Taipei Youth Department Hosts 'Slash Gift Festival' to Support Young Entrepreneurs

To support youth entrepreneurship, the Taipei Youth Department gathered 50 startup teams at the Ximen Red House North Plaza on May 24th for the '2026 Slash Gift Festival.' Director Chou Yi-hsi announced that mature brands will be recommended to the 'Taipei Good Buy' platform. Chou, who leads teams in overseas industry internship negotiations, encourages youth to embrace 'slash' careers and free entrepreneurship. The 'Slash Freedom Market' policy subsidizes daily rent (approx. NT$4,000-5,000) to reduce burdens on startups, allowing them to test market preferences. Another policy, 'Slash Freedom Learning,' provides guidance on business models and branding. This year, 'Slash Freedom Gatherings' were added to facilitate networking. Chou reminded the public that early-stage startups often have full-time jobs, so early orders help them manage production. Popular illustrator Mr. H.H shared his experience, encouraging entrepreneurs to start from 'ordinary' and build up step-by-step. The Youth Department has supported over 300 teams and plans more events in July, August, and October.