Non-uniform optical taper waveguides have been widely used as devices for high-efficiency mode coupling, as they are integrated with single-mode optical fibers or photonic crystal waveguides. In this paper, we present a new platform for chemical sensing and bio-sensing using optical taper waveguides with these characteristics. The principle of operation is based on the coupling efficiency and interference properties of optical directional coupler (DC) and multi-mode interference coupler (MMIC). First, the curvature characteristics of taper sections of DC and MMIC is explained, and the design specifications of optimized taper waveguide to increase waveguide sensitivity is selected. Next, the sensor response to the change in refractive index of sensing analyte is numerically analyzed. Numerical results show that as the length of couplers increases, the effective index per change in refractive index unit (RIU) of analyte increases, and that sensitivity can be tuned using taper DC and MMIC design techniques.