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Orbiting success: TASA incubator's mission to propel innovation in Taiwan's space industry and ecosystem

Vyra Wu, DIGITIMES Asia, Taipei 0

Credit: TASA

The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) is set to inaugurate an incubation center in the latter half of this year. The center aims to offer technical support and access to Taiwan's manufacturing supply chain. Its primary goal is to attract domestic and international startups in the space industry, encouraging them to establish and flourish in Taiwan. Wu Jong-shinn, the Director-General of TASA, emphasized the robust capabilities of Taiwanese companies in the satellite industry, particularly in ground equipment. Discussions are underway between significant satellite operators and Taiwan's industry suppliers for potential collaborative ventures.

Taiwan boasts an exceptional environment conducive to various industries, including ICT and precision machinery. TASA plans to take on a more proactive role this year in nurturing innovation. "We encourage the development of internal spin-offs and external collaborations with companies seeking to leverage TASA's outstanding software, hardware, and environmental testing resources. These resources encompass cutting-edge facilities for space-related testing, offering valuable experiences and insights into space environments and design. By facilitating exchanges between TASA's technical teams and innovative startups, we aim to catalyze fruitful collaborations between emerging companies and the diverse industries associated with TASA," said Wu.

The TASA incubator aims to harness the organization's wealth of experience and resources. It extends a strategic invitation to both burgeoning startups in the space-related sector and subsidiaries emerging from well-established enterprises, encouraging their active involvement in innovative industry guidance. This avant-garde incubator is a catalyst, providing indispensable resources, including specialized expertise, advanced equipment, a skilled workforce, and fundraising consultations. Its overarching goal is to propel these entities through the intricate phases of product development, rigorous testing, credible validation, and effective promotional strategies within the dynamic landscape of the space industry.

Distinguished by its commitment to delivering unparalleled satellite integration services, the incubator plays a pivotal role in talent cultivation within the space industry. It not only advocates for cross-disciplinary collaboration and integration within the realm of the space industry but also forges robust partnerships with prominent international space organizations and institutions. This concerted effort aims to attract diverse collaborative partners, facilitate seamless expansion into global markets, and ultimately foster a thriving ecosystem for burgeoning space startups.

The ecosystem encompasses key enterprises, research institutions, international resources, talent, and government departments that collaboratively support comprehensive guidance for entrepreneurs. "We assist companies in regularly organizing technical and product presentations, utilizing information from our technology and research support to align with talent and skills. Our matchmaking events, forums, seminars, and overseas business opportunity information sessions further enhance collaboration and participation in domestic and international expos," said Dr. Chen Way-Jin Department Director of Space Technology Application at TASA. Moreover, the organization provides services such as satellite assembly, integration, testing, and electronic component radiation testing.

Venture capital firms actively seek investments in space-related products, and TASA plays a pivotal role in elucidating and promoting these products. This expedites understanding by venture capitalists, potentially resulting in increased funding for the domestic space industry.