Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Hokkaido University of Japan have announced their intention to collaborate on semiconductor education and research, aiming to advance semiconductor workforce development. The partnership was formalized through a letter of intent, signed during a ceremony at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center. The event was attended by representatives from the Hokkaido Prefecture government, the Japanese semiconductor company Rapidus, IBM, NY CREATES, as well as RPI faculty and students.
Prior to the signing ceremony, the Japanese delegation visited the IBM Quantum System One at RPI, the first quantum system ever installed on a university campus globally. Quantum computing represents a cutting-edge field that relies on advancements in hardware and systems engineering to enhance quantum processors' capabilities. The semiconductor industry is projected to require over 1 million additional workers by 2030 to meet the growing demand for chips used in a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, cars, and appliances.
“RPI was honored to welcome our colleagues from Hokkaido University, Hokkaido Prefecture, and other important guests as we embark on an exciting partnership to support chip manufacturing and innovation”, said Martin A. Schmidt ’81 Ph.D., President of RPI. “Today was an excellent example of how universities, companies, and governments can and must work together to meet the workforce needs of an industry that touches so much of our modern lives”.
“Hokkaido University is accelerating the establishment of a system for the development of advanced human resources and the promotion of research in the field of semiconductors”, said Professor Kiyohiro Houkin, President of Hokkaido University. “I believe that by pursuing a collaborative relationship with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which is conducting research with a progressive approach in semiconductors in the U.S., we will be able to provide higher quality education and contribute to the enhancement of research capabilities”.
“I believe that Hokkaido and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have a strong connection. We have a long history and would like to continue building it”, said Naomichi Suzuki, Governor of Hokkaido Prefecture. “We believe that this collaboration between RPI and Hokkaido University will accelerate human resource development efforts in Hokkaido, and we feel that this collaboration is extremely encouraging”.
The partnership between RPI and Hokkaido University is timely, given the current state of chip manufacturing in the U.S. and Japan. Situated in a major hub of U.S. semiconductor research and production, RPI has long been at the forefront of chip innovation. Meanwhile, on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, Rapidus is establishing a state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facility. Rapidus and Hokkaido University have recently joined forces to advance semiconductor education and research, and Rapidus has also partnered with IBM.
“One of our three founding pillars is contributing and furthering human resource capabilities”, said Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike, CEO of Rapidus Corporation. “Close international coordination – throughout academia and industry – is extremely important as we look to collaborate on the global workforce requirements to develop and manufacture cutting-edge semiconductors. We congratulate RPI and Hokkaido University on this latest milestone, which is another vital step in accelerating workforce advancement”.
