What Taiwan has to offer for startups
Innovation and technology are deeply rooted in the country's history. It is not without reason that tech giants such as Asus and Foxconn have emerged here. With a strong presence in the semiconductor, electronics and information technology sectors, the country has created a solid foundation for tech startups. Taiwan is considered as one of the most startup-friendly countries in the world and is improving its position in this regard every year (Startup Blink). What makes Taiwan stand out is the large pool of skilled tech talent, one of the strictest patent laws in the world and the high-tech business environment.
For several years, Taiwan has been focusing on promoting startups and investing heavily in the development of the country's ecosystem. It is also trying to attract foreign talent with initiatives such as ‚Entrepreneur Visa‘ and ‚Employment Gold Card‘. ‚Startup Island TAIWAN‘ and the "Next Big" initiative are helping to create a national brand for the Taiwanese startup ecosystem and showcase its potential on a global scale. On the German side, AHK Taiwan is responsible for promoting economic exchange between the two countries and facilitating access to the Taiwanese market for German companies. Our de:hub Ambassador Ellie Kan advises German startups coming to Taiwan, but also supports Taiwanese startups that want to come to Germany.
Taiwan Tech Arena - Taiwan's startup hub
The Taiwan Tech Arena - founded in 2018 by the National Council for Science and Technology - is Taiwan's flagship program for building a startup ecosystem. The initiative promotes entrepreneurship and innovation by serving as a platform to connect startups, established companies, academic institutions and government agencies. With over 59 different support programs and a large network of investors, the Hub offers startups investment, know-how and training, as well as help with expansion into foreign markets. The Hub regularly organizes events, competitions and programs aimed at strengthening Taiwan's innovative strength and positioning the country as a leading location for technological developments.
Social Innovation Lab
Taiwan is not only good at technology. Social innovation is also strongly accelerated here. The Social Innovation Lab, founded by the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs, aims to promote social innovation and solve social problems through creative and collaborative approaches. On the site of the Social Innovation Lab - a former aircraft hangar - the so-called "socialpreneurs" are provided with workspaces, resources, advice and access to networks.
The lab promotes collaboration between various stakeholders, such as government authorities, non-governmental organizations, companies and civil society. This network makes it possible to pool diverse perspectives and resources and provides a platform for exchange and dialog. Social Innovation Lab regularly organizes educational and training programs, workshops and seminars to promote skills in social innovation and raise awareness of social challenges. It supports a variety of projects and initiatives that address issues such as the environment, education, health, inclusion and community development, serving as a hub for social innovation in Taiwan.
