In October this year, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Taoyuan City Government hosted Taoyuan Start Gate at Messe Taoyuan in collaboration with Plug and Play and Asia Bridge. The event brought together resources from seven regions in Taiwan and attracted participation from Visa, Citi, and Realtek, alongside startup teams from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and other countries.
The event centred on four core themes: AI, smart cities, smart manufacturing, and sustainable development.
e27 spoke with Director-General Hou Chia-Ling of the Department of Youth Affairs, Taoyuan City Government, to learn about Taoyuan Start Gate and its long-term goals.
Edited excerpts:
What inspired the collaboration between the Taoyuan City Government, Plug and Play, and Asia Bridge for the Taoyuan Start Gate event?
The collaboration stems from Taoyuan’s vision of becoming a global innovation hub and addressing the increasing need for smart solutions among its thriving industrial and manufacturing sectors. With over 12,000 factories and industrial output exceeding NTD 4 trillion (US$122 billion), Taoyuan recognises the urgency for digital transformation, especially in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and smart cities.
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Plug and Play is a globally renowned accelerator with a proven track record of nurturing over 2,000 startups, while Asia Bridge is a regional network of innovation enablers. By partnering with them, Taoyuan has created an international platform to facilitate collaboration between startups and corporations. This initiative not only supports local SMEs’ digitalisation but also connects global innovation resources, international talent, and investment to foster a forward-thinking startup ecosystem.
How does Taoyuan’s strategic location enhance its appeal as a hub for international startups?
As Taiwan’s transportation and industrial hub, Taoyuan boasts unparalleled connectivity:
- Proximity to Taiwan’s largest international airport makes Taoyuan a natural gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.
- The development of the Taoyuan Aerotropolis, a major infrastructure project, enhances access to logistics, supply chains, and international markets.
- Its strong industrial foundation provides startups with unique opportunities to integrate into supply chains and collaborate with established manufacturers and logistics companies.
- These factors position Taoyuan as a prime launchpad for startups seeking regional and global expansion.
What specific measures is the Department of Youth Affairs taking to support startups entering global markets?
The Department of Youth Affairs is actively supporting startups through:
- Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with global accelerators like Plug and Play to provide mentorship, funding, and international market connections.
- Events like Taoyuan Start Gate: Creating platforms for startups to showcase their solutions to international investors and corporate partners.
- Innovation bases: Developing nine innovation and startup hubs that provide startups with workspaces, resources, and tailored programs.
- Targeted programmes and subsidies: Offering funding support, business matching, and incentives to help startups expand into global markets.
Can you elaborate on how Taoyuan plans to sustain momentum as a key entrepreneurial hub in the Asia-Pacific region?
Taoyuan’s plans for sustaining its entrepreneurial momentum include:
- Strengthening partnerships: Deepening collaborations with global accelerators like Plug and Play and international enterprises to drive innovation.
- Focus on key sectors: Promoting AI, smart manufacturing, smart cities, and sustainable development to attract innovative talent and solutions.
- Leveraging infrastructure: Utilising projects like the Taoyuan Aerotropolis to create innovation clusters that serve as collaborative hubs for startups and industry.
- Hosting global events: Continuously organising events like Taoyuan Start Gate to foster knowledge exchange, business networking, and international partnerships.
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What unique opportunities do you see for startups in Taoyuan compared to other startup hubs in Asia?
Taoyuan stands out as a startup hub due to:
- Integration with supply chains: As Taiwan’s largest industrial city, Taoyuan provides direct access to global supply networks, enabling startups to scale efficiently.
- Collaborative ecosystem: The government’s initiatives and global partnerships offer strong support, resources, and mentorship for startups.
- Focus on innovation: Dedicated zones for AI, smart cities, IoT, and sustainable development provide a tailored environment for sector-specific innovations.
What role do AI, smart cities, smart manufacturing, and sustainable development play in shaping the future of Taoyuan’s entrepreneurial landscape?
These sectors are central to Taoyuan’s growth strategy:
- AI: Drives automation and enhances smart solutions for industries and urban life.
- Smart cities: Supports Taoyuan’s vision of improving urban governance, efficiency, and quality of life through technology.
- Smart manufacturing: Builds on Taoyuan’s industrial strengths to promote high-tech, precision production, and digital transformation.
- Sustainable development: Aligns with global ESG trends, promoting green innovation and fostering environmentally conscious startups.
How has participating in Taoyuan Start Gate helped startups in terms of visibility and networking?
Taoyuan Start Gate has significantly boosted startup visibility by:
- Providing opportunities to present their innovations to global corporations such as Visa, Citi, and Realtek.
- Facilitating networking with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the globe.
- Enhancing brand exposure through media coverage and direct engagement during the event will open doors to further partnerships and market expansion.
How does the involvement of global companies like Visa, Citi, and Realtek impact the startup ecosystem in Taoyuan?
The participation of these global corporations has a profound impact:
- Driving innovation: Startups gain insights into market needs, emerging trends, and technology requirements.
- Fostering partnerships: Collaboration opportunities enable startups to develop real-world solutions and scale effectively.
- Boosting credibility: Recognition and validation from major players enhance startup reputations and attract further investment.
What strategies are in place to encourage ongoing collaboration between Taiwanese startups and international enterprises?
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Taoyuan is implementing several strategies to ensure ongoing collaboration:
- Global accelerator programmes: Connecting startups to international mentorship, funding, and partnerships.
- B2B matchmaking: Organising targeted networking events to facilitate meaningful collaborations.
- Incentives for collaboration: Offering financial subsidies and policy support for joint ventures between local startups and international enterprises.
How will Taoyuan Start Gate evolve to address the changing needs of startups and the global market?
Moving forward, Taoyuan Start Gate will:
- Expand focus: Include emerging technologies like Web3, blockchain, and biotech.
Strengthen cross-border collaboration: Attract diverse talent and global resources. - Develop sector-specific programmes: Address the unique needs of industries such as AI, smart manufacturing, and sustainability.
- Create new innovation hubs: Establish platforms to ensure startups receive continuous support for growth and scalability.
The post AI, smart cities, and sustainability: Taoyuan’s formula for startup growth appeared first on e27.