Targeting global AIoT applications and strategic opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Hsinchu County Government, in collaboration with StarFab—Taiwan’s largest industry accelerator—announced today (the 10th) the official launch of the 5th "Hsinchu AIoT Accelerator" recruitment program. This year’s program not only deepens the "Corporate-Startup Co-creation" model but also introduces Proof of Concept (POC) grants for the first time. Furthermore, the initiative plans to lead 10 selected startups to Malaysia for business matchmaking, demonstrating Hsinchu County's commitment to connecting young entrepreneurs with the global supply chain.
As the Hsinchu AIoT Accelerator enters its fifth year, its industry mentorship capacity has reached new heights. This year’s "Star Mentors" consist of seven leading enterprises: Ansgate, Agptek, Champ Vision, Ray-Town, SYSTEX, WiAdvance, and Might Electronic, showcasing a powerful synergy of industry heritage and innovation. Among them, Might Electronic has provided unwavering support since the first edition; SYSTEX has been deeply involved for three consecutive years, and Ray-Town enters its second year as a mentor. Additionally, WiAdvance, an original mentor from the first two editions, makes a surprise return this year. The cohort also welcomes three new industry giants specializing in semiconductors and optical sensing: Ansgate, Agptek, and Champ Vision. This blend of "veterans and newcomers" aims to comprehensively shorten the commercialization cycle from technology to market.
To assist startups in accurately aligning their solutions with industrial environments, the program is introducing POC Validation Grants for the first time. These grants provide substantial subsidies for integration costs incurred during field testing with mentor companies. By reducing early-stage R&D risks, the initiative helps high-potential AIoT applications bridge the "Valley of Death" and transform into commercially viable products.
Vice County Magistrate Chen Chien-hsien stated, "We are grateful to this year’s seven corporate mentors for their continued support, which provides immense momentum to our startup teams. The accelerator must not only take root locally but also help our youth 'go global.'" Following last year’s market exploration in Singapore, this year the program focuses on Malaysia, a core strategic hub in Southeast Asia. Through the overseas expansion plan, high-potential teams will be led to Malaysia in September for cross-border business exchange and precision matchmaking, propelling Hsinchu’s innovative technology onto the international stage.
Tsai Shu-chen, Director of the Education Bureau, emphasized that "Hsinchu County has become the core hub for AIoT innovation in Taiwan." Over the past five years, the Hsinchu AIoT Accelerator has attracted hundreds of startups, successfully facilitating numerous co-creation achievements and accumulating a total funding amount exceeding NT$380 million. In the future, the County Government will continue to optimize the entrepreneurial landscape by connecting government, corporate, and international resources to build the strongest startup ecosystem.
Registration for the 5th Hsinchu AIoT Accelerator is now open. We cordially invite startup teams with innovative technologies to join us and start a new chapter of technological business opportunities in Hsinchu County. The application deadline is Friday, May 22, at 11:59 PM.
Registration Link: https://www.surveycake.com/s/Avkqa
For more details, please visit: Hsinchu Youth Startup (HYS) Website