Harbin Engineering University (HEU) has officially established a new School of Integrated Circuits, with a unique strategic focus on developing fully independent, domestically produced chips for specialized fields including shipbuilding, marine engineering, and nuclear technology. The school aims to tackle critical "chokepoint" technologies in these high-end segments by deeply integrating industry resources with education and research.
A defining feature of the new school is its deep, structured collaboration with industry leaders. Its founding dean, Yang Yunchun—who is also the Chairman of Sai Microelectronics—has committed to integrating cutting-edge industrial resources into the curriculum. This includes access to Sai Microelectronics' globally advanced 8-inch MEMS production line. The school will offer industry-oriented courses such as "MEMS Chip Manufacturing Process" and "Special Chip Reliability Design" to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application.
The school has secured partnerships with over ten leading companies and research institutes, including Sai Microelectronics, New Unigroup, Loongson Technology, CETC 49th Research Institute, and CSSC 709th Research Institute. These partners have signed agreements to co-develop technologies and facilitate the commercialization of achievements in areas like MEMS marine sensors and AI chips within the Heilongjiang province.
Leveraging the university's existing strengths in information/communication engineering and underwater acoustics, the school will concentrate on a distinctive "Marine Chips" research direction. It aims to become a national hub for talent cultivation and technological innovation in specialized chips and sensors for maritime and nuclear applications. The initiative is backed by a dedicated industry-alumni fund exceeding 100 million yuan to support talent development and R&D.
ICgoodFind's Insight
The launch of this targeted IC school represents a strategic move in China's semiconductor landscape. By focusing on a critical niche with high barriers to entry and clear national security implications, it aims to systematically build talent and technology sovereignty in a sector dominated by specialized, hard-to-replace components.
