Taiwan is one of the most recent ecosystems to be included in the StartupBlink 2020 Ecosystem Ranking Report, ranking seventh in Asia-Pacific. Government entities, foreign firms, and larger corporations have been looking to collaborate with startups to accelerate innovation and advance industrial change. One of the facilitators of such partnerships is startup institutions, including startup accelerators and incubators. As such, if you're a founder building your startup in Taiwan, you should consider joining startup incubators or accelerators to gain access to corporate partnerships for your startup development.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Taiwan's startup incubators and accelerators. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation', 'launch', or 'growth' stages, so whichever stage you're in, you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN TAIWAN
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Taiwan
Full list of ideation stage startup incubators in Taiwan:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Biotech Medicine, Electric Machinery, Electronic Information
Duration: -
Taipei Tech Innovation and Incubation Centre is the innovation and incubation center of the National Taipei University of Technology. Its purpose is to foster teacher-student entrepreneurship and support the commercialization of R&D technology by lecturers and students alike. The center is fully-equipped with special facilities and equipment such as a Fab laboratory, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), laser-cutting engraving machine, 3D printers, and more.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AI, IoT
Duration: 3 years
To encourage the development of Asia's Silicon Valley, Startup Terrace was built to become an international startup campus. With support from industrial supply chains, venture capitalists, and professionals, Startup Terrace is an important partner for innovative services and startup development in Taiwan. To date, they have supported a total of 114 startup teams, 21 of which are international startups.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: HealthTech, MedTech
Duration: 20 - 24 weeks
Part of BE Health, a venture capital and accelerator dedicated to healthtech, medtech, and digital health startups, the BE POC Program is targeted to multinational businesses looking to enter the market in Asia. Within 20-24 weeks, startups will go through the proof of clinical evidence program to verify the feasibility and market demand for their products in Taiwan; using the country as a launchpad into the Asian market. Startups will be given access to medical, funding, and manufacturing resources as well as hospital pilot sites to aid in clinical trials.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Duration: 1 - 3 years
Established in 1998, Tsinghua Innovation and Incubation Centre is the initiative for campus entrepreneurship by National Tsing Hua University, a public research university in Hsinchu City, Taiwan. It encourages cross-sector collaboration among Tsinghua's community for innovation, research, learning, and production to stimulate ideas and action plans.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Duration: -
Founded in 1997, the Chung Yuan University Industry Accelerator and Incubation Centre is recognized as a leading institution for innovation in the Taoyuan area. Since their establishment, they had won the "National Outstanding Achievement Award" issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs 12 times, including in 2022. To support the development of emerging technologies, the center provides mentoring, connections, resources, and access to industry-university organization functions for incubatees. To date, they have incubated 218 companies, with a cumulative investment of more than NT$3.4 billion, of which 8 companies have been publicly listed.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, Information & Communications, Electronic & Optoelectronic System, Material & Chemical, Mechanical & Mechatronics System, Biomedical Technology & Device, Green Energy & Environment
Duration: -
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is a world-class applied technology research center with the aim to accelerate industrial growth, produce economic value, and improve social well-being via technological research and development. ITRI is constantly developing breakthrough technologies, expanding multidisciplinary integration, and fostering budding high-tech enterprises through its open laboratories and incubators.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Taiwan
Full list of launch stage startup incubators and startup accelerators in Taiwan:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, AI & Data Analytics, IoT & Smart Device, Digital Health, 5G Technology, Robotics, Smart Energy, Smart Transportation
Duration: 3 - 6 months
Garage+ is an incubator that is dedicated to altruism-driven startups; those that utilize technology to make the world a better place. They don't just provide a working space for startups, but strive to promote a thriving ecosystem of supportive and successful entrepreneurs for startup development. They have 3 programs for startups at various stages: the Starship Program for Taiwanese startups who haven't raised funding, Startup Global Program - Taiwan for Taiwanese startups who have raised funds, and Startup Global Program for international startups.
Who is it for: Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: 5G, AI, IoT, International Startups
Duration: 1 week - 1 month
Organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Startup Terrace Kaohsiung is a project to expand the "Asia New Bay Area 5G AIoT Innovation Park". Located in the Kaohsiung Software Technology Park, it is Taiwan's international entrepreneurial community and a global tech hub where international resources, accelerators, and domestic and foreign venture capitals are concentrated. To boost Taiwan's development of the digital economy, they welcome international startups and connect them with local businesses, industry supply chains, and talent.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: 5G, AIoT, Blockchain, AR/VR/MR/XR, Cloud, Big Data, Health, Information/Cybersecurity
Duration: 6 months
The 5G Accelerator is established by Chunghwa Telecom, the largest telecommunications company in Taiwan, to assist Taiwan startups in developing, piloting, and commercializing 5G solutions and global 5G business opportunities. Focusing on 5G x DX digital transformation, startups are provided with entrepreneurship consulting, training and support, ecosystem resources, working spaces, and a 5G testing environment. The accelerator also facilitates business matchmaking and introduces business opportunities to startups through participation in domestic and international exhibitions.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: 5G, ICT, AIoT, Blockchain, Cloud, Big Data
Duration: 4 months
The APT 5G Accelerator is an initiative to accelerate the development of 5G technology and related industries in Taiwan. To assist startups with international partnerships and market expansion, the program conducts lectures and 1:1 interactive discussions in areas such as business model, product and solution roadmap, sales and marketing development, legal and compliance, finance and taxation, and 5G technology.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AgriFoodTech
Duration: -
Foodland Ventures is a venture and accelerator that invest in innovations that are driving the food industry forward. They are interested in AgriFood technologies that are capable of solving the food industry's problems. Their programs are tailor-made for food tech founders at different stages to fundraise effectively and grow their businesses. As part of the accelerator, startups may benefit from access to their ecosystem of industry-specific investors, mentors, and corporate partners including leading F&B brands.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AI, IoT, Web 3.0
Duration: -
The AppWorks Accelerator is targeted at seed-stage tech startups to help them go from 0 to 1. Designed by founders for founders, they are committed to their supporting role in assisting startups to achieve better product-market fit, win key business partners, and become better founders. As part of the accelerator, founders can tap into their large network of 457 startups, 1448 founders, and other mentors, investors, and subject-matter experts, one of the largest communities of its kind in Greater Southeast Asia. The program is completely free to join as they don't require any equity, token, or service fees.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AI Robotics
Duration: -
TAIRA, short for Taiwan AI x Robotics Accelerator, is designed to accelerate startups working on AI solutions. Hosted by the Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) and StarFab Accelerator, the accelerator provides a working space, a network of grants, product development resources, business consulting, and other support for global AI startups.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: BioTech, AIoT, Data Analysis, Consumer Electronics
Duration: -
FlyingVest Ventures runs an accelerator program in the sectors of biotech, AIoT, data analysis, and consumer electronics for startups at various stages. To assist them in growing and entering into international markets, flyingVest provides startups with key resources, support from their fund management experience, and access to their robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Blockchain, Web 3.0, GameFi, NFT
Duration: -
The Asia Blockchain Accelerator is dedicated to supporting the development of a new wave of blockchain applications and Web 3.0 projects. They provide assistance to both Taiwanese and foreign blockchain founders and provide an all-encompassing consultancy for startups in the blockchain industry. This includes matching startups to relevant resources, conducting business model evaluation and development, and assisting in talent recruitment to enable startups to grow rapidly.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Digital Economy, Smart Internet of Things, Financial Technology, Biotechnology & Medical Care, High Value-added Materials
Duration: -
Organized by PwC, an international professional services network firm, the PwC Scale-up program seeks to assist innovative startups with high R&D and technology orientation to achieve scale growth. They provide six major resource networks to startups, including a customized mentoring program, exclusive PwC professional partner, PwC Academy Courses, access to PwC's medium and large enterprise network, investor network, and international network.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Interactive Entertainment, eCommerce Livelihood, Cross-Domain Innovation
Duration: -
DIT Startup is a joint initiative from six gaming, channel, and financial companies, including the shareholder group Internet Banking International, Youmanzi, Huayi International, Yuquan International, Qimin, and Shin Kong Gold International Venture Capital. Focusing on the field of "entertainment and life" in Taiwan, together they assist innovative startups with market development through customized incubation services, seed investment, and connections to enterprises.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Duration: 3 months
SparkLabs Taipei is a Taiwan-focused startup accelerator and VC fund that is aimed at early-stage startups to assist them in expanding globally and securing the next round of funding.
As part of the SparkLabs Group, a global network of startup accelerators and VC funds, they have a stellar track record of accelerating renowned startups; including Just Kitchen and ParseMe in Taiwan. They are interested in startups that are global-minded and utilize valuable data to study customers' behaviors and make business decisions. To accelerate growth, the program covers critical topics ranging from Product Development and Iteration, Business Expansion, Corporate Governance, to Fundraising Planning.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Duration: 6 months
Organized by the National Taiwan University, the NTU Corporate Accelerator Program is intended for startups looking for corporate partnerships to evaluate their business model and market demands. The accelerator provides in-depth mentoring, business resources, and opportunities for market validation and large-scale manufacturing through corporate-startup partnerships. The program is open to startups who are before or after their Series A rounds that already have a functional product prototype.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Smart Manufacturing, Smart Healthcare, Smart City, Smart Retail, Smart Agriculture
Duration: -
StarFab Accelerator offers acceleration programs for startups in the fields of Industry 4.0, including IoT, hardware, software integration, cloud computing, big data, and AI robotics. Since 2012, they have become one of the fastest-growing corporate accelerators in Asia with a record of mentoring over 160 startups, of which 54% obtained strategic investments totaling more than 1.9 billion Taiwanese Dollars. They provide startups with the resources and management expertise including design, prototyping, supply chain planning, hardware and software development, market analysis, strategic management, and intellectual property development to help turn ideas into reality.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Duration: 8 weeks
Part of 500 Global, a venture capital and accelerator program for over 3000 startups worldwide, 500 Global Accelerator Taiwan with TTA is a program aimed to grow early-stage tech startups in Taiwan. The program includes tailored mentorship and a practical curriculum covering topics from foundations of growth, launch and experimentation, to fundraising to help founders understand the best practices of business development and investor management. To enter, startups need to be tech-focused or tech-enabled and at the pre-seed or seed stages with a functional prototype and early traction.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Duration: -
Taiwan Tech Arena is a startup ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation and nurtures technology startups in Taiwan. Within their 3,900 sqm. space, they host over 59 programs with over 40 partners, venture capitalists, service providers, and technology developers involving over 700 teams. They work with various international accelerators to facilitate mentoring, startup networking, corporate and investor connection, business matchmaking, marketing exposure, and access to international exhibitions to help startups grow.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Duration: 6 weeks
Orbit Startups is an accelerator that is focused on emerging and frontier markets, particularly digitalization to drive efficiency across eCommerce, fintech, media, healthcare, education, and logistics. Aiming to introduce and scale breakthrough technologies, they provide hands-on support on all facets of growth including partnerships, business development, and fundraising. They invest approximately US$150,000 in startups and take 6% common equity in exchange for participation in the program and services provided.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Duration: -
NTU Innovation and Incubation Center was established in 1999 to incubate startups in two main areas: emerging engineering technologies and biotechnology. They integrate on and off-campus resources to help startups tackle the challenge of insufficient technology research capacity in order to facilitate the commercialization of NTU's research results. Among the services they offer startups are entrepreneurship and innovation guidance, research consultation, business operation and management guidance, marketing and promotion assistance, and business development planning.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: VR
Duration: -
Believing in the potential of technology to reshape the way we live our lives, VIVE X invests in and accelerates startups that are building a complete XR ecosystem. Their accelerator program provides startups with top-cut knowledge, technical education resources, and coaching through an elite team consisting of professionals with a VR industry background. They also facilitate matching with partners, industrial figures, and investors and assist in venture capital consulting and financial assistance to support your growth.
Growth Stage Startup Accelerators in Taiwan
Full list of growth stage startup accelerators in Taiwan:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Healthcare, IoT, Net Zero Emmissions, Smart Manufacturing, AI for Business Operation, Smarthome, EV, Internet of Vehicles, Edge AI Inference, Information Security, Health Monitoring & Precaution, AI for Medical Platform, Medical Digital Twin, Biosensor Application
Duration: 1 - 5 months
TAcc+ is an accelerator focused on IoT, healthcare, and other national key development industries. They aim to unblock the flow of future-oriented scientific research talents, promote innovation and strategic innovation in the industry, and support the development of new ventures. They provide systematic guidance and coaching to cultivate high-quality innovative companies to increase the country's competitiveness on the international stage.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Smart Manufacturing Smart Retail Smart Healthcare Smart Lifestyle
Duration: 6 months
NTPC-AWS Joint Innovation Center is a joint initiative by New Taipei City Government, Amazon Web Services, and FCC Partners to accelerate promising startups to the international waters. Combining the cloud services, financial, and corporate resources of the entities, they provide startups with fundraising, networking, workshop, consultation, tech forum, and other resources to accelerate all aspects of growth.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, ICT, Green Energy Tech, Smart Machinery, Arms Industry & Defense, Biomedical Tech, Circular Economy, AgriTech & FoodTech, Digital Lifestyle Services, SportsTech
Duration: -
IAPS (Center of Industry Accelerator and Patent Strategy, National Chiao Tung University) is a university-affiliated accelerator that is devoted to empowering and advancing the growth of early-stage tech startups. They run multiple accelerator programs for Taiwanese and international startups across multiple industries and at different stages. As part of the program, startups may benefit from funding and investor matchmaking, resources for global market entry, corporate partnerships, and access to coworking space, labs, and prototyping subsidies.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Taiwan
According to the 2021 Startup Ecosystem Survey by PwC, more seasoned startups and founders are often involved with startup institutes, mostly incubators and accelerators. Though getting engaged with startup institutes are not a direct guarantee of success, the fact that multiple-time founders sought their services must mean that there is some value in them. For instance, startup incubators and accelerators can help founders with matchmaking to local and global clients and sales channels, organize international exhibitions and roadshow activities, provide product testing and manufacturing equipment, and organize entrepreneurship training courses. So, if you're a startup founder in Taiwan, joining a startup incubator or accelerator should help you support your startup growth.