Boise State, Mingshin University forge new partnerships through historic signing

Boise State University is continuing to expand its global leadership in semiconductor education and workforce development through a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mingshin University of Science and Technology of Taiwan, signed during a historic ceremony at the Idaho State Capitol last week.

The signing builds directly on momentum from a recent Idaho delegation visit to Taiwan, where Boise State College of Engineering leaders joined partners from across the state to explore global models for semiconductor education, research, and workforce development. The visit, led by the Idaho Department of Commerce, included 13 site visits with universities, research institutes, companies and government agencies to identify pathways for collaboration and talent development.

Mingshin University of Science and Technology of Taiwan Vice President Chih-Hung Gilbert Li (middle) and Boise State University Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Zeynep Hansen sign memorandum of understandings at the Idaho State Capitol. Photo by Jamie Fink

"This new partnership with Mingshin University represents a natural extension of the decades-long relationship between Idaho and Taiwan," Boise State University Interim Provost Zeynep Hansen said. "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."

The MOU ceremony, held Thursday, May 7, was part of the "Invest in Idaho: From Potato Chips to Microchips" event that showcased Idaho's growing prominence in semiconductor manufacturing and education. The ceremony featured agreements between multiple Idaho institutions and Taiwan partners, with Boise State, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University each signing individual agreements.

Hands-on education focus

Mingshin University, one of the universities toured during the February delegation trip, delivers a highly integrated approach to hands-on education and workforce training. Idaho delegates examined how the private university's academic programs align closely with industry needs, preparing students for careers in one of the world's most advanced semiconductor ecosystems.

During their visit to Mingshin's campus, the Boise State delegation toured the university's hands-on fabrication facility, observing firsthand how Taiwan integrates practical manufacturing experience with academic instruction.

"Taiwan's leadership in the global semiconductor industry, combined with our own growing expertise in microelectronics, creates tremendous potential for collaboration," College of Engineering Dean Amy Fleischer said. "This MOU opens doors for joint research, student and faculty collaborations, and innovative approaches to expanding workforce development for our sister states."

Expanding Idaho opportunities

At Boise State, the College of Engineering and the Microelectronics Education and Research Center have been at the forefront of semiconductor research and education, positioning the university as a key player in developing the next generation of microelectronics professionals.

The new MOU creates a framework for building momentum and opportunities for student and faculty exchanges between Boise State and Mingshin University. The agreement is expected to facilitate collaborative research projects, curriculum development, and workforce training initiatives that leverage both institutions' strengths in technology education.

"The impact of this partnership is already taking shape within our college," Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering Director Eric Jankowski said. "We're developing potential faculty sabbatical opportunities, programs and courses for students to learn Mandarin in Taiwan, and graduate programs that feature one year at Boise State followed by a year at Mingshin. 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."

From left to right: Zeynep Hansen, Boise State; Lan Li, Boise State; Kurtis Cantley, Boise State; Chih-Hung Gilbert Li, Mingshin University; Eric Jankowski, Boise State; and Amy Fleischer, Boise State. Photo by Jamie Fink

Statewide collaboration

The MOUs build upon more than 40 years of economic and educational ties between Idaho and Taiwan. As Idaho's second-largest trading partner, Taiwan established a sister-state relationship with Idaho in the early 1980s, creating a foundation for the collaborations formalized last week.

The Idaho Department of Commerce, which led the original delegation trip to Taiwan, facilitated the signing. The ceremony was part of a broader two-day event that included presentations on Idaho's semiconductor ecosystem, tours of regional opportunities, and meetings with industry leaders including Micron Technology.

"Organizing the outbound mission to Taiwan allowed us to witness firsthand the powerful alignment between industry needs and advanced academic models at both Boise State and Mingshin University," Idaho Commerce Business Development Specialist Tracy Day said. "By bridging the lessons learned from our 13 technical site visits with Boise State's front-line research capabilities, this historic MOU creates a direct pipeline for hands-on, industry-aligned education. This partnership transforms our original delegation insights into permanent global exchange opportunities for Idaho and Taiwanese students while accelerating workforce development for Idaho companies, anchoring a collaborative, statewide momentum that will define the future of our semiconductor ecosystem."

The partnership comes at a pivotal time for both Idaho and Taiwan's semiconductor industries. As Idaho continues to invest in microelectronics manufacturing and workforce development, the collaboration with Taiwan's proven educational model provides valuable insights for preparing students for high-demand technical careers.

The Boise State MOU represents more than an institutional agreement. It's a commitment to fostering the kind of hands-on, industry aligned education that both regions recognize as essential for maintaining leadership in the global semiconductor industry.

With the foundation now established, both universities are expected to begin developing specific exchange programs and collaborative initiatives that will benefit students, faculty and the broader semiconductor goals of both Idaho and Taiwan.

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