The College of Engineering at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) and PMP Tech have established a Joint Research and Development Center, creating a platform for long-term industry–academia collaboration. By bringing together interdisciplinary research expertise and industrial resources, the Center aims to advance emerging engineering technologies and strengthen connections between academic research and real-world applications.

Launching Interdisciplinary Joint Research

In its first year, the Center is launching three collaborative research projects spanning energy and thermal management, advanced manufacturing, and intelligent systems. These initial projects demonstrate the potential for interdisciplinary engineering research to address evolving industrial needs.

The first project explores energy generation and thermal management, including passive temperature control for solar panels, thermal energy storage and management, and radiative cooling. The research aims to improve renewable-energy utilization, reduce industrial carbon emissions, and contribute to energy-efficient buildings.

The second project focuses on advanced manufacturing through laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) for rapid tooling. By applying additive manufacturing to tooling, the research aims to shorten development and production cycles, reduce costs, and strengthen manufacturing capabilities.

The third project focuses on AI-enabled remote robotic operation in virtual reality. By using artificial intelligence to model physical environments and create digital twins of real-world facilities and equipment, the system lets operators monitor remote conditions and intuitively control robotic arms through a virtual environment. By integrating AI-based environmental modeling, digital twins, and virtual reality, the research aims to improve the efficiency, flexibility, and immersion of remote operations, with potential applications in automated manufacturing, equipment operation, and remote collaboration.

Together, these initial projects connect expertise in energy systems, manufacturing, robotics, and digital technologies, with potential applications across sustainability, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI-enabled industrial automation. As a collaborative research platform, the Center will continue to explore new research topics based on emerging technological needs and interdisciplinary expertise.

Building a Long-Term Industry–Academia Partnership

The collaboration began in March 2024, when representatives from PMP Tech visited NTHU for an academic exchange. In June of the same year, Professor Yu-Pin Chen of the Department of Power Mechanical Engineering organized a cross-university research team to advance plans for a joint research center and an industry–academia research project under Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council.

Following continued discussions and research coordination, the project received formal approval in November 2025. The College of Engineering and PMP Tech subsequently established the college-level Joint R&D Center in December 2025, marking a new stage in their partnership.
To support sustained collaboration, PMP Tech has committed research funding over a three-year period, along with technical expertise and equipment resources. Through joint research teams and continued industrial engagement, the Center seeks to develop innovative technologies while strengthening the connection between academic research and industrial applications.

Connecting Research with Talent Development

Beyond technology development, the Center also serves as a platform for talent development and industry engagement. In April 2026, it hosted a recruitment and career forum at NTHU, where PMP Tech executives met with students to discuss industry trends, talent needs, career development, and opportunities within the company.

PMP Tech also offers flexible internship opportunities during the academic year and summer across its R&D, international business, and AI and data divisions. Outstanding interns may have opportunities to gain practical experience at the company's U.S. facility, learning directly from engineers working with leading international companies.

Through the Joint R&D Center, the College of Engineering seeks to strengthen connections among academic research, industrial innovation, and engineering education. Looking ahead, the College will continue to expand its collaborative networks, bring together diverse research expertise, and welcome new opportunities for international academic exchange and joint research.