Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of the Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University with Wen-Yang Peng, Deputy General Director, Mechanical and Mechatronics Systems Research Labs/Industrial Technology Research Institute.

OSU strengthens global innovation through partnership with Taiwan’s ITRI

Friday, December 13, 2024

Media Contact: Cody Cramer | The Innovation Foundation at OSU | 405-613-2838 | ccramer@okstate.edu

The Innovation Foundation at OSU signs partnership agreement to foster collaboration

Oklahoma State University has taken a significant step toward cementing its role as a global leader in national defense and energy security.

On Dec. 6, The Innovation Foundation at OSU signed a partnership agreement with the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan. This ITRI partnership focuses on fostering transdisciplinary collaboration and advancing research in aerospace, energy and One Health.

“This partnership with ITRI represents an exciting opportunity to bridge innovation ecosystems between OSU, Oklahoma and Taiwan by fostering relationships with global leaders in industrial technology,” said Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of The Innovation Foundation at OSU. “We are amplifying our impact in the aerospace, energy and life science sectors. Both The Innovation Foundation and ITRI share a commitment to advancing emerging technology, and this agreement aligns nicely with OSU’s focus on sustainability innovation and fostering global partnerships.”

Ten members from ITRI and other industries visited Oklahoma and the OSU campus to visit with leaders and learn more about Oklahoma's aerospace industry.

Pollard believes these kinds of partnerships are essential for broadening OSU's reach and bringing cutting-edge technologies to market faster. Creating opportunities for ITRI to participate in Oklahoma-based events will help spark fresh collaboration and technological advancements while driving economic development in both countries. This agreement adds another educational layer to the agreement Governor Kevin Stitt signed while visiting Taiwan.

Nearly 10 members from ITRI and other industries visited Oklahoma and the OSU campus. During their time they visited several OAIRE laboratories in Stillwater and Tulsa, flight demonstration and testing locations as well as meeting with experts across OSU academia.

Each of these experiences showcased the advancements of our technology and unique build-space while allowing for question and answer in real-time strengthening the collaboration and understanding of unique needs from institutions abroad.

“OSU plays a crucial role in the drone R&D ecosystem in Oklahoma, and OAIRE has already demonstrated the great potential of drone applications,” said Dr. Wenyang Peng, deputy general director of the mechanical and mechatronics systems laboratories at ITRI. “With our shared commitment to fostering the drone industry, ITRI has long been engaged in developing drone technologies and applications, from key components such as flight control and power systems to the design and development of the entire aircraft. We look forward to the cooperation with the OAIRE, and ITRI is eager to participate in competitions or programs for advanced drone R&D."

The partnership highlights the synergy between OSU’s expertise and Taiwan’s growing drone industry, which was a focus of discussions during the delegation’s visit to Stillwater. Dr. Jamey Jacob, Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education executive director, led conversations about expanding the unmanned aircraft industry to meet rising demand, address critical security needs and transition foundational research into commercial applications.

Dr. Jamey Jacob leads the delegation through a tour of OSU's engineering facilities.

“Our joint relationship between the OAIRE and ITRI in Taiwan exemplifies the transformative power of global collaboration,” Jacob said. “By combining Oklahoma's expertise in aerospace innovation with ITRI's renowned technological leadership, we are creating a partnership that not only advances cutting-edge research but also strengthens economic and educational ties.

“Together, we are unlocking new frontiers in aerospace technology, fostering innovation and driving solutions that have a global impact in both national security and commercial applications for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).”

With government support and industry investment, as well as a rise in the number of companies and product value, Taiwan’s UAS industry growth is accelerating. Taiwan has established a drone industry supply chain with approximately 100 domestic drone companies that are mostly small and medium-sized enterprises.

A key initiative of Taiwan’s strategy is the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance, which serves as a unified brand and point of contact for government-to-government negotiations. This alliance reflects Taiwan’s commitment to expanding its presence in international supply chains and fostering collaborative innovation.

“This agreement signals a step toward bridging ecosystems, driving technological progress and creating a foundation for shared success between Oklahoma and Taiwan,” Pollard said. “With global challenges requiring global solutions, partnerships like this are paving the way for a brighter future.”