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2026 Best AI Awards

2026-01-27 |
2026 Best AI Awards

Statement of Purpose

The Best AI Awards encourages teams from schools and companies to showcase a diverse range of innovative AI applications that drive industry development and cultivate talent for businesses. The competition features two categories: AI Applications and IC Design. Students and companies are encouraged to submit innovative projects with strong potential for real-world industry adoption.

Event Schedule (Taiwan Time GMT+8)

ScheduleEvent
a. Online RegistrationJanuary 19, 2026 (Mon) 9:00 - March 16, 2026 (Mon) 17:00 (GMT+8)
b. Preliminary Round (Proposal Review)March 24, 2026 (Tue) - April 2, 2026 (Thu)
c. Final Round (Presentation)April 25, 2026 (Sat) 8:00 - 17:00 @ Taipei Nangang International Exhibition Center, Hall 2.

Organizers

A. Advisor: Ministry of Economic Affairs

B. Organizer: Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA

C. Hosting Organization: Taipei Computer Association

Competition Categories

AI Application

  • Utilizing AI technologies to develop innovative applications or services for all industries.

IC Design

  • Using AI for IC circuit design or using IC for AI Innovation technologies, from design to EDA Innovation technology.
※Each project can only be registered for ONE category.

Eligibility

International Student

  1. Open to all students currently enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs at accredited colleges or universities.
  2. Participants must be foreign nationals (non-Taiwanese).
  3. Participants from China (including Hong Kong and Macau) are not eligible.
  4. Each team may consist of up to 8 students and 2 mentors.

International Company

  1. Legal companies registered under foreign laws are eligible.
  2. A team may consist of up to 8 members.
  3. Participants must be foreign nationals.
  4. Companies from China are not eligible.

Awards and Prizes

CategoryGroupsPrizeNote
AI ApplicationStudentGold: NTD 300,000 / Silver: NTD 200,000 / Bronze: NTD 100,000
*Mentor: NT$10,000		1. Winning teams receive certificates.
2. Finalists must attend in Taipei. Travel subsidies provided (flights + accommodation).
CompanyGold: NTD 1,000,000 / Silver: NTD 700,000 / Bronze: NTD 500,000
IC DesignStudentGold: NTD 300,000 / Silver: NTD 200,000 / Bronze: NTD 100,000
CompanyGold: NTD 1,000,000 / Silver: NTD 700,000 / Bronze: NTD 500,000

Remarks:

  1. Winners who publish their project in journals will have priority to participate in matchmaking events.
  2. Winning teams will have priority access to following resources:
TargetContents
Taiwanese company
  • Additional 5-10% subsidy for "A+ industrial innovation R&D program".
  • Business matching opportunities in InnoVEX.
  • Advantage in Kaohsiung Startup Terrace residency.
International company
  • Advantage in Kaohsiung Startup Terrace residency.
  • Recognized award for Taiwan Employment Gold Card.

Evaluation Criteria

CategoryCriteriaDescriptionWeight
AI Application / IC DesignIndustry ApplicationValue creation and benefits.40%
InnovationUniqueness from existing technology.30%
CompletenessTechnical verification degree.30%

Registration Process

International Student1. Passport/ID copy
2. Proof of enrollment
International Company1. Passport/ID copy
2. Company registration

Process Map

Competition Rules

  1. Must abide by all guidelines and decisions.
  2. Plagiarism results in disqualification.
  3. Team members may not be changed after registration.
  4. Applying software or hardware developed in China is prohibited.
  5. Prize recipients are subject to 20% taxation.
  6. Participation implies full acceptance of terms.
  7. Organizer reserves the right to amend rules.