To encourage SMEs or startups to start and run their business, Taiwan Government, at both national and local levels, are providing various supporting awards, grants and loans
The purpose of Taiwan SMEs Innovation Award(中小企業創新研究獎) is to politically create a climate promoting innovative R&D, so as to inspire the prosperity of SMEs. The award has been granted to over 960 SMEs that exhibited excellent performances in innovation and research development. Thirty innovative subjects will be chosen for this honor.
Business Startup Award(新創事業獎) aims at encouraging startups and enterprises to develop innovative product, technology, process or service and create premium business model. The enterprise should be established within less than 8 years and recognized by the competent authority
Developing a brand new idea, concept or new technology
Applying an existing technology to a new application
Applying a new technology or business model to an existing application
Improving an existing technology or product
Pilot Study / Preliminary Planning
Phase 1
NT $1,000,000
6 months
A small-scale experiment or statistical analysis of the creative concept that can potentially benefit industries so as to validate that concept as being viable.
Applicants must describe the key problems addressed, the creative concept they intend to use, anticipated benefits to industries, as well as relative R&D track records and implementation plans.
R&D / Detailed Planning
Phase 2
NT $10,000,000
2 years
This involves the implementation and wide application of R&D results in Phase II so as to meet market and customer demand.
The focus of R&D extends from the emphasis on the design of technical innovations to the production of the technical application.
They may include engineering techniques, moulding development techniques, product design, trial production and ramp-up techniques, or primary market surveys.
Applicants must describe the application of the developed technique, feasible implementation, commercialization target and expected benefits.
Value-Added Applications
Phase 2+
NT $5,000,000
1 year
R&D of a product, production method or service mechanism based on a tangible and feasible creative concept expected to benefit industries.
The R&D of a production method can extend to the trial production or ramp-up stage.
Applicants must describe the key problems addressed, the creative concept they intend to use, anticipated benefits to industries, as well as relative R&D track records and implementation plans.
Service Industry Innovation Research (服務業創新研發計畫) – Research grant for companies legally registered in Taiwan, not including branch offices, with positive equity in the retail, logistics, restaurants, advertising, e-commerce industries.
National Development Fund Business Angel Investment Program
National Development Fund Business Angel Investment Program (行政院國家發展基金 創業天使投資方案) is to support entrepreneurs with innovative capacities and global potential could grow rapidly.
Taipei City Industry Incentive Subsidy Project(臺北市產業發展獎勵補助計畫) has been launched by Taipei City Government. In order to encourage technology development, Taipei City is the first city government that provides R&D, brands establishment incubation, new startups, and competitive industries to develop key industries. Companies registered in Taipei or SMEs are eligible to apply.
SME Innovation Development Project Loan (中小企業創新發展專案貸款) – For legally registered companies in Taiwan, if they fit in any of these requirements they are eligible to apply for this loan:
Company has won an innovation prize from the government.
Company has received subsidies for research purposes from the government.
Company has cooperated with overseas companies, governments or academic institutions or has been commissioned by overseas, or has provide development services for research purpose.
Company has won enhanced investment SMEs project from the government.
Company has research or production center in a national science park.
Company has registered at the Taipei exchange center.
Company has registered as social innovation enterprise or received B Lab certification by B Lab.
Young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 45 who are eligible for the Young Entrepreneur Financing Loans(青年創業及啟動金貸款) can apply for the loans at preferential interest rates when they are getting their new businesses off the ground, and benefit from the provision of direct credit guarantees to the 80%-95% range by the SME Credit Guarantee Fund with the maximum loan amount at NT$18 million. The loan is limited to reserve required by the business, registration fees, working capital, and capital expenditures.
Loan amount: Up to NT$ 12 million for capital expense, up to NT$ 4 million for revolving fund and up to NT$ 2 million for reserves
For More Information Website: https://www.sme.gov.tw/article-tw-2570-4238 Email: service@smeg.org.tw Contact: 0800-056-476
