Florida Poly and Taiwan Tech Partner to Advance STEM

Two universities separated by 8,000 miles just decided distance doesn't matter when it comes to solving the world's biggest problems.

Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland and National Chin-Yi University of Technology in Taiwan signed a five-year agreement to exchange students, professors, and research breakthroughs. The partnership focuses on mechanical and electrical engineering, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies that could shape the future.

The collaboration started after Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly's president, joined state officials on a leadership mission to Asia in October 2025. What began as exploratory conversations turned into a formal agreement connecting two schools with remarkably similar missions.

Florida Poly is the only university in Florida dedicated exclusively to science, technology, engineering, and math. NCUT mirrors that focus as one of Taiwan's top engineering schools, known for hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world careers.

"This partnership is a natural fit for two universities committed to applied, industry-driven STEM education," Stephenson said. Both institutions rank highly in their regions and share a commitment to practical innovation over purely theoretical research.

For students, the agreement opens doors that didn't exist before. Undergraduates and graduate students can now study abroad at partner institutions, gaining international research experience that makes them more competitive in the global job market. Faculty members can collaborate on projects that combine American and Taiwanese expertise.

The partnership also strengthens ties between universities and industry. As technology companies increasingly operate across borders, graduates with international experience and cross-cultural research skills become invaluable assets.

The Ripple Effect

This collaboration extends beyond just two campuses. NCUT enrolls about 1,000 international students among its 12,000 total enrollment, creating a diverse learning environment. Florida Poly brings its status as the top-ranked public college in the South for five consecutive years.

The agreement positions both schools to tackle problems too big for any single institution. Climate technology, advanced manufacturing, and electrical engineering innovations often require perspectives from multiple countries and cultures.

Taiwan ranks as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and technology innovation. Florida serves as a growing hub for aerospace, defense, and technology companies. Connecting these two ecosystems creates opportunities for breakthroughs neither region could achieve alone.

Students graduating from programs with international research experience enter the workforce with proven ability to collaborate across cultures. That skill matters more every year as technology challenges become increasingly global.

The partnership takes effect immediately, with renewal options built in to support decades of collaboration ahead.