With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide, Taiwan is determined to stay at the forefront of this technological revolution. At a press conference titled “Building Taiwan’s AI Industry Ecosystem,” the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) outlined plans to develop the industry with five key strategies: computing power, data, talent, marketing, and funding. These efforts aim to build a competitive ecosystem for the AI industry and create a solid foundation for Taiwan’s future technological innovation and economic growth.

Regarding computing power, the Ministry will provide free GPU computing resources to help AI startups train their models, expecting to lower the costs of developing generative AI technologies and accelerate AI adoption across various industries. By doing so, Taiwan aims to drive the development of AI applications in the business sector and enhance its competitiveness in global digital services.

In terms of data, the Ministry’s open data platform already offers datasets ranging from language, history, geography, etc. In addition, MODA is working on building an AI training data repository and will continue releasing more government data to strengthen it. To support data-driven innovation, the Ministry is also drafting a new law, the Data Innovation and Utilization Development Act, designed to align with global trends.

As for talent cultivation, MODA launched an AI talent program in 2024 to enhance AI skills within the public sector. Through collaboration with the National Academy of Civil Service, AI literacy has become an integral part of civil servant training programs. The Ministry also partners with private institutions, such as the Taiwan AI Academy (AIA), to develop guidelines and recognition standards for AI developers in specialized fields, including computer vision and natural language processing. These efforts aim to establish a robust talent pool that supports the industry’s long-term growth.

To further support AI startups, the Ministry will continue to host networking and matchmaking events this year, encouraging the development of AI applications in sectors such as healthcare. MODA has also launched the Enhanced AI Startup Investment Program, allocating NT$10 billion (approximately USD 320 million) from the National Development Fund. This funding, combined with private investment, will support unlisted AI startups and digital economy companies in Taiwan.

The Ministry emphasized that AI innovation will reshape the global economy and society. Taiwan is committed to fostering a robust and competitive environment for the AI industry by focusing on computing power, data, talent, marketing, and funding. Moreover, the private sector should drive AI development, while the government provides support and guidance. Together, they aim to build a world-class AI industry ecosystem for Taiwan.