National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

03/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/11/2024 02:31

NYCU Opens Platform for University-Industry Co-Creation of Global Smart Medicine

By Professor Haydn Chen
______
The National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is at the forefront of Taiwan's smart medicine initiative, leveraging the combined expertise in semiconductor fabrication and biomedicine to drive innovation. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into biomedicine, the university aims to create advanced solutions for global healthcare challenges. This includes developing technologies such as remote medicine, robotics, wearable devices, and blockchain-based information exchanges.
NYMU and NCTU Merger Sparks Innovation in Taiwan's Semiconductor and Biomedical Industries
The merger of National Yang-Ming University (NYMU) and National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) in February 2021 created a research and development powerhouse. NYCU President Professor Lin Chi-hung sees this merger as an opportunity to propel Taiwan's semiconductor industry forward within the next five years. Furthermore, the increasing integration of AI in medical services presents significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
NCTU has a rich history in semiconductor innovation, producing engineers and leading figures in Taiwan's semiconductor industry. Meanwhile, NYMU's founding mission to address public health challenges has evolved to focus on cutting-edge biomedical research. The merger of these two institutions was reignited by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of a robust smart healthcare system.
Consultations with academic stakeholders have emphasized nurturing an innovative mindset among students. NYCU has responded with a 10-year blueprint focusing on holistic education, internationalization, scientific research and development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The goal is to equip students with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

NYCU's Trailblazing Path: Institute of Industry-University Innovation and the Pioneer Physician/Engineer Program in Smart/Digital Medicine

NYCU has established the Institute of Industry-University Innovation, the first in Taiwan, to foster collaboration between academia and industry. Major tech companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and MediaTek, are actively involved in this initiative. NYCU aims to cultivate high-level talents and drive innovation in pharmaceutical development, disease prevention, and diagnostic technologies through this institute.

Looking ahead, NYCU is eager to collaborate with global partners on its university-industry co-creation platform. The recent partnership with the University of Illinois Discovery Partner Institute and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates NYCU's commitment to global outreach and collaboration in smart/digital medicine for which education of physician/engineer program is essential.

The physician/engineer program is destined to produce graduates who are well-equipped to address the evolving needs of the smart healthcare industry and make significant contributions to improving patient care and outcomes. NYCU and its partners are establishing a Global Consortium of Innovation and Engineering in Medicine to serve as a platform for industry-academy co-creation in smart/digital medicine.

Smart Healthcare 4.0 at the Chu Ming Smart Hospital at NYCU (under construction)