Startup Island TAIWAN Podcast

This week, we look back at the breakthroughs and challenges unveiled at SEMICON 2025 in Taipei, and preview the upcoming Taiwan Tech Summit in Silicon Valley—two events that showcase Taiwan’s central role in the global tech arena. SEMICON 2025：AI and Advanced Packaging at the Forefront The 2025 International Semiconductor Exhibition (SEMICON 2025) in Taipei celebrated its 30th anniversary with a record scale: 1,200 companies from 56 countries, 4,100 booths, and nearly 100,000 attendees.  Highlights included AI, high-performance computing, and advanced packaging technologies such as 3D IC and chiplets, alongside themes like automotive semiconductors, robotics, sustainability, and cybersecurity. Industry leaders from TSMC, Google, Infineon, and NXP debated power and talent challenges while unveiling innovations like Google’s latest TPU and SK Hynix’s HBM4 memory. Taiwan Tech Summit 2025 debuts in Santa Clara Taiwan Tech Summit 2025 gathered over 3,500 professionals at the Santa Clara Convention Center, highlighting Taiwan’s ambition to evolve from a semiconductor hub into a global innovation leader. The event featured forums on AI, biotech, design, and cross-border entrepreneurship, alongside a Demo Day where startups with proven traction pitched for international investment. The Summit underscored Taiwan’s determination to become not just a supplier of hardware but a partner in shaping the future of AI, biotech, and human-centered technology. It marked both a milestone and a call to action for Taiwan’s global innovation journey. Powered by Firstory Hosting

This week, we take a closer look at three stories shaping technology, business, and Taiwan’s role in the global arena. Chip Tariffs Intensify U.S. President Donald Trump is once again using tariffs to push semiconductor production back to America. This move challenges decades of globalized supply chains and sharpens U.S.–China tech rivalry. We chose this story because Taiwan’s central role in chipmaking means the policy could have a direct and lasting impact on its industry and international partnerships. Taiwan Space Startup Breaks Even Tensor Tech, a space startup from Taiwan known for its spherical motors now regularly flying on SpaceX missions, has reached financial break-even in 2025. We highlight this story because it marks a milestone in deep-tech innovation, showing how a young company can carve out a position in the global space economy. Taiwan Expo USA Triumphs The Taiwan Expo USA 2025 in Dallas drew more than ten thousand participants and over a hundred companies, securing multiple cross-border collaborations. We feature this story because it underscores Taiwan’s growing presence in the U.S. market and reflects how industry and culture together strengthen Taiwan–U.S. relations. Powered by Firstory Hosting

In this episode of AI News, we delve into the latest developments shaping the global tech landscape. We start with a look at the economic implications of the recent US tariffs and how they are poised to impact the supply chain for AI and other advanced technologies. Next, we shift our focus to the rapidly emerging market for AR glasses, exploring new hardware and software innovations and discussing the potential for these devices to change how we interact with the digital world. Finally, we analyze a new report on a potential end to the Russia-Ukraine war and its possible effects on the tech and startup ecosystems in both regions. We also discuss how these geopolitical shifts might influence global investments and innovation. Join us as we break down these critical topics, providing insights into how AI is at the center of these major shifts. Powered by Firstory Hosting

How is AI redefining our living spaces? A Taiwan-based innovator, HOMEE.AI, is revolutionizing the global home furnishing industry with its cutting-edge AI technology. We are honored to have Kenny Du, the founder and CEO of HOMEE.AI, join us to share how this cloud-based solution simplifies the entire process of interior design and furniture selection. Discover how this groundbreaking technology is not only transforming interior design but also reshaping related industries such as real estate and construction, while becoming a strategic partner of Nvidia and Google. Share your thoughts about this episode : https://open.firstory.me/user/cl8jubp5t01v601sl4vys57dj/comments Host : Uly from Meet Global Guest : Kenny Du, founder and CEO of HOMEE.AI Powered by Startup Island TAIWAN  Directed by National Development Council  Produced by Meet Global by Business Next Media  👉More news of Taiwan startups: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4jhd5u  👉Follow us on LinkedIn: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4hhbhg  📪 Email us: global@bnext.com.tw  Powered by Firstory Hosting

In the past, the fashion industry was characterized by a supply-driven mindset that led to massive waste and overstock. The digital fabric cloud platform, Frontier.cool, drastically reduces production costs and waste through digitalization and AI, and has secured international brand clients such as Adidas and Under Armour. We are pleased to have Wayne Y. Fan, co-founder & chief strategy officer of Frontier.cool, to discuss the technology gap between brands and production, the transformation of the entire fabric supply chain, and how he has built scalable business models in the sustainability field. Share your thoughts about this episode : https://open.firstory.me/user/cl8jubp5t01v601sl4vys57dj/comments Host : Uly from Meet Global Guest : Wayne Y. Fan, co-founder & chief strategy officer of Frontier.cool Powered by Startup Island TAIWAN  Directed by National Development Council  Produced by Meet Global by Business Next Media  👉More news of Taiwan startups: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4jhd5u  👉Follow us on LinkedIn: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4hhbhg  📪 Email us: global@bnext.com.tw  Powered by Firstory Hosting

Chips are ubiquitous, and each one poses a cybersecurity risk of being hacked. Where should we start to ensure information security? We are delighted to have John, the founder and current CEO of JMEMTEK, discuss his vision, the backstory of the business, and how JMEMTEK embedded their solution into chips to create a safer environment in this era of the Internet of Everything. Share your thoughts about this episode : https://open.firstory.me/user/cl8jubp5t01v601sl4vys57dj/comments Host : Uly from Meet Global Guest : John Chang, Founder and Current CEO of JMEMTEK Powered by Startup Island TAIWAN  Directed by National Development Council  Produced by Meet Global by Business Next Media  👉More news of Taiwan startups: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4jhd5u  👉Follow us on LinkedIn: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4hhbhg  📪 Email us: global@bnext.com.tw  Powered by Firstory Hosting

How do leading startups like Amazon and TSMC expand a business at maximum speed to seize market opportunities in highly uncertain environments ? We had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Yeh, the co-author of Blitzscaling,  exploring the concept and strategies of "Blitzscaling". His books help founders, venture capitalists, corporate leaders, policymakers, and everyday people better understand how the internet has changed the way we work together to build amazing organizations. Learn how Chris Yeh views Taiwan’s startup environment and why we should pursue hyper-growth ! Share your thoughts about this episode： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl8jubp5t01v601sl4vys57dj/comments Host: Chi Ko & Wendy from Meet Global Guest: Chris Yeh, Investor, Author, Mentor, Entrepreneur Powered by Startup Island TAIWAN  Directed by National Development Council  Produced by Meet Global by Business Next Media  👉More news of Taiwan startups: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4jhd5u  👉Follow us on LinkedIn: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4hhbhg  📪 Email us: global@bnext.com.tw  Powered by Firstory Hosting

 Volker Heistermann is an experienced investment professional with over 25 years of experience in investment, business development, and innovation management. He has worked in key markets such as the USA, Germany, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Currently, he co-founded Mosaic Venture Lab, which delivers groundbreaking solutions in cabin intelligence, electrification, and sustainability. In this episode of the Startup Island Taiwan Podcast, you will discover： ☛ Volker's background story: Born in Germany, he worked for years in Silicon Valley before deciding to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in Taiwan. ☛ Promoting events like Startup Weekend in Taiwan to build brand awareness and partnering with the government to run the APEC accelerator program. ☛ The reasons that made German car companies like Volkswagen, BMW, and Porsche recognize Taiwan's tech strengths, leading them to frequently visit Taiwanese startups. ☛ Analyzing the advantages of Taiwanese startups and why Taiwan plays a role in the global market. Share your thoughts about this episode： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl8jubp5t01v601sl4vys57dj/comments Host: Chi Ko & Wendy from Meet Global Guest: Volker Heistermann, Co-Founder & Head of Strategic Corporate Partnerships at Mosaic Venture Lab Powered by Startup Island TAIWAN  Directed by National Development Council  Produced by Meet Global by Business Next Media  👉More news of Taiwan startups: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4jhd5u  👉Follow us on LinkedIn: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4hhbhg  📪 Email us: global@bnext.com.tw  Powered by Firstory Hosting

We had the pleasure of speaking with Bruce, a serial entrepreneur and advisor, who returned to the energy technology startup scene after retiring three times. Through his extensive international experience, he shared with us insights into different cultures and business practices. Additionally, Bruce shared interesting case examples and ideas, including topics like energy and the carbon future , while discussing his process of assisting corporations and startups. Share your thoughts about this episode： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl8jubp5t01v601sl4vys57dj/comments Host: Chi Ko & Wendy from Meet Global Guest: Bruce Bateman, VP APAC and Co-Founder of Zero Carbon Future Powered by Startup Island TAIWAN  Directed by National Development Council  Produced by Meet Global by Business Next Media  👉More news of Taiwan startups: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4jhd5u  👉Follow us on LinkedIn: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4hhbhg  📪 Email us: global@bnext.com.tw  Powered by Firstory Hosting

Kevin had a wonderful conversation with the two hosts during this podcast interview. He discussed the reasons for coming to Taiwan in the past and what attracted him to stay. After staying, he embarked on several different adventures related to startups, including starting a new gaming company, investing in startups, and assisting them. He shared his personal perspective on how Taiwan can attract more foreigners to come and stay here. Additionally, he generously offered many practical suggestions for Taiwan's startup companies, founders, and startup ecosystem. Share your thoughts about this episode： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl8jubp5t01v601sl4vys57dj/comments Host: Chi Ko & Wendy from Meet Global Guest: Kevin Lin, Co-founder , Twitch Powered by Startup Island TAIWAN  Directed by National Development Council  Produced by Meet Global by Business Next Media  👉More news of Taiwan startups: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4jhd5u  👉Follow us on LinkedIn: https://meetstartup.pse.is/4hhbhg  📪 Email us: global@bnext.com.tw  Powered by Firstory Hosting