Innovative global contest launched

Taiwan Excellence has launched its annual international competition for innovative proposals, this year under the theme “Go Healthy with Taiwan.” The initiative aims to enhance global health standards and promote well-being in communities worldwide by encouraging submissions that integrate holistic solutions and high-quality health products from Taiwan.

The "Go Healthy with Taiwan" campaign spotlights five key sectors of Taiwan’s health industry: smart healthcare, medical aesthetics and wellness, fitness equipment, sports technologies and bicycles.

Taiwan is a recognized global leader in high-end bicycle manufacturing and sustainability innovations in the sector. Taiwanese companies are also top suppliers in fitness equipment, leveraging artificial intelligence with strong research and development and manufacturing capabilities.

In smart healthcare, Taiwan uses its advanced information and communications technology, semiconductor expertise and elite medical system to offer integrated solutions to the global health tech market.

The campaign officially launched in Taiwan on 3 June with a press conference that included distinguished guests such as Robert Wu, chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Association; Jeff Chen, president of the Taiwan Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association; and Spark Huang, director of the Taiwan Medical and Biotech Industry Association, alongside other industry representatives. Media from 12 international outlets across Europe, the U.S., Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as foreign diplomats in Taiwan, also attended to support the campaign.

The campaign’s promotional theme, "Pitching Taiwan’s Best: A Homerun for Proposals!", was unveiled at the event. Taiwanese baseball star An-Ko Lin made a surprise appearance with Taiwan Excellence's mascot, Fu Bear.

The venue, transformed into a baseball field, saw Lin and Fu Bear reenact symbolic home runs to represent Taiwan championing top-tier health solutions and fostering collaboration with innovators globally.

Susan Hu, deputy director general of the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA), spoke about the contest's broader goals.

"President Lai Chiang-te is actively advancing the vision of a 'Healthy Taiwan.' By encouraging global participation and collaboration for a healthier future, this campaign marks a significant step in bringing this vision to life,” said Hu.

Joe Chou, executive vice president of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), highlighted the campaign's importance from a national to global scale.

"This international call not only highlights the strength and innovation of Taiwan’s comprehensive health industry, but also encourages partnerships between nations around the world that advance smart and sustainable healthy lifestyles with the help of Taiwan’s leading technologies and solutions,” Chou said.

"Go Healthy with Taiwan" aims to build on the success of last year’s "Go Green with Taiwan" contest, which received 396 submissions from 45 countries. This year, the goal is to receive over 500 entries from five continents, expanding international reach and practical applications from Taiwan.

High-quality entries will have opportunities to explore collaboration with world-class Taiwanese companies, and the top three proposals will each receive $30,000.

The submission period is open from 15 May to 14 August 2025.

Taiwan Excellence, a joint project by TAITRA and TITA, is inviting participants worldwide to join the initiative for innovative, healthy solutions, aiming to increase Taiwan's visibility in the health industry and foster global partnerships with opportunities for local implementation.