Though Taiwan accounts for less than 0.02% of the world’s landmass, its outsized impact on the semiconductor industry has become an indispensable force in the era of AI and advanced chipmaking. The story of triumph was presented to an audience of around 100 on Purdue’s campus by Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) in coordination with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office through the film “A Chip Odyssey.”
The university was among a select group invited to host a private showing to students and faculty, alongside institutions such as Stanford and Columbia, because of Purdue’s nationally recognized excellence and leadership in semiconductor education and research.
Directed by award-winning Hsiao Chu-Chen and produced by semiconductor veteran Ben Chen and acclaimed Oscar member Ben Tsiang, the documentary traces Taiwan’s semiconductor journey from humble beginnings to its emergence as a critical pillar of the digital world. The film also presented a unique opportunity to highlight the high-tech relationship between Indiana and Taiwan.
“When Taiwan’s early semiconductor pioneers came here to learn, they engaged with a system shaped by Midwestern manufacturing discipline and a commitment to quality at scale,” said PRF President and CEO Chad Pittman, “Indiana was part of that early chapter, and we are proud to carry that connection forward today. At Purdue, we share Taiwan’s belief that education is the foundation of national strength. We are honored to work alongside Taiwan through research, students, and long-term industry partnerships.”
Building on over seven decades of collaboration between Purdue University and Taiwan, Pittman signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Taipei Language Institute to collaborate on initiatives that align with their missions to support talent development and cross-cultural exchange.
Purdue also has strong ties with Taiwanese semiconductor companies. In 2022, the College of Engineering announced the first of several partnerships with MediaTek which included opening the company’s semiconductor chip design center in the Midwest with state officials visiting the Purdue Research Park location in 2025. The university also enjoys a strong partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. through the university’s Center for Secure Microelectronics Ecosystem.
Purdue’s close relationship with the country includes more than $7.9 million in research awards from Taiwanese sponsors since 2020.
Following the screening, a panel explored the close connections between Purdue and the Taiwan’s semiconductor sector. Moderated by Pittman, the panel featured:
- Director General Dennis Y.F. Lei, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
- Zhihong Chen, Chair of the Semiconductor Leadership Council, Purdue University
- Dan DeLaurentis, Executive Vice President of Research, Purdue Office of Research
- Debby Lin, Principal Research Scientist, MediaTek
Panelists discussed how Taiwan’s long-term technology leadership is strengthened through deep partnership with U.S. universities like Purdue. These collaborations expand Taiwan’s research capacity, diversify innovation pathways, and align talent development with global industry needs.
The choice to locate to Indiana, particularly near Purdue, was cited frequently as a key advantage, providing direct access to top-tier talent while embedding globally competitive firms within a resilient and agile innovation ecosystem. Together, Purdue, Indiana, and Taiwanese semiconductor companies share a joint vision of fostering the global economy and its security by advancing trusted microelectronics technologies. These ongoing partnerships continue to drive innovation, support critical industries, and help secure the future of an increasingly interconnected digital world.
What they’re saying:
- “I think the film really highlighted the importance of the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. As a math student, the connection between mathematics and semiconductors is so important. My goal is to apply for post-doc position after I graduate because I believe it’s very beneficial to add a math background to semiconductor development.” – Howen Chuah, 4th year PhD in the Department of Mathematics
- “I didn’t know there were so many people doing their best to push Taiwan forward and be better. It’s impressive. My major is definitely connected to semiconductors, so before I came here it was one of my choices and I feel like [the movie] made me think about it more. It really made me have a good impression on the semiconductor industry.” – Andrew Hsia, sophomore in Material Engineering
- “I was not familiar with Taiwan’s history, especially when it comes to the semiconductor industry, so seeing how Taiwan started small to become the biggest semiconductor force in the world was eye opening,” said Even Duan, a sophomore in Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering. “In particular, it was inspiring to see how early engineers succeeded in meeting the expectation of an entire country through hard work and cooperation.”
About Purdue Research Foundation
Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Established in 1930, the foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds scholarships and grants; acquires and sells property; protects and licenses Purdue’s intellectual property; and supports creating Purdue-connected startups on behalf of Purdue. The foundation operates Purdue Innovates, which includes the Office of Technology Commercialization, Incubator and Ventures. The foundation manages Purdue Research Park, Discovery Park District, Purdue Technology Centers and Purdue for Life Foundation.
For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at otcip@prf.org. For more information about involvement and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact Purdue Innovates at purdueinnovates@prf.org.
Media contact: Polly Barks, phbarks@prf.org
