ASU a key partner in US-Taiwan technology relationship

May 13, 2026 - 01:16

In 2016, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., known as TSMC, was searching for a U.S. city to host its massive $165 billion semiconductor manufacturing complex. Company officials visited several potential locations in the greater Phoenix area but struggled to find a spot that fit their needs. At the time, Phoenix could not offer what TSMC wanted most: a science and technology park where employees could simply walk across the street to meet with customers and suppliers.

That challenge eventually led to a deeper partnership involving Arizona State University. As TSMC moved forward with its plans, ASU stepped in as a key bridge between the company and the local region. The university helped create the kind of innovation ecosystem TSMC was looking for, one that connects research, talent, and industry in a tight geographic loop.

Today, ASU is considered a vital partner in strengthening the technology relationship between the United States and Taiwan. The university provides a steady pipeline of engineering graduates, collaborates on advanced research, and offers training programs tailored to the semiconductor industry. This collaboration has made the Phoenix area more attractive to high-tech firms and has positioned ASU as a central player in the effort to bring cutting-edge chip manufacturing back to American soil. The partnership shows how universities can help bridge the gap between global corporate ambitions and local economic development.