The TiBOOST Innovation Growth Program is an international start-up competition initiated by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) and National Development Council (NDC), and implemented by the Taiwan Venture Capital Association (TVCA) and the Taiwan Private Equity Association (TPEA).
The programme is part of Taiwan’s broader efforts to strengthen connections between its internationally recognised technology ecosystem and capital market. It is designed to identify high-potential AI and technology companies from Taiwan and overseas, while creating opportunities for them to engage with investors, industry leaders and Taiwan’s capital-market ecosystem, including the Taiwan Innovation Board (tib).
Who We Are Looking For
TiBOOST welcomes legally incorporated start-ups from Taiwan and overseas, particularly companies working in areas related to Taiwan’s Ten Major AI Infrastructure Projects.
Applicants should have:
- completed at least one round of external funding; or
- achieved initial market validation.
Companies that have already been listed on the Taiwan Innovation Board are not eligible to participate. Additional eligibility requirements, including shareholding and control restrictions relating to Mainland China, are detailed in the official programme guidelines.
Why International Start-ups Should Apply
TiBOOST offers overseas companies an opportunity to gain direct exposure to Taiwan’s technology, investment and capital-market ecosystem.
Companies that advance to the Final Round on 10 November 2026 will be invited to pitch in person before a professional judging panel and engage with investors, industry leaders and other key ecosystem stakeholders in Taiwan.
To make participation more accessible for overseas teams, companies incorporated outside Taiwan may apply for up to US$1,500 per company towards round-trip airfare and accommodation expenses, regardless of the nationality of the team member presenting at the Final Round.
The travel itinerary must include 10 November 2026, and reimbursement will be subject to the submission of relevant supporting documents, including flight and accommodation records.
For companies incorporated in Taiwan that advance to the Final Round, eligible teams may apply for reimbursement of round-trip Taiwan High Speed Rail fares and accommodation expenses, up to US$200 per company.
Prize Pool and Opportunities
A total of NT$5 million in prize money will be awarded:
- First Prize: NT$2.5 million
- Second Prize: NT$1.5 million
- Third Prize: NT$1 million
Participants may also gain access to additional ecosystem resources, including start-up hub opportunities, media exposure and connections with Taiwan’s investment and innovation community.
Application Timeline
Application deadline:
29 September 2026, 12:00 PM (UTC+8)
Programme website and application:
https://asia-innovation-cup.tw/
