Taiwan’s ICTGC Draws Global AI and Semiconductor Startups

Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council has organized the IC Taiwan Grand Challenge, or ICTGC, since 2024, leveraging the country’s semiconductor and information and communications technology supply chains to attract teams specializing in IC design, chip applications and AI systems integration. Each team receives a $30,000 prize, along with mentorship, chip development support and industry matchmaking to connect overseas technologies with Taiwan’s manufacturing capabilities.

On June 2, 2026, the council held an awards ceremony for the fourth cohort at InnoVEX during COMPUTEX 2026. It selected 11 startups and academic research teams from 209 entrants across 38 countries, with technologies spanning AI software optimization, chip design verification and server cooling. The 11 winners joined two teams from previous cohorts in exhibiting from June 2 to 5, pursuing technology partnerships and business opportunities.