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Meet Taipei 2025 Opens: Showcasing Global Innovation, “Dancing with AI”
Meet Taipei 2025 opened today at the Taipei Expo Dome. This year’s event, themed “Dancing with AI,” brings together more than 400 startups and teams from 19 countries, making it one of Asia’s most international innovation gatherings.
International Presence Expands at Meet Taipei 2025
Representatives from Taiwan, Canada, the United States, and Japan attended the opening, including Marie-Louise Hannan (Representative of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei), Eric Frater (Economic Section Chief at the American Institute in Taiwan), and Katsuya Ikuyo (Chief of Economy and Trade Division at the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association). Ho Fei-Peng, Honorary Publisher at Business Next, and Lin Yi-Hua, Deputy Mayor of Taipei, also took part in the ceremony.
This year, Meet Taipei is highlighting international connections with dedicated pavilions from Canada, Japan, and other regions. The Canada Pavilion, for example, showcases startups supported by the Canadian Technology Accelerator. Teams from Fukuoka and Sendai are also present, underlining the event’s growing global reach.
Marie-Louise Hannan, Representative of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, remarked, “Meet Taipei allows many small and even micro-sized companies to quickly access the Taiwan market, which is crucial for participating in global value chains and expanding growth opportunities.” She noted that the participation of the Canadian Technology Accelerator at Meet Taipei this year demonstrates the ongoing efforts to build deeper cooperation between Canadian and Taiwanese innovation communities.
Taiwan’s Role in the Global AI Ecosystem
This year’s “Dancing with AI” theme responds to rapid changes in global industries driven by artificial intelligence. The exhibition brings together startups, government agencies, and major corporations, highlighting how Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors, hardware, and strategic location are attracting international interest. The event provides a platform for overseas startups to explore the Taiwan market and connect with industry partners and policymakers.
Deputy Minister Jan Fang-Guan at the National Development Council shared data on Taiwan’s innovation sector, noting that startup fundraising reached a record high in 2024, despite global capital challenges. He described Meet Taipei’s 12-year history as a reflection of Taiwan’s evolving startup ecosystem, moving from individual efforts to broader collaboration and international partnerships.
Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-Hua pointed out that Taipei now has approximately 650 AI-related companies, with more than half being startups. She highlighted the city’s growing ecosystem and the importance of both large corporations and smaller teams in driving AI innovation.
Eric Frater, Economic Section Chief at the American Institute in Taiwan, spoke about the significance of AI, describing it as a force that drives creativity and new possibilities. He emphasized Taiwan’s research and development capabilities, as well as the resilience and innovation shown by its small and medium-sized enterprises.
A Platform for Exchange and Opportunity
Wayne Chiang, Mayor of Taipei, highlighted the city’s “Global PASS” program, which works with cities such as Tokyo and Seoul to help Taipei-based startups access overseas coworking spaces and expand into new markets. The city also provides several free startup hubs and welcomes international teams. According to Chiang, this reciprocal approach is designed to promote cross-border exchange and effectively connect capital and talent resources.
Meet Taipei 2025 features 23 themed exhibition areas, including pavilions focused on core technology, international collaboration, and cross-disciplinary innovation. The event also includes forums, competitions, and showcases, such as the Global Startup Trends Forum and the Meet Neo Star Demo Show. These activities are designed to foster connections between local and international startups, investors, and industry leaders.
In addition, this year’s event introduces new initiatives, such as the “Young Sparks – Student Startup Hub,” developed in partnership with the National Science and Technology Council. Sessions on sustainability, Web3, and financial technology further broaden the scope of discussion and opportunity at the festival.
Now in its twelfth year, Meet Taipei continues to grow as a global platform for entrepreneurship and innovation. The presence of international pavilions and delegations demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to being a strategic hub for global startups, investors, and industry partners. The event provides space for meaningful connections and practical collaboration, reinforcing Taiwan’s position in the worldwide innovation ecosystem.
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