiveness (but to attract the most ambitious companies), it is appropriate to have identified areas for joint research, development and education", mentioned doc. Ing. Jan Slavík, Ph.D., vice-rector for science and research at UJEP, who opened the lecture.
This lecture was possible thanks to the cooperation with the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic (TCCCZ) and our long-term activity.
What is the Czech National Semiconductor Cluster, zs.?
This is the most important grouping, bringing together key players from the Czech semiconductor industry. With excellent connections to international and European platforms such as Silicon Saxony and Silicon Europe, the CNSC plays a key role in the creation of a national semiconductor strategy, industry mapping and the preparation of a National Semiconductor Center of Competence.
