The IC Taiwan Grand Challenge is a global innovation competition focused on artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, and next-generation applications. It awards USD 30,000 to winning teams and provides direct access to Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem through mandatory industry matchmaking. Eligible applicants include startups, academic teams, individuals, and organisations with IP-owned or legally licensed technologies aligned with AI, chip design, robotics, medtech, smart mobility, sustainability, or advanced manufacturing.

Overview

The IC Taiwan Grand Challenge is an international competition designed to accelerate breakthroughs in AI, semiconductor technology, and next-generation applications. Participants develop transformative solutions using advanced AI chips, high-speed transmission technologies, and cutting-edge algorithms to address global trends in automation, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and intelligent systems.

What the Challenge Focuses On

The program emphasises innovation in:

• Core AI technologies: AI chip design, generative AI, advanced algorithms

• Smart mobility: autonomous vehicles, intelligent transportation systems

• Intelligent manufacturing: robotics, automation, precision engineering

• Medtech innovation: eHealth, diagnostics, digital health platforms

• Sustainability technologies: energy efficiency, green systems, net-zero solutions

These categories align with Taiwan’s strategic strengths in chip manufacturing and digital transformation.

Why It Matters

The challenge provides:

• Access to Taiwan’s world-leading semiconductor ecosystem

• Industry matchmaking tailored to each team’s needs

• Opportunities to scale deep-tech solutions globally

• Funding and exposure for early-stage and emerging innovators

• A platform to validate innovation with industry experts

It is particularly valuable for teams seeking cross-border collaboration and hardware-software integration.

Funding and Participation Requirements

Award Details

• Prize: USD 30,000 per winning team

• Requirement: At least one team member must participate in one month of industry matchmaking in Taiwan before signing the investment agreement

• Flexibility: Alternative arrangements may be negotiated

• Prize Release: Disbursed after obligations in Taiwan are completed

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• Startups (established within the past 8 years)

• Juristic persons (legal corporate entities)

• Academic institutions

• Individual innovators

• Teams collaborating with Taiwan’s chip design and manufacturing ecosystem

Ineligible applicants

To ensure fair competition, the following are not eligible:

• Entities from China, Hong Kong, or Macau

• Companies controlled or invested in by the above jurisdictions

Intellectual Property Requirements

Participants must:

• Own the intellectual property (IP) for their solution, or

• Hold valid licensing rights for the proposed technology

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Concept Paper

Include:

• Core technology description

• Verified or validated results

• Proposed business model

• Commercialisation approach

• Global or regional market expansion strategy

2. Pitch Video

A short, clear video presenting:

• The problem

• Your solution

• Technology readiness

• Team capabilities

3. Supporting Documents

(Optional but recommended):

• Technical proofs

• Prototype evidence

• Patents or licensing documentation

• Traction data

4. Secondary Review Presentation

Finalists must deliver a live (virtual or in-person) pitch to evaluation experts.

Application Steps

1. Confirm eligibility and IP ownership/licensing

2. Prepare concept paper and pitch video

3. Complete the online submission

4. Attend secondary review if selected as a finalist

5. If awarded, participate in required industry matchmaking in Taiwan

Re-Entry Rules

• Past award recipients cannot win again with the same team leader

• New leaders from the same institution or company may apply

• This encourages innovation while preventing repetitive submissions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without secured IP rights

• Submitting incomplete technical validation

• Ignoring the requirement for Taiwan-based matchmaking

• Re-entering with identical leadership after previously winning

• Providing unclear or generic commercialisation plans

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Taiwan residency required to participate?
No. Only one team member must attend industry matchmaking in Taiwan if selected.

2. Can individuals apply without forming a company?
Yes. Individuals and academic teams may apply independently.

3. Are early-stage ideas accepted?
Yes, but applicants must show verified results or validated technical potential.

4. Can a startup older than 8 years apply?
No. The 8-year limit applies only to startups; academic teams and individuals are exempt.

5. Why are China, Hong Kong, and Macau entities ineligible?
The challenge enforces jurisdiction-specific restrictions to ensure fair participation within Taiwan’s strategic semiconductor framework.

6. When is the prize money released?
After the winning team fulfils its required stay and completes matchmaking activities in Taiwan.

7. Can a past winner reapply with a new project leader?
Yes. Only the same leadership team is restricted from winning again.

Conclusion

The IC Taiwan Grand Challenge is a premier platform for innovators aiming to advance AI, semiconductor engineering, robotics, smart mobility, medtech, and sustainability solutions. With substantial funding, access to Taiwan’s global technology ecosystem, and structured industry matchmaking, the challenge accelerates high-impact projects and equips teams to scale globally. Innovators with strong IP, validated technology, and a clear growth strategy will be well-positioned to compete and succeed.