Expanding from semiconductor technologies into the rapidly advancing field of brain technology, Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) is strengthening its interdisciplinary research and international collaboration in emerging technologies.
On September 7–8, CYCU partnered with KU Leuven of Belgium to host the 2026 CYCU-Leuven Joint International Workshop: Advancing from Semiconductors to Neural Probes. The workshop brought together experts from KU Leuven, UCLouvain, Europe’s neurotechnology industry, as well as representatives from academia, industry, government, and research institutions in Taiwan.
Participants explored emerging developments in neural probes, brain-computer interfaces, neuromodulation, semiconductor fabrication, and artificial intelligence, highlighting opportunities to integrate Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductor technology with cutting-edge neuroscience and neuroengineering research.
The workshop was jointly organized by CYCU’s College of Semiconductor Industry, Office of Research and Development, and Department of Bioscience Technology. Vice President and Dean of Research and Development Tsung-Yuan Wu, Dean of the College of Semiconductor Industry Chao-Ming Fu, and Visiting Associate Professor Chih-Chang Sun served on the organizing committee.
Centered on the theme “Advancing from Semiconductors to Neural Probes,” the workshop aimed to foster interdisciplinary integration between semiconductor technologies and brain science. Through international academic exchange and collaboration, the initiative seeks to extend Taiwan’s strong semiconductor manufacturing capabilities into the development of neural probes and neural interface technologies, creating new opportunities for precision medicine, smart healthcare, and brain-computer interface applications.
Dean Chao-Ming Fu noted that neural probes are a key enabling technology for next-generation neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces, allowing researchers to record and stimulate signals in the nervous system. Their applications span brain function mapping, neurological disease research, deep brain stimulation, and neural prosthetics.
The workshop featured internationally recognized scholars and industry experts who shared the latest developments in the field. Professor Myles McLaughlin of KU Leuven presented research on neuromodulation and brain stimulation, while Arno Aarts, CEO of ATLAS Neuro, discussed practical approaches to neural probe design and manufacturing. Professor Christian Renaux of UCLouvain explored the application of semiconductor fabrication and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies in the development of neural devices.
Speakers from Taiwan represented the National Center for High-performance Computing and the National Laboratory Animal Center under the National Applied Research Laboratories, as well as Academia Sinica, National Tsing Hua University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and the neurotechnology industry.
Their presentations covered neural network simulation and artificial intelligence, neural signal amplifier IC design, organ-on-a-chip technologies, in vivo neural electrophysiological recording, brain implant devices, clinical needs in neurosurgery, and signal acquisition systems. Together, the sessions offered a comprehensive view of the development pathway of neural probe technologies, from fundamental research and engineering to clinical application.
In addition to the keynote presentations, the workshop featured poster sessions and an industry technology exhibition, with participation from ATLAS Neuro, BioPro Scientific, Kontex, and other companies. These activities created a platform for dialogue between academia and industry, allowing participants to gain deeper insights into the latest trends in neural interface technologies through research posters and product demonstrations, while also exploring potential opportunities for future collaboration.
On the second day, the workshop hosted a forum titled “Future of Neural Probe Technologies” and a roundtable discussion on “Future Collaboration Between CYCU and Leuven.” The sessions focused on emerging technological directions and models for international collaboration. Participants also visited the Derwei A-Shin Advanced Power Semiconductor Joint Education Base, a pilot-line laboratory at CYCU’s College of Semiconductor Industry established with equipment donated by industry partners. The visit showcased CYCU’s strengths in practice-oriented education, industry collaboration, and advanced research and development.
Dean Chao-Ming Fu emphasized that Taiwan’s world-class semiconductor industry provides a strong foundation for global competitiveness. By integrating semiconductor technologies with neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence, Taiwan is well positioned to develop distinctive strengths in emerging neurotechnologies. Visiting Associate Professor Chih-Chang Sun added that the global neurotechnology sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, with neural probes and brain-computer interfaces becoming key areas of international research competition. He noted that interdisciplinary talent development and technological integration will be increasingly critical.
By partnering with KU Leuven to launch its inaugural international workshop on neural probes, CYCU is actively building an influential global research network. The initiative not only creates a platform for extending semiconductor expertise into neurotechnology, but also opens new opportunities for deeper research collaboration and interdisciplinary talent development between the two universities.
