Eyeing Beitou-Shilin? Premier Cho Directs NSTC to Study Establishing TTA Hub to Boost AI and Next-Gen Communications

Premier Cho Jung-tai, during his visit to the Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) today on the 20th, stated that given the current TTA space is nearing saturation, he has instructed the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to formally initiate a study on the feasibility of establishing a new TTA base in the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park (BSTP), and to coordinate appropriately with the Taipei City Government. Premier Cho emphasized that establishing a high-potential TTA in BSTP would significantly expand startup space and inject strong innovation energy into the 'Golden Corridor' of the northern Taiwan region (comprising Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan), leveraging Taiwan’s existing strengths in semiconductors and ICT industries.

Cho pointed out that the government is fully advancing the 'Six Regional Industrial and Living Zones,' with the core of the capital region's Golden Corridor focusing on technological innovation, green smart corridors, and the secure control and next-generation communications sectors within the 'Five Trusted Industries.' With over 10,000 startups now in Taiwan, and recognizing the challenges early-stage startups face in funding, technology, and market access, the Financial Supervisory Commission and NSTC continue to allocate resources. Additionally, the Ministry of Economic Affairs plans to establish more 'Taiwan Pavilions' overseas to fully support businesses in expanding international opportunities.

Regarding budget planning, Premier Cho stated that the Executive Yuan has already approved the central government's total budget for FY 2027 (116th year), allocating NT$229.2 billion to the 'Smart Technology' sector—an increase of 12.7% compared to FY 2026 (115th year). Notably, NT$40.6 billion has been allocated to the 'AI New Top 10 Projects,' focusing on supporting the 'Smart Living Zones for All,' 'Smart Applications for All Industries,' and 'AI Digital Industry Summit,' while actively developing forward-looking key technologies such as silicon photonics, quantum technology, and AI robotics.

Furthermore, addressing the transformation needs of the vast number of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), Premier Cho explained that President Lai Ching-te has directed an additional NT$100 billion over eight years to promote transformation and upgrading. The government is currently drafting the 'SMME Transformation and Upgrading Development Act,' covering traditional factories, shops, agricultural enterprises, and startups. Through a '3 Strategies, 3 Supports, 1 Window' mechanism, the goal is to achieve four objectives: 'fitness' for micro-enterprises, 'growth' for small enterprises, 'upgrading' for medium enterprises, and 'excellence' for startups—serving as an accelerator for successful industrial development.