STMicroelectronics and HIT establish joint lab

STMicroelectronics (ST) and Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), has announced the opening of a joint laboratory to encourage innovation in electronics. The laboratory is located at the Electric and Electronic Experimental Teaching Center of HIT, with the aim of supporting efforts in the study, research and development of innovative and emerging applications of electronics, such as in medical, power management, and multimedia convergence.

STMicroelectronics will provide the university with its various products, IC samples, and technical documentation, as well as regular training to facilitate students in the design and development of innovative electronics projects. HIT will provide general-purpose facilities and management of the joint laboratory. Initially, the joint lab will focus primarily on smart-sensor applications. The company will donate its advanced iNEMOdevelopment tools supported with an iNEMO software platform.

Patrick Boulaud, STMicroelectronics regional vice president, expects the joint lab to provide contributions in nurturing of the next generation of engineers. He also expects the lab to create new reference designs for the industry.

This joint venture would be HIT's first joint laboratory built upon a project-based learning mode with the goal of inspiring innovation among students. ST hopes to support the development of innovation in electronics applications in higher education as well as enhancing HIT's research capabilities.

Solomon Ng, a regional director for ST, added details regarding the collaboration's initial focus on MEMS-based smart-sensor application development. The joint venture hopes to contribute to different fields such as bio-medicine, energy saving and environment protecting, and user interfaces. The effort hopes to cultivate innovative spirit and practical skills while also promoting bilateral cooperation and exchanges.