TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (經濟部) launched the Best AI Awards (智慧創新大賞) during a press conference on Tuesday (Jan. 20), marking the start of a prestigious AI software event. The competition, which offers a top prize of NT$1 million, invites participants to register from now until March 16.
The awards feature two main categories: AI applications and IC design. Kuo Chao-chung (郭肇中), director of the Department of Industrial Technology (經濟部產業技術司), emphasized that the competition not only selects winning works but, more importantly, creates a national-level AI platform that combines AI software innovation with Taiwan's semiconductor and IC design strengths.
Winners will receive several additional benefits, including increased R&D subsidies, international exhibition opportunities, cross-ministerial investment connections, and access to startup resources. The inaugural Best AI Awards attracted over 1,000 teams, leading to significant investments, including NT$180 million in Jmemtek (振生半導體) and NT$100 million in Pulxion (博想醫學科技). These results highlight the competition's role in accelerating technological implementation and fostering industry collaboration.
Kuo noted the global shift in AI development from "discriminative AI" to "Agentic AI." Kuo mentioned that this year's competition will award bonus points for advancements in Agentic AI and model lightweighting. Kuo added that the aim of this strategy is to guide the industry to leverage international resources, capitalize on Taiwan's ICT and semiconductor supply chain advantages, and promote the widespread application of AI across all industries.