Tzu Chi University Collaborates with Hualien County Government to Enhance Innovation and Development

On March 29, 2024, the Hualien County Government hosted the “Youth and TRUE” event, inviting vital local institutions such as Tzu Chi University, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Dong Hwa University, Da Han Institute of Technology, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, and the R&D Center for Stone and Resource Industry to sign the “Hualien County Industry-Academia Collaboration Letter of Intent.” In her speech, Tzu Chi University President Ingrid Liu stated, “Small inventions lead to big outcomes. We hope youth will embrace the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, start new businesses, and enhance the well-being and opportunities for the people of Hualien and Taiwan.”

During the pandemic, Tzu Chi University developed COVID-19 testing kits, and later rapid tests for dengue fever and enterovirus, to significantly improve medical diagnostics. At the 2023 Nuremberg International Invention Fair in Germany, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology’s Research Director, Zu-Chun Lin, led a team to victory, securing two gold medals. Their winning entries included a medical device fixation structure and a needle structure designed to prevent needle stab injuries and incorporate storage.

The merger of Tzu Chi University and Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, set for August 1, 2024, marks a significant step forward as both institutions have demonstrated their capabilities internationally. Following the merger, they will continue emphasizing practical research and development, aiming for diverse and stable initiative progress.

At the “Youth and TRUE” event, Director Zu-Chun Lin presented their award-winning inventions, which were developed with the user in mind, to address challenges faced by nursing staff in clinical settings.

Hualien County Magistrate Zhen-Wei Xu remarked, “The Hualien County Government is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the past three HSH competitions, we have empowered local teams to achieve international success and win gold medals. We are committed to supporting young people who choose to reside in Hualien.”

Tzu Chi University’s Research Director, Jun-Jie Zeng, said that the University has sponsored four innovation and entrepreneurship programs. These programs brought industry experts and students together to exchange knowledge and practical tips, encouraging students to participate in competitions that sharpen their problem-solving skills and cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets. He thanked the Hualien County Government warmly for fostering collaboration between industry, government, and academia in conducting research, which helps more young people to pursue their dreams and find success personally and professionally.