Taiwan Tech Arena is set to host a branch of Canada’s government-backed startup accelerator initiative, spotlighting joint efforts to strengthen business and R&D ties between the two sides, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology Dec. 12.
Slated to commence operations in early 2019 at the ministry-backed TTA in Taipei City, Canadian Technology Accelerator will work to boost networking between innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in Taiwan and Canada and foster emerging companies in sectors spanning artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and smart health care.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, MOST Deputy Minister Hsu Yu-chin said that this partnership will help promote commercialization of scientific research and bolster talent cultivation. International industry tie-ups through TTA are enhancing Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem and inspiring the development of socially consequential technologies, he added.
Echoing these remarks, Sarah Taylor, director general for North Asia and Oceania at Global Affairs Canada, described the two sides as natural partners in nurturing startups. Taiwan is internationally renowned for transforming scientific concepts into marketable products, she said, adding that pairing this ability with Canada’s research prowess will deliver significant mutual benefits.
Located in Taipei’s Songshan District, TTA is part of government efforts to foster at least 100 startups each year in emerging sectors such as AI and IoT. A number of foreign accelerators have set up shop at the facility since its launch in June, including U.K.-based Startupsbootcamp as well as Berkeley SkyDeck and Techstars from the U.S.
Taipei is the fourth city in Asia to host a CTA branch after Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. (KWS-E)
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