With the rapid rise of global low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite technologies, satellite communications and data-driven applications have become key engines for advancing digital transformation and sustainable development.
      On January 29, 2026, the Administration for Digital Industries (ADI), Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) officially launched Taiwan’s first Commercial Satellite Application Laboratory, while simultaneously presenting certificates to the 40 finalist teams of the 2025 Satellite Digital Application Innovation Competition.
      The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Deputy Executive Secretary Wei-Chen Chiu from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC); Distinguished Research Fellow Yen-Nan Huang from the Research Center for Information Technology Innovation (CITI), Academia Sinica; Chairperson Ting-Yi Chan of the Artificial Intelligence Technology Foundation; Director Chin-Liang Wang of the Next Generation Communications Technology Development Program Office; and Deputy Division Director Po-Wei Lee of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA).
      Leaders from industry, academia, and research communities also gathered at the event, including representatives from Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone Telecom, HTC, TAS, and Creative5. Together, they witnessed an important milestone as Taiwan’s satellite applications move from innovative concepts toward a commercialized and market-driven model.

Inspiring Innovation Through Competition and Strengthening Cross-Sector Collaboration
      Deputy Director General Hui-Min Chen of the Administration for Digital Industries (ADI), Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) stated that ADI organized the Satellite Digital Application Innovation Competition for the first time, focusing on three core technologies:
•    Satellite Communications
•    Satellite Positioning
•    Satellite Remote Sensing
      The competition encouraged domestic innovation teams to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, and to propose forward-looking, innovative, and feasible application concepts based on real-world needs in areas such as smart cities, marine applications, unmanned vehicles, green energy monitoring, and telemedicine.
      A total of 131 teams from industry, government, academia, and research institutions registered for the competition. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 40 finalist teams were selected. Deputy Director General Chen encouraged all finalists to confidently and comprehensively present their most creative solutions during the upcoming final review stage and strive for outstanding results.

      Deputy Executive Secretary Wei-Chen Chiu from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) noted that, in order to advance President Lai’s policy blueprint on the “Five Trusted Industries” and the national strategy of “Competing in Space and Exploring the Ocean,” NSTC is working closely with the Ministry of Digital Affairs and other relevant ministries to actively promote the development of satellite communications.
      Over the next five years, NSTC plans to invest NT$27 billion in the next-generation communications industry, with the goal of accelerating the integration of resources across industry, government, and academia into the satellite application sector.

      Executive Director Yen-Nan Huang of Academia Sinica’s Cybersecurity Research Center emphasized that the importance of satellite communications continues to grow. Through the complementary integration of satellite systems and terrestrial networks, satellite communications can overcome geographical constraints and enable truly ubiquitous connectivity—ensuring seamless information exchange anytime and anywhere, while enhancing overall communication resilience and reliability.

Establishing Taiwan’s First Commercial Satellite Application Laboratory as an Open Platform for Industry and Academia
      To further support the transition of innovative concepts from ideas into practical applications, the Administration for Digital Industries (ADI), Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has simultaneously established Taiwan’s first Commercial Satellite Application Laboratory, serving as a key platform for cross-sector collaboration among industry, academia, and research communities.

      The laboratory integrates satellite ground communications, network simulation and testing capabilities, data analytics, and application development environments, creating an open and shared testing and verification field. It provides industry partners and academic institutions with resources for technology validation and prototype development.

      Looking ahead, the laboratory will support a wide range of application scenarios, including maritime communications, environmental monitoring, the low-altitude economy, and disaster prevention and emergency response. By promoting the integrated use of satellite data, communications, and sensing technologies, the laboratory will accelerate the adoption and deployment of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite solutions across industries.

      ADI further noted that the laboratory is expected to evolve into a major hub for a Satellite Application Innovation Accelerator, fostering collaboration between domestic companies and international satellite communication service providers.

      This will create a triple-value enhancement cycle of：Satellite Data × Industrial Applications × Digital Innovation and strengthen Taiwan’s role as a key player in the global satellite application market.

Advancing Through a Dual-Track Approach to Build a Thriving LEO Satellite Innovation Ecosystem
      The development of satellite applications represents not only a technological breakthrough, but also a critical driving force for digital industry upgrading and sustainable growth.
Through a dual-track strategy combining the Satellite Digital Application Innovation Competition and the Commercial Satellite Application Laboratory, ADI is systematically identifying and nurturing innovative satellite application solutions.
      Looking forward, ADI will continue promoting the establishment of satellite application industry alliances, the integration of open data resources, and international collaboration. These efforts will gradually shape Taiwan’s low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite application innovation ecosystem, facilitating exchanges of expertise and technological linkages between domestic and global stakeholders, and advancing Taiwan’s satellite technology applications onto the international stage.

Commercial Satellite Application Laboratory 
📍 Location: 1F, Building A, No. 287, Section 3, Chengde Road, Datong District, Taipei City
🌐 Competition Website: www.adi-satellite.org.tw