West Lafayette, Ind.- Purdue University President Mung Chiang welcomed Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and his delegation to the university’s West Lafayette campus on March 6-7, reinforcing a growing partnership focused on semiconductors and biotechnology. The visit included bilateral discussions on joint research, student and faculty exchanges, and workforce training programs. They also explored expanding Purdue Online’s offerings for Dominican students and professionals.

The delegation, including key government and business leaders, toured Purdue’s Birck Nanotechnology Center, a leading research facility in semiconductors and nanotechnology. This collaboration aligns Purdue’s expertise in semiconductor talent development with the Dominican Republic’s goal of building high-tech industries, leveraging nearshoring opportunities, and fostering skilled labor for economic growth. The visit follows a July 2024 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Purdue and the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, aimed at strengthening semiconductor and biotechnology capabilities. Purdue is assessing the country’s workforce needs and developing a roadmap for industry growth, including design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing.

Currently, 15 Dominican students are enrolled at Purdue, highlighting existing academic ties. During the visit, they met with President Abinader to share their experiences. This partnership supports Purdue’s strategic initiatives, such as Purdue Computes and One Health, reinforcing its global leadership in semiconductor and biotechnology research. Purdue continues to expand its international reach, establishing key partnerships with institutions and governments worldwide, including Belgium, India, Japan, South Korea, and Panama.