The rise of generative AI has further energized the S-shaped strip of semiconductors spanning Tainan to Kaohsiung. In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, ISU is actively building a comprehensive AI talent development ecosystem with its visionary perspective and strategic thinking, earning recognition as a partner institution named by AI visionary Jensen Huang. As AI plays an increasingly vital role in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, the demand for high-end semiconductor process engineers has surged, making talent cultivation a top priority. In response, ISU established the AI Innovation Center in 2022, serving as a key hub for AI-driven innovation. The university recently launched the Semiconductor Advanced Process Virtual and Actual Areas, integrating diverse resources to equip students with cutting-edge expertise in this transformative field.
ISU’s newly established Semiconductor Advanced Process Virtual-Physical Laboratory consists of three key zones, including the Semiconductor Process Demonstration Zone, the Semiconductor Physical Process Zone, and the Semiconductor Virtual Process Zone. This structured learning environment enables students to first build a strong foundation in semiconductor processes, then gain hands-on experience, and ultimately apply AI-driven process optimization techniques. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that closely align with industry standards, the laboratory ensures that students develop process and inspection skills that meet real-world demands. By working with industry-grade equipment, students gain practical expertise while still in school, significantly enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.
ISU’s AI development blueprint began in 2018 with the launch of the pioneering “X+AI” interdisciplinary integration program. This initiative required all departments to incorporate AI-related technologies into their curricula, ensuring every student gains essential AI skills and establishing a strong foundation for comprehensive AI talent cultivation. Last July, the university deepened its collaboration with NVIDIA, launching a state-of-the-art Omniverse-powered laboratory as a cornerstone for expanding “X+AI” specialized courses across all colleges. That same year, the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences at the College of Medical Science and Technology teamed up with the Department of Information Engineering at the College of Intelligent Science and Technology to develop interdisciplinary AI-driven courses. These programs train professionals to integrate generative AI technologies into medical imaging, with a focus on clinical image analysis, diagnostic support systems, medical image processing, and interdisciplinary applications. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on AI expertise to tackle real-world medical challenges, driving healthcare innovation and addressing the evolving demands of modern society and industry.
ISU is transforming education by integrating AI competencies across disciplines, ensuring students are well-prepared for the future. The university has continuously expanded its AI ecosystem since launching the “X+AI” interdisciplinary integration program in 2018. In 2020, ISU established the College of Intelligent Science and Technology and introduced Taiwan’s second NVIDIA supercomputer, reinforcing its commitment to AI-driven education. The following year, it founded the College of Medical Science and Technology, further strengthening its interdisciplinary approach. By 2022, the university launched the AI Innovation Center, fostering cutting-edge research and practical applications in emerging fields. Most recently, in 2025, ISU completed the Semiconductor Advanced Process Virtual and Actual Areas, enhancing students’ opportunities to engage with industry-relevant AI applications. As one of the few comprehensive universities in Taiwan with a School of Medicine, ISU offers state-of-the-art AI infrastructure and industry-aligned curricula, bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. This integrated approach gives students a significant competitive edge in their careers. By aligning teaching and research with national policies and global technological advancements, ISU has established itself as a leading institution for AI talent cultivation across multiple domains.
