The largest startup event in Asia, the "2024 Meet Taipei Startup Festival," opened with great fanfare yesterday (November 21) at the Taipei Expo Dome. This year's theme, "Taiwan +1," focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), deep tech, and international development, exploring how Taiwan's startup ecosystem can leverage innovation resources to achieve "+1" breakthroughs in industries and global connectivity.
The event brings together over 460 startups from 18 countries, marking a new record in participation and serving as a major platform for innovation exchange across Asia.
Key figures in attendance included Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan Ming-Hsin Kung, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-An, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) Chia-Ying Wu, AIT Deputy Director Jeremy Cornforth, and Deputy Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Taipei Takashi Hattori.
Secretary-General Ming-Hsin Kung and Taipei Mayor Attend Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony featured remarks by Secretary-General Ming-Hsin Kung, emphasizing Taiwan's strategic role in the global innovation landscape.
He noted, "Meet Taipei is not just an exhibition—it’s a platform that sparks creativity and fosters partnerships. We hope Taiwan's startups use this opportunity to connect with international markets and shape the future together."
He expressed his anticipation for deeper exchanges between startups, investors, and major corporations at the event.
Deputy Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Jeremy Cornforth, and Deputy Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Taipei, Takashi Hattori, also gave remarks, underscoring the strong trilateral connections among the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan startup communities.
Furthermore, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-An and Deputy Director-General of SMESA, Chia-Ying Wu, visited startup booths, offering their support and encouragement.
Mayor Chiang stated that the Meet Taipei Festival has become a vital platform for the startup ecosystem. The Taipei City Government is committed to supporting such initiatives and has been promoting various startup support measures, such as the "Startup Service Office," "Global Pass for Entrepreneurs," and the "NT$15 Million Top-Up Startup Subsidy."
These initiatives aim to assist startups throughout the process, from R&D and acceleration to brand building, helping Taiwanese startups grow and reach global markets.
"Taiwan +1": New Momentum for AI and Deep Tech Development This year's exhibition focuses on three key themes:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Exploring how AI can drive Taiwan’s industrial transformation and enhance global competitiveness.
Deep Tech
Highlighting the value of deep tech combined with soft power, including innovations in green technology and new materials.
International Development
Realizing the goal of Taiwanese startups expanding into global markets through international partnerships.
A special "Taiwan +1! Meet International Partner Alliance Declaration" was held at the event, with participation from organizations like CDIB Innovation Accelerator, Taiwan AI Cloud, Thailand's Techsauce, Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), and Mighty Net, promoting international collaboration in AI and deep tech.
Event Details
2024 Meet Taipei Startup Festival
Dates: November 21 (Thu) - November 23 (Sat)
Time: 09:00 - 18:00
Venue: Taipei Expo Park
Address: No. 1, Yumen St., Zhongshan District, Taipei City
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