2025-11-20
IC Taiwan Grand Challenge is proud to announce that it will hold the event “Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies” with InnoVEX, the startup exhibition co-exhibiting with the largest B2B tech tradeshow #COMPUTEX, on January 13th, 2026, at Startup Island Taiwan’s Silicon Valley Hub. The event brings together Taiwan’s unparalleled semiconductor expertise with Silicon Valley’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Connecting Silicon Valley Startup Founders to Taiwan’s Ecosystem
This event serves as an introduction to the ICTGC program—an initiative supported by Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) that provides resources and guidance to global innovators. Taiwan is positioning itself as the go-to partner for early-stage startups looking to move from ideation to reality, offering not just capital but a robust ecosystem of mentorship and scaling opportunities.
Distinguished Speakers Driving the Conversation
This event features a powerhouse lineup of leaders shaping the future of hardware, AI, and deeptech. Laura Swan, General Partner at Silicon Catalyst and investor with Sand Hill Angels, brings decades of experience supporting early-stage semiconductor startups. Andy Lombard, Founder & CEO at Tesoro Ventures, draws from a global career in scaling AI and semiconductor ventures through capital and supply-chain access. Janis Skriveris, Principal and Deeptech Lead at Plug and Play Ventures, has led dozens of early-stage investments in transformative technologies—including backing the unicorn Einride—and works closely with startups in AI, Cleantech, and infrastructure. Sam Fok, CEO and co-founder of femtoAI and a previous winner of the IC Taiwan Grand Challenge (ICTGC), is pioneering ultra-efficient embedded AI solutions that bring intelligence to everyday electronics. In addition, Michael Raspuzzi, Global Lead of the Hardware User Group (HUG), will host a special open mic session where early-stage founders are invited to showcase their prototypes. This dynamic segment will spotlight bold new ideas in hardware, AI, and robotics—and highlight how Taiwan’s world-class ecosystem can help bring these innovations to life through design, prototyping, and manufacturing support.
Event Information
Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies
- Time: January 13, 2026, Tuesday at 5:30 PM PST
- Venue: Startup Island TAIWAN – Silicon Valley Hub (299 California Ave STE 300, Palo Alto, CA 94306)
- Organizer: National Science and Technology Council
- Implementer: Taipei Computer Association, InnoVEX
- Register Now: https://www.sparknify.com/bridging-svt
Introducing IC Taiwan Grand Challenge
To strengthen Taiwan’s position as a global semiconductor powerhouse, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) organizes the IC Taiwan Grand Challenge. Started in 2024, the competition originally focused purely on innovative IC designs and advanced application solutions. Today, ICTGC also honors technologies that can support and contribute to the semiconductor industry and Taiwan’s industry in general. The competition emphasizes key fields such as AI Core Technologies & Chips, Smart Mobility, Smart Manufacturing, Smart Medtech, and Sustainability.
ICTGC Batch 4 is now open for applications.
Wanted to become the next winner? Apply Now: https://ictaiwanchallenge.org/
About InnoVEX
InnoVEX is Asia’s leading startup platform held in conjunction with the annual global tech event – COMPUTEX TAIPEI. Since its inception in 2016, InnoVEX has leveraged COMPUTEX’s unparalleled access to tens of thousands of ICT manufacturers and global buyers. InnoVEX has created a unique global matchmaking hub that unites international funding, corporate venture capitalists, supply chain collaborators, marketing channels, and media assets under one roof. Utilizing a variety of exhibition formats, the event enables emerging companies to rapidly connect with worldwide markets, amplify their creative impact, and jointly build a global innovation-driven tech ecosystem. https://innovex.computex.biz/
[Press Contact]
Mr. Jacky Chen, Taipei Computer Association (TCA)
Tel: +886-2-25774249 #940
Email: jacky_chen@mail.tca.org.tw
