TSMC strengthens Japan ties with joint R&D lab in Tokyo

University collab underscores pivot to Asia amid unpredictable US policy

TSMC has opened a joint research lab with the University of Tokyo in Japan, the company's first such collaboration with an academic institute outside of Taiwan, amid ongoing concerns over the Trump administration's attitude to foreign tech firms.

The world's largest semiconductor contract manufacturer announced the opening this week of the TSMC-UTokyo Lab, saying it will build on the extensive knowledge, experience, and creativity of the two organizations to advance semiconductor research and foster skills.

Taiwan's tech firms such as TSMC have sought closer ties with Asian neighbors since the inauguration of the Trump administration and its open hostility to foreign technology firms

The lab is sited on Tokyo University's Asano campus in the Hongo district of the city, managed by faculty staff but overseen by directors from both TSMC and the uni, serving as a central hub for strategic collaboration.

TSMC says the facility will conduct research into semiconductor technologies with an emphasis on practical applications in the future, covering areas such as materials, devices, processes, metrology, packaging, and circuit design.

However, the pair claim that any research findings will benefit not only TSMC, but also be shared regularly at a technology symposium held at the university. These symposiums have been running since 2019, providing a platform for students to engage with TSMC R&D staff.

TSMC is also expected to sponsor projects and internship opportunities via the facility.

The university was also the first in Japan to take advantage of an educational package for semiconductor process design provided by TSMC and based on its N16 FinFET process technology.

"TSMC and UTokyo are both global leaders in their respective fields, and we hope that this lab will serve as a hub for a broad and long-lasting partnership to expand the boundaries of knowledge in the field of semiconductors and nurture generations of talent for the future," said TSMC EVP and co-chief operating officer Dr YJ Mii.

Taiwan's tech firms such as TSMC have sought closer ties with Asian neighbors since the inauguration of the Trump administration and its open hostility to foreign technology firms.

President Trump boasted that while the previous Biden administration had offered TSMC billions in subsidies to make chips on American soil, the company had pledged to invest up to $100 billion of its own money after he threatened it with tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports of the chips it produces.

According to some reports, the $100 billion figure announced by TSMC chief CC Wei during a meeting with the president was merely an estimated price tag for plans the company had in the pipeline anyway, but it still hasn't completely removed the threat of tariffs on semiconductors in Trump's constant on-off tax two-step.

TSMC has been stepping up its presence in Japan, announcing a second semiconductor manufacturing plant in the country, while its first started production last year. This new joint research lab suggests that the Taiwanese giant shows has a greater willingness to collaborate with Asian partners than with the US. As former Intel boss Pat Gelsinger pointed out, TSMC may build fabs in the US, but it has until now kept its R&D work at home.

Think tank Chatham House warned recently that Trump's trade policies will have the effect of pushing Asian economies closer to China, as it is their largest trading partner.

China, Japan, and South Korea also agreed to respond jointly to America's tariffs when Trump first announced them, as well as looking to strengthen supply chain cooperation between them.

TSMC remains a hugely profitable company, announcing net income up 60 percent year-on-year to $11.12 billion for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025. ®