Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan Challenge – 2026
[About the Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan Challenge]
The Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan Challenge (QITC) 2026 is a continuation of an initiative run by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, that was started in 2019 to support the development of Taiwan’s ICT ecosystem by identifying and nurturing innovative, new small and medium-sized companies and products in areas such as AI PC, edge AI, 5G and IoT innovations with our platforms and technologies.
Building upon our longstanding support of Taiwan’s ICT ecosystem, QITC aims to facilitate the integration of international and Taiwanese innovative ideas and technologies developments to boost innovation in Taiwan, enable new ICT industry dynamics in Taiwan, and raise the competitiveness of Taiwanese start-ups on the global stage.
Through our leadership in on-device AI, QITC 2026 will focus on AI PC and edge AI with the aim of encouraging and supporting startups to create innovative AI use cases by using Qualcomm Technologies' diversified solutions across PC computing and IoT such as Windows PC, drones and robotics, smart cities, and more.
[Timeline]
Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan Challenge 2026 is a single cycle incubation program from May to November 2026.
• Application Phase (1 January through 31 March 2026): Roadshows will be held to introduce the program, and online applications may be submitted during this time.
Tainan Roadshow — Feb. 25, 2026 (more details)
Taipei Roadshow (with live stream) — Mar. 3, 2026 (more details)
• Shortlisting (April 2026): Up to 10 teams will be selected through a jury process to participate in QITC 2026, and will each be eligible to receive a grant in the equivalent of USD 10,000 (at the prevailing exchange rate) during the Incubation Phase.
• Incubation Phase (May to November 2026): Shortlisted companies will be eligible to receive the grant, patent filing incentives, and services and support mentioned above during the incubation period.
• Finale (November/December 2026): One winner and two runners-up will be selected by a jury of industry leaders and receive cash awards in the equivalent of USD 125,000, USD 100,000 or USD 75,000 respectively (at the prevailing exchange rate).
Note: the above timeline may be subject to change.