NEXT BIG program from Startup Island TAIWAN unveils 13 innovative startups including AmazingTalker and Hahow

NEXT BIG program, launched by National Development Council and national startup brand Startup Island TAIWAN, has welcome 13 startups this year, getting ready to brew the “next big thing” in the Taiwanese tech ecosystem. These selected startups including well-known education platforms AmazingTalker and Hahow span sectors such as edtech, healthtech, AI cybersecurity, social media, entertainment, fintech, B2B software services, sustainable energy, and aerospace defense technology, a testament to Taiwan’s diversity and strengths in innovation.

To enhance Taiwan's international recognition in the startup scene, the National Development Council (NDC) has launched the NEXT BIG program under the national startup brand, Startup Island TAIWAN. This initiative aims to promote and showcase promising startups recommended by the startup community and industry leaders as the "NEXT BIG thing."

By symbolizing their role as frontrunners, the program aims to inspire more young entrepreneurs to embrace innovation. Following the selection of nine NEXT BIG startups in 2021, the NDC has now recommended 13 startups for this year. And the latest wave of 13 startups covers important sectors such as edtech, healthtech, aerospace defense, sustainability, and the digital economy.

According to NDC’s Minister Kung Ming-hsin, NEXT BIG not only serves as the national startup brand ambassador but also represents the potential for disruptive innovation across different industries, much like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). While Taiwan's entrepreneurs have laid a solid foundation for the country's global technological partnership through their perseverance and hard work in the past, the future relies on more startup businesses to drive industrial transformation and accelerate Taiwan's innovative development on the international stage.

The 13 NEXT BIG are:

AmazingTalker : Established in 2016, AmazingTalker is an edtech startup offering a platform that connects language learners with tutors from around the world. Their service caters to over 60 languages, making language learning accessible and personalized.

Hahow : Founded in 2015, Hahow is an online learning platform that offers a diverse range of creative and practical courses. The startup has raised more than $10 million in total. It is committed to empowering individuals to learn skills in an engaging and interactive way.

CuboAi : Founded in 2017, CuboAi is a healthtech startup dedicated to ensuring child safety with AI technology. They provide an AI-powered smart baby monitor which has been recognized for its innovative design and function.

Health2Sync : Established in 2013, Health2Sync provides patient-centric diabetes management solutions with its healthtech platform. The Health2Sync app was selected by Healthline as one of the "10 Best Diabetes Apps" for 3 consecutive years since 2017 and has over 1,000,000 users worldwide currently.

CyCraft : Founded in 2017, CyCraft is an AI cybersecurity firm dedicated to providing businesses with AI-driven cybersecurity solutions and threat intelligence,serving enterprise customers in FSI, High Tech Manufacturing, and Government agencies. Headquartered in Taiwan with offices in Japan, Singapore, and the USA, the startup is backed by top global VCs including Singapore sovereign fund Temasek’s subsidiary and Pavillion Capital.

Gogolook : Established in 2012, Gogolook is known for its mobile application Whoscall. They focus on AI trust technology to provide real-time call screening and personal privacy services. Gogolook announced that it has applied to be listed on the Taiwan Innovation Board (TIB) of the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) this January. The software’s main service, whoscall, covers markets such as Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Brazil, and Malaysia, with over 100 million total downloads.

Dcard : Founded in 2011, Dcard is a social media platform popular among students in Taiwan. With its anonymous feature, it's a space for open and honest conversations.

FunNow : Established in 2015, FunNow provides instant booking services for entertainment and leisure activities, supporting spontaneous urban lifestyles with technology. From Taiwan, the startup has now expanded to Hongkong, Japan, and Malaysia.

Inline : Established in 2013, Inline is a startup providing reservation services and restaurant management software. They aim to streamline business operations in the hospitality industry.

EUI: Founded in 2018, EUI is a fintech startup providing an array of insurance products and solutions. They aim to bridge the gap between customers and insurance products with technology.

GoFreight : established in 2017, it revolutionizes the freight forwarding industry as the world's largest cloud-based all-in-one software. Our mission is to empower the $300 billion international freight forwarding market by redefining the operating system through cutting-edge technology. We provide comprehensive solutions that simplify, streamline, and optimize freight forwarding operations, delivering unparalleled efficiency and profitability. With GoFreight's innovative products, forwarders can reduce costs, increase sales, effortlessly adapt to the digital era, and gain a competitive edge in the global market.

NextDrive : Founded in 2013, NextDrive is a sustainable energy startup focused on creating IoT devices to make energy use more efficient and sustainable. After securing a USD$ 31M Series C fund at the end of 2021, NextDrive scales up in Taiwan and also enter the international market.

Tron Future : Established in 2018, Tron Future is an aerospace defense technology startup specializing in the development of aerospace systems and solutions. They are committed to pushing boundaries in aerospace technology. The company is supported by over 100 professional engineers specializing in developing and producing the world’s most advanced electronic scanning radar and satellite communication systems.

These startups exemplify excellence in their fields, demonstrate great market potential, and continue to make remarkable contributions to Taiwan's vibrant startup ecosystem. The National Development Council (NDC) continues to encourage collaboration with these startups, recognizing their integral role in fueling Taiwan's economic growth and global recognition.