Startup Island TAIWAN Podcast

VC Talks: Shao-Yu Jheng (Harvard) | Why Reindustrialization Won't Work Without Global Supply Networks As reshoring and industrial policy return to the center of U.S. economic strategy, supply chains are increasingly framed as matters of national security and sovereignty. But history tells a more complicated story. In this episode of VC Talks , Uly revisits Left for Dead , a 1997 study on the reviv...

Robotics and AI are becoming core foundational capabilities of the physical economy. As AI extends from cloud-based models into hospitals, logistics centers, and a wide range of service environments, robots increasingly carry functions of perception, reasoning, and decision-making, directly translating into measurable gains in productivity, system reliability, and operational safety. Together, the...

In this episode, Uly examines five defining technology signals emerging from Taiwan in 2025—and explains why they matter far beyond local headlines. Rather than viewing Taiwan solely as a semiconductor manufacturing center, this conversation reframes it as a critical capability hub shaping how artificial intelligence systems scale, deploy, and sustain over the next decade. The discussion covers TS...

In 2026, generative AI is crossing a critical threshold—from reactive tools to action-oriented systems capable of setting goals and executing tasks. This shift is already reshaping how organizations make decisions, how teams operate, and how individual roles are valued. This episode explores the most defining generative AI trends of 2026, including the real-world deployment of AI agents, the growi...

In this episode of VC Talks , we sit down with Timothy Chen, Founder of Essence VC , to unpack his core perspectives on investing in AI startups—and why, despite rapid advances in models and tools, the founder matters more than ever at the earliest stage . Drawing from his frontline experience in early-stage venture capital, Timothy reflects on the structural shifts in the AI investment landscape...

In late November 2025, Taiwan marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of the first satellite in the Formosat-8 constellation. Carried into a 561-km sun-synchronous orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, the “Chi Po-lin” satellite symbolizes both technical progress and cultural meaning, extending the late filmmaker’s aerial perspective of Taiwan into space. This mission inaugurates Taiwa...

This episode unpacks how the U.S. reindustrialization wave—driven by the CHIPS Act, the IRA, and mega-projects like Project Stargate—is reshaping global AI infrastructure. Dr. Wesley Chu explains why this buildout still relies heavily on Taiwan’s supply chain, spanning advanced semiconductors, packaging, and AI hardware manufacturing. We also explore the shift from “Made in Taiwan” to “Made with T...

In this episode of AI News, we take a closer look at the newly released Forbes “AI 50” list for 2025. Selected from nearly two thousand applicants, the fifty featured companies highlight a major shift in the global AI landscape—from model development races to full workflow automation and real-world deployment. We examine key players such as Cursor, Harvey, Figure AI, and World Labs, exploring how...

In this episode, we speak with Kai Chen, General Partner at Silicon Catalyst Ventures and Founder of OceanIQ Capital, to explore how family offices and long-term LPs are approaching the current AI boom. Unlike traditional venture firms that often emphasize speed, narrative, and rapid scaling, family offices prioritize discipline, capital durability, and value creation grounded in real-world applic...

In Case You Missed It: TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Review Welcome to our latest episode — a deep dive into TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 , the global gathering where the next decade of innovation begins. If you’re a founder, investor, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping the real world, this one’s for you. Disrupt isn’t just another conference — it’s where vision meets execution, and where ne...

In this episode, we’re joined by serial entrepreneur and investor Terry Hsiao to explore the defining shifts that have shaped Silicon Valley from 2000 to 2025—from the dot-com boom and bust, through the rise of mobile and cloud, to today’s AI-driven transformation and the restructuring of venture models. Terry’s journey spans from engineer to serial founder, investor, and educator, bridging startu...

In this special edition of EP 3–8 , we explore how two innovation capitals— San Francisco and Los Angeles —revealed contrasting yet complementary visions of the tech future during Tech Week 2025 . From OpenAI’s pragmatic focus on AI infrastructure at Fort Mason to IBM Ventures’ high-stakes corporate venture night downtown, San Francisco showcased a city obsessed with building the backbone of intel...

This week, we trace two seismic shifts redefining both the AI race and the global economy. OpenAI–AMD Alliance marks a structural realignment in the AI hardware landscape. The multi-year partnership grants OpenAI access to up to 6 GW of AMD’s next-generation Instinct accelerators —a move that diversifies its compute base beyond NVIDIA and positions AMD as a credible second supplier in the frontier...

This week, we track three pivotal forces shaping the global innovation narrative. Washington’s Shutdown has paralyzed U.S. federal agencies, disrupting capital markets and research while costing the economy up to $15 billion a week, underscoring how fragile high-tech growth becomes when governance stalls. Taiwan–U.S. High-Tech Partnership is emerging as a strategic framework for resilient supply c...

This week, we take a closer look at two stories shaping the global innovation narrative from opposite sides of the Pacific. Taiwan Tech Week 2025: From Semiconductor Island to Innovation Island Taiwan brought more than 120 startups and 3,500 professionals to Silicon Valley in its boldest overseas showcase yet. The Taiwan Tech Summit at Santa Clara Convention Center signaled a shift in identity, po...

This week, we spotlight Jim Keller’s decision to bring Tenstorrent to Taiwan, and preview the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE 2025)—two stories that highlight Taiwan’s expanding influence at the cutting edge of global technology. Jim Keller and Tenstorrent: Betting on Taiwan At SEMICON Taiwan 2025, legendary chip architect Jim Keller—known for breakthroughs at Apple, AM...

This week, we look back at the breakthroughs and challenges unveiled at SEMICON 2025 in Taipei, and preview the upcoming Taiwan Tech Summit in Silicon Valley—two events that showcase Taiwan’s central role in the global tech arena. SEMICON 2025：AI and Advanced Packaging at the Forefront The 2025 International Semiconductor Exhibition (SEMICON 2025) in Taipei celebrated its 30th anniversary with a...

This week, we take a closer look at three stories shaping technology, business, and Taiwan’s role in the global arena. Chip Tariffs Intensify U.S. President Donald Trump is once again using tariffs to push semiconductor production back to America. This move challenges decades of globalized supply chains and sharpens U.S.–China tech rivalry. We chose this story because Taiwan’s central role in chip...

In this episode of AI News, we delve into the latest developments shaping the global tech landscape. We start with a look at the economic implications of the recent US tariffs and how they are poised to impact the supply chain for AI and other advanced technologies. Next, we shift our focus to the rapidly emerging market for AR glasses, exploring new hardware and software innovations and discussin...

How is AI redefining our living spaces? A Taiwan-based innovator, HOMEE.AI, is revolutionizing the global home furnishing industry with its cutting-edge AI technology. We are honored to have Kenny Du, the founder and CEO of HOMEE.AI, join us to share how this cloud-based solution simplifies the entire process of interior design and furniture selection. Discover how this groundbreaking technology i...

In the past, the fashion industry was characterized by a supply-driven mindset that led to massive waste and overstock. The digital fabric cloud platform, Frontier.cool, drastically reduces production costs and waste through digitalization and AI, and has secured international brand clients such as Adidas and Under Armour. We are pleased to have Wayne Y. Fan, co-founder & chief strategy office...

Chips are ubiquitous, and each one poses a cybersecurity risk of being hacked. Where should we start to ensure information security? We are delighted to have John, the founder and current CEO of JMEMTEK, discuss his vision, the backstory of the business, and how JMEMTEK embedded their solution into chips to create a safer environment in this era of the Internet of Everything. Share your thoughts a...

How do leading startups like Amazon and TSMC expand a business at maximum speed to seize market opportunities in highly uncertain environments ? We had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Yeh, the co-author of Blitzscaling,  exploring the concept and strategies of "Blitzscaling". His books help founders, venture capitalists, corporate leaders, policymakers, and everyday people better understa...

 Volker Heistermann is an experienced investment professional with over 25 years of experience in investment, business development, and innovation management. He has worked in key markets such as the USA, Germany, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Currently, he co-founded Mosaic Venture Lab, which delivers groundbreaking solutions in cabin intelligence, electrification, and sustainability. In this...

We had the pleasure of speaking with Bruce, a serial entrepreneur and advisor, who returned to the energy technology startup scene after retiring three times. Through his extensive international experience, he shared with us insights into different cultures and business practices. Additionally, Bruce shared interesting case examples and ideas, including topics like energy and the carbon future , w...