The Institute for People and Technology (IPaT) at Georgia Tech recently welcomed a Taiwanese delegation for a multi-day visit aimed at fostering international collaboration in technology, innovation, and economic development. 

“This visit exemplifies IPaT’s expanding global initiatives,” said Michael Best, IPaT’s executive director and professor with Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and School of Interactive Computing. “We aim to strengthen Georgia Tech’s relationships with select international universities and companies.”

The delegation, composed of Taiwanese leaders from academia, high-tech corporations, and national media, engaged in a robust agenda that showcased Georgia’s growing role in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and startup innovation.

Tunghai University, one of the visitors on this trip to Atlanta, is already working with Benoit Montreuil, Coca-Cola Material Handling & Distribution Chair and Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech. The delegation had a chance to visit the Georgia Tech Supply Chain & Logistics Institute where Montreuil is the executive director.

The first day of the visit started with a briefing by Stella Xu, director at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, about Georgia’s Quick Start program — Georgia’s internationally acclaimed workforce training program that provides customized training free-of-charge to qualified new, expanding, and existing businesses. Next, the group learned about Georgia AIM (AI Manufacturing) – a statewide effort focused on workforce development and technology adoption for Georgia manufacturers.

Delegates also toured the advanced manufacturing pilot facility run by the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute where they observed cutting-edge AI and automation technologies in action.

A lunch hosted at Tech Square by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and IPaT provided an opportunity for informal dialogue and networking. The group then attended expert-led sessions at the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM). These included a robotics dialogue with Ye Zhao, assistant professor at the George Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and a tour of the robotic research facilities with Aaron Young, associate professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

The second day started with a visit to the Curiosity Lab in Peachtree Corners. This facility houses Georgia Tech’s Atrium, a specialized facility that offers hands-on workshops, dedicated research facilities, industry partnerships, networking opportunities and more, setting the stage for Georgia Tech learners and alumni to immerse themselves in real-world innovation and pave the way for future breakthroughs in technology and design. 

The afternoon of the second day included a visit to Georgia Tech’s CREATE-X startup accelerator and a pitch from three student innovators who are working to launch a computer vision startup. The group then received an overview of IPaT’s mission and research which included learning about the IPaT Way, a comprehensive approach to people-centered technical innovation. IPaT is exploring new collaboration models to connect research and industry from the Asian region to Georgia Tech research, faculty, and global programs. 

The itinerary also included a meeting with representatives from the Metro Atlanta and Columbus Chambers of Commerce, a tour of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the Porsche U.S. Headquarters, and even an opportunity to attend the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. 

The visit underscored Georgia Tech and IPaT’s role as a global hub for innovation and its commitment to fostering international partnerships that drive technological advancement and economic growth for the state of Georgia.

“Georgia Tech’s interdisciplinary and industry strengths are extremely impressive,” said CY Huang, chairman of the GeoAsia Foundation, investment banker, and expert in the semiconductor industry. “We look forward to jointly exploring limitless possibilities for collaboration with Taiwan.”