NYCU Hosts MEGA DAY as Startups Converge Across the Indo-Pacific

(中央社訊息服務20251212 14:34:29)National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) hosted MEGA DAY, a flagship startup demo day and business pitch competition, in Kaohsiung on December 7, bringing together 17 promising startup teams from eight Indo-Pacific economies to showcase innovative technologies and business models.

Participating teams came from Taiwan, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, reflecting the growing dynamism of the Indo-Pacific innovation ecosystem. After a full day of rigorous pitching and evaluation, Taiwanese teams secured both the Gold and Bronze Awards, underscoring Taiwan’s growing momentum in technology-driven entrepreneurship.

MEGA DAY was guided by Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs, Administration for Digital Industries, organized by NYCU, and co-executed with the Taipei Computer Association. The event brought together startups across semiconductors, satellite communications, infrastructure technologies, and digital solutions, positioning Kaohsiung as an emerging hub for cross-border innovation exchange in the Indo-Pacific region.

The competition was evaluated by a six-member international jury comprising experts from government, industry, and academia. Teams were assessed based on technological innovation, business models, execution capability, market potential, and social impact, ensuring a rigorous, multidimensional review.

The jury was chaired by Hank Huang, NYCU’s Vice President for the Office of Industry–Academia CoCreation (OIAC), and included Jiunn-Shiow Lin, Director General of the Administration for Digital Industries; Sylvia Sumarlin, CEO of Indonesia-based ICT solutions leaders Xirka and D-NET; Takeo Urakami, Head and Senior Manager of the Taiwan Office of Kyushu University’s Open Innovation Platform; Richan Shrestha, CEO of Nepal-based digital transformation consultancy Quickfox; and Amy Bae, Director of Singapore-based startup and market advisory firm KILSA Global.

The Gold Award, along with a US$10,000 cash prize, was awarded to Zhenxin Semiconductor, a Taiwan–Singapore team specializing in post-quantum secure chip technologies.

The Silver Award went to Bored Tunnelers from Bangladesh for its innovative micro-drilling solutions aimed at sustainable infrastructure. At the same time, the Bronze Award was claimed by StarVision Technology, a Taiwan-based startup advancing phased-array technologies for enhanced satellite communications.

Judges unanimously praised the winning teams for their technological sophistication, scalable business strategies, and potential to deliver positive social and environmental impact.

Jiunn-Shiow Lin, Director General of the Administration for Digital Industries, emphasized that through the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA Awards) and its satellite events such as MEGA DAY, startups across the Indo-Pacific can deepen exchanges, access international markets, and connect with industry resources.

Founded in 2001, the APICTA Awards have become a key platform for fostering regional technology exchange and startup collaboration. This year marks the second time the awards series has been held in Taiwan, with related events taking place in Kaohsiung from December 5 to December 8, further enhancing Taiwan’s visibility and influence within the Indo-Pacific innovation landscape. Lin noted that such platforms play a critical role in advancing the internationalization of Taiwan’s digital industries and strengthening regional technology networks.

The event also featured keynote remarks from Shinji Onishi, Director of the Office of Academic Research and Industry–Government Collaboration at Kyushu University, one of NYCU’s key international partners. Speaking on behalf of global academic collaborators, Onishi shared insights into Japan’s experience in industry–academia co-creation and international partnership building.

In addition, David Shen, Chief Technology Officer of Wistron Corporation, delivered a keynote address analyzing global technology trends and industrial transformation in the era of artificial intelligence.

By convening startups and experts from multiple countries in Kaohsiung, MEGA DAY highlights Taiwan’s role as a key hub in the Indo-Pacific technology ecosystem and lays the groundwork for future cross-border innovation partnerships, Huang said.

Established in 2024, NYCU OIAC is dedicated to supporting startups and research teams in expanding overseas. Working closely with partners such as the Taiwan–Japan Semiconductor Technology Promotion Association, the University–Industry Alliance for International Talent Development (UAiTED), and the Asia Accelerator Network (AAN), the office facilitates international exchanges and collaboration.

Each year, NYCU leads Taiwanese and global startup teams to participate in more than 10 domestic and international exhibitions and pitch events, while hosting over 20 overseas startups in Taiwan for business development and mentorship.

Through the newly established NYCU Foundation, the university also aims to further connect its research and innovation strengths with global corporate and alumni networks, expanding industry–academia co-creation opportunities in the United States and beyond.