9 Taiwanese entrepreneurs hit Draper University, 4 awarded a prize

In early summer, nine Taiwanese entrepreneurs, selected by Asia Silicon Valley Development Agency (ASVDA), flew to Bay Area to attend Draper University’s Hero Training program.

Founded in 2016, ASVDA is a government agency supporting the namesake project and its goals to transform Taiwan into an R&D hub and a global center of entrepreneurship. It’s the second year for the agency to work with Draper University to strengthen Taiwan’s connectin with the Silicon Valley and accelerate the personal growth of local entrepreneurs in their startup journey.

Ranging in age from 19 to 45, the selected trainees met some hundred entrepreneurs from 18 countries around the world. Among them, Belinda Lin from blockchain project OrbitEco won the first place at the Draper University HEROthon, and Daniel Lin from Wolf Dataware, Larry Ho from Reta, and Kordan Ou from KryptoGo were ranked among the top 10 entrepreneurs on the final Pitch Day.

Strengthened connection with the Silicon Valley

Chen Mei Ling, Minister of the National Development Council (NDC), said the cultivation of entrepreneurial spirit is the most valuable aspect of the program. During the five weeks, trainees are encouraged to think outside the box, dare to embrace failure and express themselves, which are helpful for their career development as an entrepreneur.

Lin, founder of OrbitEco and a participant of the program, said besides providing knowledge about starting a business venture, the program at Draper University helps build the mindset as an entrepreneur.

After the training in Draper University, the entrepreneurs continued with another 5-week program which ASVDA co-organized with Meet Startup @TW, meeting with local VCs, industry experts, and startup companies to build connections and a global vision.

The ten weeks have seen trainees create new opportunities for their venture. OrbitEco has been selected for the MJAA program led by Monte Jade West Science & Tech Association in the Silicon Valley whereas KryptoGo for Berkeley Blockchain Xcelerator. KiWi New Energy, a blockchain company building an Internet of energy, has also found partners in the US for business and technical cooperation.

Read more: Taiwan’s NDC Says Government-Backed Project for Startups Has “Delivered Concrete Results”

Andy Tang, CEO of Draper University, said witnessing the achievements that the Taiwanese entrepreneurs have made after the training program, he is sure about future cooperations with ASVDA.

〔Original :Meet Startup @ TW〕
https://meet.bnext.com.tw/intl/articles/view/45504