ITRI Hosts Taiwan-UK Tech Day in London, Eyes Collaboration in Semiconductors, AI, and Unmanned Systems

(Central News Agency, Chen Yunyu, London, 9th) Marking the first anniversary of its London office, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) held the 'Taiwan-UK Tech Day' exchange seminar in London today. UK industry and investment figures were particularly optimistic about combining the complementary advantages of Taiwan and the UK to cooperate in fields such as semiconductors, AI, unmanned systems, and space to compete in the international market.

The exchange seminar was held in the City of London financial district. In addition to speeches introducing ITRI's development history, the business development plans of its London office, and Taiwan's potential in quantum technology, there were several panel discussions gathering experts from both Taiwan and the UK. These panels focused on semiconductors, advanced materials, venture capital, artificial intelligence (AI) and related infrastructure, unmanned systems, and space, attracting around 100 attendees.

UK participants included representatives from Innovate UK, the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult (CSA Catapult), Airbus, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), as well as other administrative agencies, non-profit organizations, industry bodies, and research institutions.

Jalal Bagherli, co-chair of the Semiconductor Advisory Committee established by the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), stated in his opening remarks that Taiwan and the UK have complementary advantages. He noted that Taiwan possesses world-leading semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, while the UK holds a world-leading position in compound semiconductors, chip architecture design, fundamental and materials science, and possesses a deep tech ecosystem crucial for scientific breakthroughs and technological innovation.

Taiwan and the UK have launched several exchange and cooperation projects in the semiconductor field in recent years. Bagherli said he is particularly proud of the 'Taiwan-UK Semiconductor Joint Training Program' between the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) and Taiwan. This program provides UK graduate students with a two-week study trip to Taiwan, bridging scientific research and industrial practice. These talented individuals are expected to play leadership roles in related UK industries and research institutions in the future.

Taiwan's Representative to the UK, Yao Jin-shiang, mentioned in his speech that ITRI can serve as a bridge for bilateral cooperation in R&D, industry, and talent cultivation. He expressed hope for deepening Taiwan-UK cooperation in three directions: building more resilient and trustworthy supply chains; accelerating commercialization and mass production; and expanding the development of digital transformation and net-zero emission technologies.

Yao stated that Taiwan's manufacturing and commercialization capabilities, combined with the UK's innovative R&D and system integration capabilities, are respective strengths that can create synergy and secure advantages in the international market.

ITRI President Pei-Zen Chang shared his vision for Taiwan-UK cooperation and the London office in his opening remarks. In an interview with CNA, he mentioned that the priority areas for bilateral cooperation currently include AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and net-zero emissions.

Furthermore, Taiwan and the UK have already explored cooperation possibilities for unmanned systems combining AI and robotics technology. Chang emphasized that ITRI established its London office to cultivate long-term, in-depth relationships.

Other areas of Taiwan-UK exchange and cooperation involving ITRI include photonics, energy, and space.

Alun Williams, Director of Space at ADS Group, the UK's largest aerospace industry association, served as the moderator for the 'Unmanned Future' panel discussion at today's 'Taiwan-UK Tech Day'.

In an interview with CNA, he stated that in the space sector, there has been progress in Taiwan-UK exchanges, both in R&D and industry. He revealed that the main sentiment from various UK parties regarding promoting cooperation with Taiwan so far has been 'can we have more?', showing stronger interest than before.

'The UK government also firmly supports exchanges with Taiwan in the space field,' Williams pointed out. For the UK, Taiwan is not only a priority market full of opportunities but also an excellent cooperation partner with great potential. Taiwan can also leverage the UK's advantages in areas like low-earth orbit satellites and unmanned systems.

Williams believes ITRI clearly has the ambition to make Taiwan a true space power, playing a key role in catalyzing and promoting international cooperation.

Damon Bonser, co-founder and CEO of the 'British Design Fund', an early-stage investment fund primarily supporting UK startups, told CNA on the sidelines that more and more venture capital funds are becoming interested in the security and defense sector. Related investment topics are being discussed more openly, and the projects are very diverse, from innovative technology to supply chains, energy, water, and food security, all attracting investor attention.

Bonser noted that the UK excels in the early 'from scratch' stage, such as launching groundbreaking technologies or universities establishing companies through knowledge and technology transfer. However, in terms of commercialization and scaling capabilities, Taiwan remains a world leader.

Bonser believes there is a significant gap between the UK and Taiwan, particularly in achieving commercial scale and mass production capabilities. This naturally makes Taiwan and the UK partners who can share their respective strengths and co-create economic growth. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150610