2026-01-07
Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), in partnership with InnoVEX, today announced a series of global engagement initiatives to expand international awareness of the IC Taiwan Grand Challenge (ICTGC) among founders, researchers, and technology partners worldwide. As ICTGC continues to attract strong global interest, the competition, in partnership with InnoVEX, is expanding its outreach through high-profile engagement at CES 2026, complemented by dedicated Silicon Valley programming to support teams seeking access to Taiwan’s world-leading semiconductor and hardware ecosystem.
With global interest in AI-enabled hardware, robotics, advanced chips, and deep-tech innovation accelerating at unprecedented speed, ICTGC and InnoVEX remain positioned as a key gateway for startup teams looking to advance breakthrough technologies and scale within Asia’s most advanced technological environment. The program’s international outreach reflects Taiwan’s broader commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration and supporting the next generation of transformative tech ventures.
ICTGC and InnoVEX to Engage Global Innovators at CES 2026
At CES 2026, ICTGC and InnoVEX will be featured at the Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) National Pavilion, located in Eureka Park (Booth: Venetian Expo, Hall G — 62201). The TTA National Pavilion at CES serves as Taiwan’s official platform for showcasing research-driven, deep-tech startups, providing a high-visibility hub within Eureka Park where global investors, media, and industry leaders can connect with Taiwan’s most innovative emerging companies.
Throughout the CES exhibition period, ICTGC representatives will provide detailed program information, engage with international startups and academic teams, and highlight how Taiwan’s semiconductor and hardware ecosystem can support rapid prototyping, advanced manufacturing, and commercialization. Program overviews and thematic presentations will be delivered on the TTA Stage, offering insights into Taiwan’s unique role at the intersection of AI, robotics, next-generation computing, and high-performance hardware systems.
International visitors are encouraged to meet with the ICTGC team to explore how the program can support their innovation roadmaps and technology development goals. The pavilion will serve as an accessible entry point for global founders interested in pursuing collaboration opportunities, engaging with Taiwan’s supply chain partners, or learning more about ICTGC’s current application cycle.
Global Call for Applications Continues Through February 28
ICTGC is currently accepting international applications, and startup teams worldwide are invited to submit their proposals before February 28, 2026. The program welcomes participation from early-stage startups, university research groups, engineering innovators, and technology developers working across AI, robotics, semiconductor technologies, sensing systems, next-generation computing platforms, and other deep-tech fields.
As part of its commitment to nurturing global innovation, ICTGC provides selected startup teams with a comprehensive platform for exposure, collaboration, and growth. One of the most impactful components of this platform is the opportunity to exhibit at COMPUTEX and InnoVEX 2026, taking place from June 2–5, 2026 in Taipei. This event serves as Asia’s most influential technology showcase, offering unparalleled access to global manufacturers, supply chain partners, investors, enterprise buyers, and media outlets.
Through ICTGC, selected startup teams will also gain access to Taiwan’s semiconductor and hardware pipeline, including advanced packaging expertise, precision manufacturing support, and opportunities to explore product development with local engineering partners. The program fosters deeper engagement between international innovators and Taiwan’s commercial ecosystem, helping teams move from concept to prototype, and from prototype to scalable production.
Silicon Valley Founder Engagement Event on January 13, 2026
To support global applicants beyond CES, ICTGC will host a dedicated Silicon Valley event on January 13, 2026, at the Startup Island TAIWAN (SIT) Silicon Valley Hub in Palo Alto. This event will offer founders a comprehensive introduction to ICTGC, its selection criteria, and the opportunities available through Taiwan’s semiconductor and hardware industries.
Attendees will receive insights into Taiwan’s engineering, R&D, and production capabilities that make the region uniquely suited for deep-tech innovation. The event will foster dialogue between Silicon Valley founders, investors, technical experts, and Taiwan’s innovation leadership, helping participants better understand how ICTGC can support their development timelines and long-term commercialization strategies. Guidance will also be provided for teams preparing their applications ahead of the February deadline.
This engagement also serves as an early touchpoint for global innovators who plan to participate in COMPUTEX and InnoVEX later in the year, ensuring they are well-informed about the program’s requirements and the potential benefits of building with Taiwan’s world-class hardware ecosystem.
Event Information
Bridging Silicon Valley and Taiwan: Semiconductor & AI Synergies
January 13, 2026 Tuesday at 5:00 PM PST
Startup Island TAIWAN – Silicon Valley Hub
299 California Ave STE 300, Palo Alto, CA 94306 U.S.A.
Registration at https://www.sparknify.com/bridging-svt
About ICTGC
The IC Taiwan Grand Challenge (ICTGC) is Taiwan’s flagship initiative to unite global innovators with the nation’s unparalleled semiconductor and hardware ecosystem. Created to accelerate breakthroughs in AI, robotics, next-gen computing, and deep-tech disciplines, ICTGC supports founders and researchers through mentorship, prototyping and manufacturing resources, corporate partnerships, and international investor connections. Rooted in Taiwan’s decades of leadership in semiconductor design, advanced packaging, and precision engineering, ICTGC empowers teams from around the world to build, test, and scale groundbreaking technologies. The program fosters global collaboration and drives forward a shared vision of innovation that bridges Taiwan and the world.
ICTGC Batch 4 is now open for online applications until February 28, 2026.
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 by the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), 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.
InnoVEX 2026 will take place from June 2 to 5 in Taipei.
https://innovex.computex.biz
About TCA
Founded in 1974, the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) is Taiwan’s largest ICT organization, representing over 3,100 companies across software, hardware, semiconductors, and internet services. Its members generate more than 85% of Taiwan’s ICT output and employ over 740,000 people. With offices in Taiwan and abroad, TCA drives global collaboration through exhibitions, industry programs, and policy advocacy, supporting startups, talent, and the nation’s ongoing evolution from computing to AI and deep tech. https://www.tca.org.tw/
Media Inquiries
We welcome media representatives to reach out for more information on how Taiwan is creating opportunities for early-stage startup founders, not only in Silicon Valley, but globally through initiatives like the ICTGC program. For press inquiries, please contact Sparknify PR at press@sparknify.com or ICTGC at service@ictaiwanchallenge.org to discover how Taiwan is helping startups thrive from the ground up.
