Times Higher Education (THE) recently released its 2026 Impact Rankings, in which Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) rose significantly to the 201–300 band worldwide, up from 401–600 last year. Most notably, the University entered the global top 100 for “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” (SDG 9) for the first time, ranking 87th worldwide. This achievement highlights MCUT’s international competitiveness in industry–academia research and development, technological innovation, and sustainability governance.

The THE Impact Rankings assess universities’ contributions to sustainable development based on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Covering such areas as research, teaching, institutional governance, and social engagement, the rankings have become an important global benchmark for higher education.

MCUT stated that industry–academia research and development has been a key focus of the University’s development in recent years. The University has continued to integrate the work of its research centers specializing in artificial intelligence and data science, green energy batteries, organic electronics, smart vehicles, and environmental sustainability. It has also actively pursued research into emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, energy storage batteries, circular materials, green manufacturing processes, and smart manufacturing. Through industry–academia collaboration, strategic patent development, technology transfer, and technology commercialization, MCUT assists industries in advancing digital transformation, low-carbon manufacturing, and net-zero supply chains. These efforts were a major driving force behind the University’s substantial rise in the SDG 9 ranking.

For SDG 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” MCUT ranked in the 101–200 band worldwide. In recent years, the University has actively implemented University Social Responsibility (USR) projects, including water-environment patrols, water-quality monitoring, and river-waste surveys in the Tamsui River basin. It has also worked with government agencies, businesses, and local communities to promote collaborative environmental governance. Meanwhile, through the “Northern Taiwan’s First Academy Cultural Heritage Corridor Museum” project, MCUT has connected local cultural sites such as Ming Chi Academy and Ding Taishan Temple. The University has organized cultural tours, educational outreach programs, and community-based learning activities to promote cultural preservation and local revitalization. In addition, MCUT continues to conduct biodiversity surveys and restore endangered aquatic plants on campus, creating a sustainable campus that integrates teaching, research, and ecological conservation.

In addition to receiving international recognition for its research achievements, MCUT has also delivered outstanding results in talent cultivation and social responsibility. For SDG 8, “Decent Work and Economic Growth,” the University ranked in the 201–300 band worldwide. MCUT has long operated one of Taiwan’s most established junior-year industry internship programs, enabling students to gain practical workplace experience while still at university. Through career exploration programs, corporate recruitment activities, campus career fairs, and overseas internships, the University further strengthens students’ employability and international mobility.

MCUT President Liu Thu-Hua stated that the University’s substantial rise in the overall ranking, together with its first-ever entry into the global top 100 for SDG 9, reflects the long-term commitment of faculty members and students to research innovation, industry–academia collaboration, and sustainable practices. Looking ahead, MCUT will continue to strengthen its research and development capacity, expand its connections with industry and international partners, and enhance its impact on society and industry through innovative teaching, social engagement, and sustainability governance. In doing so, the University aims to become an internationally competitive model institution for sustainable development.