Entries open for IC Taiwan Grand Challenge Pilot Program

It focuses on attracting global startups and investment, using generative AI and chips for industry-wide innovation, attracting global talent, and advancing heterogeneous integration for overall industry growth.

It offers local incentives such as chip tape-out, masks, and IP services, collaborates with leading semiconductor companies for investment, and establishes public-private venture capital funds. These efforts aim to attract global talent and investment, with the goal of making Taiwan a hub for innovative chip technologies.

Categories

• Leverage AI chips, AI algorithms, and high-speed transmission technologies to develop advanced application solutions in the following categories or achieve groundbreaking innovations in core technologies:
  • AI Core Technologies and Chips (e.g., AI chip design, AI systems, hardware acceleration, generative applications, large language models, and cybersecurity)
  • Smart Mobility (e.g., electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, comms/satellite, drone)
  • Smart Manufacturing (e.g., intelligent manufacturing, IC process, robotics)
  • Smart Medtech (e.g., biometrics, smart monitoring, eHealth)
  • Sustainability (e.g., sustainable manufacturing, energy-saving innovation, new energy)

Prize Information

• A landing prize of USD 30,000 will be awarded to ever winning team. Award recipients are required to have at least one team member participate in industry matchmaking events for a minimum of one month in Taiwan prior to signing the investment agreement. However, an alternative arrangement may be negotiated to allow flexibility. The matchmaking process will be tailored to the specific needs of the award recipients and the prize will be disbursed upon the completion of their obligations in Taiwan.
• Industry chain linkage and chip development guidance through the IC Innovation Acceleration Platform: Based on the award recipients’ resource needs for development in Taiwan, funding will be provided upon approval by the NSTC. This support may include access to EDA tools, silicon intellectual property licensing services, IC design services, and wafer shuttle services, as required for chip development. Each award recipient may receive up to USD 3 million in total.
• Industry Expert Review and Mentorship: A review committee composed of senior technical experts from Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and venture capital professionals will evaluate the resource requirements proposed by the award recipients.
• Additional Landing Resources: Awardees will qualify for access to TTA facilities, including locations in Taipei and Kaohsiung, as well as related business development support. A dedicated mentorship manager will serve as a liaison between the winning teams and advisors/mentors, assisting in connecting the awardees with the necessary resources.

Role and Responsibilities

• After passing the initial review, participants must submit the Application Form for IC Innovation Acceleration Platform Resource Requirement.
• Award recipients must sign the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) investment agreement within three months of the announcement.
• Award recipients must cooperate with on-site business development in Taiwan, which includes, but is not limited to; participating in designated exhibitions, technical presentations, and award ceremonies.
• Award recipients are required to assist with publicity activities by submitting relevant materials or participating in promotional efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

• Startups, juristic persons, academic research institutions, and individuals that plan to collaborate with Taiwan’s semiconductor chip design and manufacturing industry. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • Participants entering as companies must be startups that were established within 8 years from the date of registration. However, this does not apply to non-corporate entities, academic research institutions, or individuals.
  • The participant must own the intellectual property rights of the product, technology or solution or have obtained legal licensing access.
  • Participants who have previously won awards in the IC Taiwan Grand Challenge are not eligible for rewards in this competition. However, this restriction does not apply if the project leader is different from the one in the previous competition, especially for legal entities or academic research teams.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Startups, individuals, juristic persons, organizations, other institutions from China (including Hong Kong, Macau) and the companies they invest into in a third area, are not eligible for the IC Taiwan Grand Challenge.

For more information, visit ICTGC.