Boston, February 11, 2019 MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, today announced that applications for the first Bridge to MassChallange Taiwan program are now open. Startups from across the world the world that are interested in leveraging Taiwan’s ICT manufacturing, healthcare, and agri-food strengths are invited to apply for this global competition by March 22, 2019 at 23:59 PM ET at http://more.masschallenge.org/taiwan.
“Over our nearly ten years of accelerating startups from around the world, MassChallenge has seen the emergence of incredible talent, game-changing ideas, and strong startups from across Asia,” said Mike LaRhette, President of MassChallenge. “We’re excited to launch applications for the inaugural Bridge to MassChallenge Taiwan program to help these startups easily access the incredible resources and expertise within Taiwan.”
The program is a collaboration between MassChallenge and the Linkou Startup Terrace, with support from Taiwan’s Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMEA), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), to catalyze and support a global startup community in Asia.
Fifteen leading companies including Advantech, TUL, SYSTEX, Asia Pacific Telecom, DCB, BE Capital, PwC and CDIB Capital Innovation Accelerator have extended their support to help these international entrepreneurs best utilize Taiwan’s resources in the ICT, healthcare, and agricultural industries. These partner organizations will be adding value to B2MC Taiwan entrepreneurs by offering resources and expertise ranging from product design and development, manufacturing, marketing, management, funding, to global market expansion strategies with the aim of attaining Taiwan’s goal of becoming an important innovation and entrepreneurial hub in the Asia Pacific.
Following a competitive application process, selected startups will participate in intensive, multi-day boot camps in Taipei and Boston with access to one-on-one mentorship, networking opportunities, and other industry-focused support.
During the Taipei boot camp, the top 20 startups will have the opportunity to showcase during InnoVEX/ Computex, with an opportunity to win cash awards of up to $60,000 USD. Additionally, from June to September 2019, B2MC Taiwan will provide the top 10 international startups with workshops, meetups and customized mentoring from MassChallenge’s global network. The top two B2MC Taiwan startups advance to the semi-final judging round of MassChallenge accelerator programs in Boston or Israel, where they have a chance to compete for shares of more than $3 million in equity-free prizes globally.
In addition to Taiwan, Bridge to MassChallenge also supports innovation ecosystem building activities in Australia, Colombia, France, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Russia, and Spain, Thailand and U.K. For more information on Bridge to MassChallenge, visit: masschallenge.org/bridge-masschallenge
About MassChallenge
MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 1,900 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $4 billion in funding, generated more than $2.5 billion in revenue, and created more than 120,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org.