Taiwan and the US are teaming up on the optical chip technology that moves data inside AI data centers, a boost for Kaohsiung's push to become a semiconductor hub.

• National Sun Yat-sen University and the University of Arizona have set up a joint silicon photonics center, SPARK, linking Kaohsiung with Tucson's "optics valley."
• The target is the fast-growing market for high-speed connections inside AI data centers, where light-based links move data faster and use less power than copper.
• Kaohsiung is building a semiconductor corridor around TSMC's 2-nanometer plant and ASE's advanced packaging expansion, and this adds a research and training layer on top.
• The center will run dual-degree programs and cross-border courses across Kaohsiung, Tucson and Phoenix, with companies getting first access to the graduates.
• More than 20 Taiwanese and American chip and optics firms turned up for the launch, alongside Arizona state and county officials.

Outlook: Expect the center to focus on next-generation optical transmission and advanced packaging as AI data centers keep straining existing chip-to-chip links.