COMPUTEX Taipei 2025 will be held from May 20th to 23rd at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. KIOXIA Taiwan will showcase its latest flash memory technologies and solid-state drive (SSD) solutions at booth X0001 on the 3rd floor of Hall 2 in the Semiconductor & Hospitality Suites.The exhibit will feature not only KIOXIA products and solutions but also collaborative solutions to show KIOXIA's prominent position in the industry and the AI-driven era. Visitors can expect a range of exciting breakthroughs and technologies.Memory Solution FrontierAs the AI Era is moving forward rapidly, and all kinds of applications are being deployed, more and more data will be generated, and flash memory is playing an increasingly critical role.KIOXIA, with a comprehensive portfolio of flash memory products and SSD solutions, the development of its flash memory technology has become more significant. KIOXIA's progressing flash memory technology will be brought to the visitors' eyes, including the innovative CMOS directly Bonded to Array (CBA) architecture featured in BiCS FLASHTM generation 8.Business SSD SolutionsData generation and preservation are now essential across a wide range of applications since it is the foundation of any kind of application and scenario. KIOXIA's SSD continues to evolve to meet the demands. KIOXIA will present visitors with the latest development* in the Flagship Enterprise Grade SSD product line – the KIOXIA LC9 Series SSD.*It is still under development.KIOXIA LC9 Series SSD is a 122.88 terabyte (TB) NVMe SSD in a 2.5-inch form factor and the first SSD built with the company's BiCS FLASH generation 8 3D flash memory technology 2 terabit (Tb) QLC die. KIOXIA LC9 Series SSD is designed for generative AI applications as it's built for high capacity and provides an interface designed with PCIe 5.0 technology with dual-port capability for fault tolerance or connectivity to multiple computing systems. The KIOXIA LC9 Series SSD also complements the recently announced KIOXIA AiSAQ technology, which enhances scalable RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) performance by storing vector database elements on SSDs instead of DRAM.Nimbus Innovation Award 2025 winner – together with its partners, KIOXIA's broadband SSD with an optical interface (Broadband Optical SSD) will also be showcased at the booth with its latest development of functional operation with the high-speed PCIe 5.0 interface. In next-generation green data centers, as an option besides the electrical wiring, interface using optical and broadband optical SSD significantly increases the physical distance between essential components, e.g., CPU and SSDs, while maintaining energy efficiency and high signal quality. It also contributes to the flexibility and efficiency of data center system design, where digital diversification and the evolution of generative AI require complex, high-volume, high-speed data processing.Personal Memory SolutionsWhile enhancing industry advancements, KIOXIA is also committed to empowering personal users to create unforgettable memories in all aspects of daily life. In the personal internal SSD segment, KIOXIA will show the latest mainstream PCIe Gen5 SSD, the EXCERIA PLUS G4 Series delivering read speeds of up to 10,000MB/s. It strikes a balance between high performance, power efficiency, and affordability — appropriate for consumers upgrading to next-gen platforms.The Red Dot Design Award 2025 and the Good Design Award 2024 winner, the KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS G2 Portable SSD Series, will also be appearing at the KIOXIA booth. It features a compact, elegant, and portable design that is appropriate for on-the-go users while maintaining performance and efficiency of heat dissipation.Furthermore, for microSD memory card solutions, KIOXIA is currently developing products that support faster data transfer speed modes. EXCERIA G3 and EXCERIA PLUS G3 microSD memory cards are expected to be the first ones to support faster data transfer speed. They significantly reduce data transfer times and are expected to debut alongside new compatible card readers. More information will be revealed onsite.A Collaborative EcosystemAdditionally, several leading ecosystem partners will jointly showcase their systems that are compatible with KIOXIA products at the booth to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the vital role of KIOXIA's advanced technologies in today's AI and large-scale computing demands. As one of the leading manufacturers in the flash memory technology field, KIOXIA remains committed to advancing performance and delivering stable, reliable flash memory solutions.At COMPUTEX 2025, step in and discover KIOXIA's latest product breakthroughs and collaborative innovations designed to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving computing era.Join and witness the sparks of the future — Make It with KIOXIA!Notes*2.5-inch indicates the form factor of the SSD and not its physical size.*Definition of capacity: Kioxia Corporation defines a gigabyte (GB) as 1,000,000,000 bytes and a terabyte (TB) as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. A computer operating system, however, reports storage capacity using powers of 2 for the definition of 1GB = 2^30 bytes = 1,073,741,824 bytes and 1TB = 2^40 bytes = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes and therefore shows less storage capacity. Available storage capacity (including examples of various media files) will vary based on file size, formatting, settings, software and operating system, and/or pre-installed software applications, or media content. Actual formatted capacity may vary.*NVMe and NVMe-MI are registered or unregistered trademarks of NVM Express, Inc. in the United States and other countries.*PCIe is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG.*Other company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of third-party companies.*Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services, and contact information, is correct on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.It's a new beginning with KIOXIAKIOXIA LC9 Series SSD

As wireless communication technology accelerates, Wi-Fi 7 is rapidly entering the consumer market, while the potential of Wi-Fi 8 continues to draw attention. With over 15 years of deep expertise in the networking and telecommunications industry, Lynwave Technology has built a solid foundation in antenna, thermal, and mainboard integration—(Power & Signal integrity, as known as "PI & SI"). Through its proprietary ATM (Antenna, Thermal, Mainboard) solutions, the company delivers high-performance services tailored to global customer demands.In an exclusive interview with DIGITIMES, General Manager Dallas Wu shared insights on emerging technology trends and Lynwave's highlights for the upcoming Computex 2025.Deep Roots in Networking and Trusted by Global Brands"Since our founding in 2009, Lynwave has remained dedicated to wireless communication technologies," said Wu. "Our antenna design solutions have been adopted by leading U.S. brands and major Japanese manufacturers. Each year, we undertake more than 200 ODM projects, with thousands of successful cases under our belt. This wealth of experience makes our solutions highly competitive and reliable."ATM Integration Takes Center Stage at Computex 2025At Computex 2025, Lynwave will spotlight its hallmark ATM solutions—demonstrating how the integration of antennas, thermal systems, and mainboards(PI&SI) can significantly enhance the performance and reliability of networking devices."Our comprehensive services not only improve signal quality but also address thermal management and circuit integration challenges," Wu explained. "This helps clients avoid the coordination hassles often encountered when working with multiple vendors."The company will also unveil its next-generation Wi-Fi 8 intelligent antenna concepts, engineered to meet the high-bandwidth demands of the AI era. From smart manufacturing and smart cities to automotive connectivity, Lynwave's technology is built to maximize customer value across applications.Global Manufacturing Support from VietnamTo further strengthen its global capabilities, Lynwave established a new assembly and testing facility in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam in 2023. Certified with ISO and in the process of obtaining RBA certification, the plant ensures consistent production quality and supply chain stability."Our goal is to help clients around the world gain faster and more efficient access to premium networking solutions," said Wu.Emphasizing Simulation Expertise and Service EfficiencyAt Lynwave, simulation-driven design is a core strength. The company leverages advanced modeling tools and extensive field experience to accelerate product development and ensure optimal antenna performance within real-world constraints. This efficiency not only shortens time-to-market but also helps customers reduce cost and risk during the design phase.Lynwave's responsive business team is always ready to support inquiries and provide tailored technical consultations. Global partners are encouraged to reach out anytime to explore how Lynwave can empower their wireless innovation journey.Looking Ahead: Innovation as the Driving ForceLynwave remains committed to advancing its ATM integration strategy while accelerating the development of Wi-Fi 8 intelligent antennas to meet the demands of next-gen connectivity."Through continuous innovation, we aim to help our clients unlock the full potential of their products and grow together with partners worldwide," Wu concluded.Lynwave invites all international buyers and industry partners to visit its booth at Computex 2025 – Hall 1, J1433. Come to discover how integrated solutions are redefining the wireless future.For more information visit https://www.lynwave.com/enThermal Simulation of Circuit Board Components

VIA Labs, Inc. (VLI), a leading provider of USB4, SuperSpeed USB, USB PD Controllers, and Display Controllers, has unveiled a USB4 gaming dock reference design that meets the latest EU EUP/ERP energy efficiency requirements. The design features VL832, a USB-IF certified USB4 Device Controller; VL109, a USB PD 3.2 certified Power Delivery Controller; and VL605, a DisplayPort to HDMI 2.1 Protocol Converter. VIA Labs will showcase its latest product solution at Computex 2025 from May 20 to 23 at the Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1, USB-IF Community – VIA Labs, Inc. (Booth N0313).Since the launch of Nintendo's Switch in 2017, which became a massive hit with its support for both handheld and TV modes, the market has seen the emergence of various gaming handheld consoles. Valve's Steam Deck has attracted significant attention due to its impressive ability to run PC games. Subsequently, gaming handhelds such as ASUS ROG Ally, MSI CLAW, Lenovo Legion Go, and Acer Nitro Blaze series have also been released, rapidly expanding the handheld gaming market. There are even speculations that Xbox and PlayStation will launch handheld gaming consoles in 2027. These gaming handhelds are equipped with powerful and efficient graphics processors, capable of running various AAA game titles while using battery power. They also support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology, which enhances the gaming experience by eliminating screen tearing, reducing input lag, and improving overall game smoothness. Moreover, these handhelds support USB-C connectivity, allowing users to switch from handheld mode to TV mode and enjoy gaming on a television or gaming monitor for a more immersive visual experience. Most of these gaming devices also support USB4 or Intel Thunderbolt, enabling high-speed video, audio, and USB data transmission at up to 40Gbps.Concurrently, within the wider regulatory environment for electronic goods, the EU's EUP (Energy-Using Products) and ERP (Energy-Related Products) regulations are also evolving. These aim to reduce the environmental impact of energy-consuming products and improve energy efficiency. The updated regulation (EU) 2023/826 expands the scope of control and imposes stricter power consumption limits for electronic and electrical equipment in off, standby, and networked standby modes. Starting May 9, 2025, products must comply with the new requirements, with power consumption not exceeding 0.5 watts in standby or off mode. From 2027 onward, the limit will be further reduced to 0.3 watts.In response to emerging trends in the gaming market and the upcoming EU 2027 EUP/ERP regulations, VIA Labs has introduced a USB4 gaming dock reference design that delivers new levels of functionality and performance while meeting these stringent energy efficiency standards. The design features the VL109, a 3-port USB PD 3.2 controller optimized for ultra-low standby power consumption. It supports the USB4 device controller VL832, enabling USB4 40Gbps or legacy DisplayPort Alternate Mode, and also provides USB PD EPR charge-through, delivering up to 140W of power to the host. In standby mode—when the upstream port is not connected to host—the design intelligently manages power to other key components on the board, reducing total power consumption to only 10 milliwatts. This is significantly below the 300 milliwatt limit mandated by the 2027 EUP/ERP standby/off-mode requirements, offering very large margin for developers to implement additional features or functionality.To provide flexible yet cost-effective display options for gamers, this reference design features an HDMI 2.1 port and a USB-C port supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode. It avoids the cost of a DP MST hub (required for simultaneous dual output) by activating video output on a first-come, first-served basis. Gamers can easily connect to either HDMI Displays or the growing range of USB-C portable monitors. Through VL832's USB4 DP tunneling mode, either interface can deliver high refresh rates of up to 4K@240Hz.Another highlight of this reference design is the VL605, a fully VRR-capable HDMI 2.1 Protocol Converter. The VL605 converts DisplayPort signals from the VL832 into HDMI 2.1 output at up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz. It preserves VRR capabilities by translating DisplayPort's Adaptive Sync for seamless operation over HDMI 2.1. This ensures seamless VRR functionality is enabled across AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible platforms. Furthermore, VL605 has passed AMD FreeSync validation testing, and its OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) has been incorporated into AMD's latest GPU drivers, enabling FreeSync Premium Pro functionality on compatible AMD platforms as well. Additionally, VL605 supports LPCM and various compressed audio formats. It integrates a DSC decoder and complies with the latest DisplayPort 2.1 standard, supporting both Autonomous Mode and Source-controlled Mode, which provide enhanced control capabilities for the signal source. To safeguard against malicious firmware attacks, VL605 also enables secure firmware updates via built-in ECDSA authentication.Huineng Chang, Director of Product Management Division at VIA Labs, emphasized the potential of VL605 in the gaming market. He stated: "With increasingly powerful handheld game consoles entering the market, mobile chipsets from Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek now support hardware-based ray tracing. This marks a shift where gamers are no longer confined to traditional consoles like Xbox or PlayStation, but can enjoy AAA titles on handheld game consoles. On the other hand, many of today's TVs support high refresh rates and Game Mode, while portable monitors have also become more popular and widely adopted. In response to these trends, VIA Labs has introduced this reference design alongside a range of USB Hub and USB PD controllers, enabling VL605 to support USB-C multifunction docks with USB PD charging and compliance with the 2027 EUP/ERP energy regulations. With VRR support across platforms, VL605 empowers handheld game consoles to transform into high-end home gaming consoles, delivering a gaming experience that rivals traditional console systems."VIA Labs VL605: https://www.via-labs.com/product_show.php?id=123VIA Labs VL832: https://www.via-labs.com/product_show.php?id=119VIA Labs Exhibition InformationComputex Taipei 2025Date: 2025/5/20-23Location: Nangang Exhibition Hall, Hall 1, Taipei, TaiwanBooth: VIA Labs, Inc. at USB-IF Community (N0313)About VIA Labs, Inc.VIA Labs, Inc. (VLI) is a leading supplier of USB4, SuperSpeed USB, USB PD Controllers, and Display Controllers. A subsidiary VIA Technologies, Inc., VLI leverages its expertise in analog circuit design, high-speed serial interfaces, and systems integration to create a rich product portfolio that includes USB Host, Hub, and Device controllers in addition to USB PD and charging controllers. VIA Labs, Inc. has demonstrated technology and industry leadership through Standards Development and bringing newly developed USB Technologies to market. www.via-labs.com

In today's AI economy, reliability is not optional—it's essential. AI now runs factory lines, city cameras, and delivery robots, where even a one-second pause can trigger costly failures or safety risks. Any AI system that can't operate 24/7 without human intervention is simply not viable.To succeed at the edge, AI must meet four strict demands: sub-100 ms latency, 99.999% uptime, a power budget under 20 W, and junction temperatures below 85 °C. Without these, systems overheat, slow down, or fail in the field.Credit: DEEPXArchitected for reliability: DX-M1's thermal and performance breakthroughsThe GPGPU-based AI systems fall short of these requirements. They consume over 40 W—far beyond what low-power infrastructure and mobile robot batteries can support. They also require fans, heat sinks, and vents, which add noise, cost, and new points of failure. Moreover, their dependence on remote servers introduces cloud latency and ongoing bandwidth expenses.DEEPX overturns these hurdles. The DX‑M1 chip delivers GPGPU-class accuracy while consuming less than 3 W of power. In thermal testing with YOLOv7 at 33 FPS under identical conditions, DX‑M1 maintained a stable 61.9 °C, while a leading competitor overheated to 113.5 °C—enough to trigger thermal throttling. Under maximum load, DX‑M1 sustained 75.4 °C while achieving 59 FPS, whereas the competitor reached only 32 FPS at 114.3 °C. This demonstrates that DX‑M1 delivers 84 % better performance while running 38.9 °C cooler.A key strength of the DX-M1's architecture is its balance of speed and stability. Unlike some DRAM-less NPUs that rely on bulky on-chip SRAM—often leading to overheating, slowdowns, and low manufacturing yield—DX‑M1 combines compact SRAM with high-speed LPDDR5 DRAM positioned close to the chip. This results in smoother, cooler, and more reliable AI performance, even in compact, power-constrained environments. As a result, DX-M1 reduces hardware and energy costs by up to 90 %, making it one of the most cost-effective AI chips available.Credit: DEEPXThe true cost of AI hardware: More than the price tagDEEPX recently supported two customers building AI systems for factory robots and on-site servers. At first, both companies planned to use 40 W GPGPUs. But during testing, they realized the hidden costs:Running a 40 W GPGPU nonstop for five years uses twice as much money in electricity as it costs to buy one DX-M1 chip. The heat from GPGPUs requires fans and cooling systems, which consume extra power and increase maintenance needs. Even if the GPGPU hardware were free, the total cost of operation would still be more than double compared to using DX-M1.When the companies tested multiple NPU vendors for power efficiency, heat, and accuracy, they found that DEEPX's DX-M1 was the best fit for their real-world use. Over five years, DX-M1 cuts electricity and cooling costs by about 94% compared to GPGPU-based systems. This huge saving gives companies using AI at scale a major business advantage.In short, the most cost-effective AI hardware is not the one with the lowest price tag—but the one that delivers high performance with low power, stable heat, and reliable results over time.The future of AI will be built not just on speed or model size—but on reliability. Without stable, predictable performance, AI cannot scale into the real world. In factories, cities, and autonomous machines, even a momentary delay can lead to failure, risk, or lost trust. That's why reliability isn't just important—it's foundational. DEEPX is leading this transformation by reducing risk, lowering long-term costs, and delivering AI that operates independently, safely, and without interruption.Credit: DEEPX

DEEPX ensures unmatched AI reliability with lower power, lower heat, and a total cost of ownership lower than even "free" chips.For Lokwon Kim, founder and CEO of DEEPX, this isn't just an ambition—it's a foundational requirement for the AI era. A veteran chip engineer who once led advanced silicon development at Apple, Broadcom, and Cisco, Kim sees the coming decade as a defining moment to push the boundaries of technology and shape the future of AI. While others play pricing games, Kim is focused on building what the next era demands: AI systems that are truly reliable."This white paper," Kim says, holding up a recently published technology report, "isn't about bragging rights. It's about proving that what we're building actually solves the real-world challenges faced by factories, cities, and robots—right now."Credit: DEEPXA new class of reliability for AI systemsWhile GPGPUs continue to dominate cloud-based AI training, Kim argues that the true era of AI begins not in server racks, but in the everyday devices people actually use. From smart cameras and robots to kiosks and industrial sensors, AI must be embedded where life happens—close to the user, and always on.And because these devices operate in power-constrained, fanless, and sometimes battery-driven environments, low power isn't a preference—it's a hard requirement. Cloud-bound GPUs are too big, too hot, and too power-hungry to meet this reality. On-device AI demands silicon that is lean, efficient, and reliable enough to run continuously—without overheating, without delay, and without failure."You can't afford to lose a single frame in a smart camera, miss a barcode in a warehouse, or stall a robot on an assembly line," Kim explains. "These moments define success or failure."GPGPU-based and many NPU competitor systems fail this test. With high power draw, significant heat generation, the need for active cooling, and cloud latency issues, they are fundamentally ill-suited for the always-on, low-power edge. In contrast, DEEPX's DX-M1 runs under 3W, stays below 80°C with no fan, and delivers GPU-class inference accuracy with zero latency dependency.Under identical test conditions, the DX-M1 outperformed competing NPUs by up to 84%, while maintaining 38.9°C lower operating temperatures, and being 4.3× smaller in die size.This is made possible by rejecting the brute-force SRAM-heavy approach and instead using a lean, on-chip SRAM + LPDDR5 DRAM architecture that enables:• Higher manufacturing yield• Lower field failure rates• Elimination of PCIe bottlenecks• 100+ FPS inference even on small embedded boardsDEEPX also developed its own quantization pipeline, IQ8™, preserving <1% accuracy loss across 170+ models."We've proven you can dramatically reduce power and memory without sacrificing output quality," Kim says.Credit: DEEPXReal customers. Real deployments. Real impact.Kim uses a powerful metaphor to describe the company's strategic position."If cloud AI is a deep ocean ruled by GPGPU-powered ships, then on-device AI is the shallow sea—close to land, full of opportunities, and hard to navigate with heavy hardware."GPGPU, he argues, is structurally unsuited to play in this space. Their business model and product architecture are simply too heavy to pivot to low-power, high-flexibility edge scenarios."They're like battleships," Kim says. "We're speedboats—faster, more agile, and able to handle 50 design changes while they do one."DEEPX isn't building in a vacuum. The DX-M1 is already being validated by major companies like Hyundai Robotics Lab, POSCO DX and LG Uplus, which rejected GPGPU-based designs due to energy, cost, and cooling concerns. The companies found that even "free" chips resulted in a higher total cost of ownership (TCO) than the DX-M1—once you add electricity bills, cooling systems, and field failure risks.According to Kim, "Some of our collaborations realized that switching to DX-M1 saves up to 94% in power and cooling costs over five years. And that savings scales exponentially when you deploy millions of devices."Building on this momentum, DEEPX is now entering full-scale mass production of the DX-M1, its first-generation NPU built on a cutting-edge 5nm process. Unlike many competitors still relying on 10–20nm nodes, DEEPX has achieved an industry-leading 90% yield at 5nm, setting the stage for dominant performance, efficiency, and scalability in the edge AI market.Looking beyond current deployments, DEEPX is now developing its next-generation chip, the DX-M2—a groundbreaking on-device AI processor designed to run LLMs under 5W. As large language model technology evolves, the field is beginning to split in two directions: one track continues to scale up LLMs in cloud data centers in pursuit of AGI; the other, more practical path focuses on lightweight, efficient models optimized for local inference—such as DeepSeek and Meta's LLaMA 4. DEEPX's DX-M2 is purpose-built for this second future.With ultra-low power consumption, high performance, and a silicon architecture tailored for real-world deployment, the DX-M2 will support LLMs like DeepSeek and LLaMA 4 directly at the edge—no cloud dependency required. Most notably, DX-M2 is being developed to become the first AI inference chip built on the leading-edge 2nm process—marking a new era of performance-per-watt leadership. In short, DX-M2 isn't just about running LLMs efficiently—it's about unlocking the next stage of intelligent devices, fully autonomous and truly local.Credit: DEEPXIf ARM defined the mobile era, DEEPX will define the AI EraLooking ahead, Kim positions DEEPX not as a challenger to cloud chip giants, but as the foundational platform for the AI edge—just as ARM once was for mobile."We're not chasing the cloud," he says. "We're building the stack that powers AI where it actually interacts with the real world—at the edge."In the 1990s, ARM changed the trajectory of computing by creating power-efficient, always-on architectures for mobile devices. That shift didn't just enable smartphones—it redefined how and where computing happens."History repeats itself," Kim says. "Just as ARM silently powered the mobile revolution, DEEPX is quietly laying the groundwork for the AI revolution—starting from the edge."His 10-year vision is bold: to make DEEPX the "next ARM" of AI systems, enabling AI to live in the real world—not the cloud. From autonomous robots and smart city kiosks to factory lines and security systems, DEEPX aims to become the default infrastructure where AI must run reliably, locally, and on minimal power.Everyone keeps asking about the IPO. Here's what Kim really thinks.With DEEPX gaining attention as South Korea's most promising AI semiconductor company, one question keeps coming up: When's the IPO? But for founder and CEO Lokwon Kim, the answer is clear—and measured."Going public isn't the objective itself—it's a strategic step we'll take when it aligns with our vision for sustainable success." Kim says. "Our real focus is building proof—reliable products, real deployments, actual revenue. A unicorn company is one that earns its valuation through execution—especially in semiconductors, where expectations are unforgiving. The bar is high, and we intend to meet it."That milestone, Kim asserts, is no longer far away. In other words, DEEPX isn't rushing for headlines—it's building for history. DEEPX isn't just designing chips—it's designing trust.In an AI-powered world where milliseconds can mean millions, reliability is everything. As AI moves from cloud to edge, from theory to infrastructure, the companies that will define the next decade aren't those chasing faster clocks—but those building systems that never fail."We're not here to ride a trend," Kim concludes. "We're here to solve the hardest problems—the ones that actually matter."Credit: DEEPXWhen Reliability Matters Most—Industry Leaders Choose DEEPXVisit DEEPX at booth 4F, L0409 from May 20-23 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center to witness firsthand how we're setting new standards for reliable on-device AI.For more information, you can follow DEEPX on social media or visit their official website.

To cultivate a stronger foundation of artificial intelligence (AI) talent and encourage greater investment in AI research and development, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) hosted the inaugural 'Best AI Award Competition,' culminating in the finals held on May 3, 2025, at the Taipei World Trade Center, Hall 1. This year's competition attracted participation from 1,253 teams spanning 36 countries. From this pool, 233 teams advanced to the finals, where they competed for gold, silver, and bronze awards, as well as honorable mentions, across the 'AI Application' and 'IC Design' categories. These categories were further divided into groups: Public Corporations, SMEs and Startups, Students, and International Teams.The Gold Award was bestowed upon eight winners: HiTRUSTpay, EYS3D Microelectronics, Daya Yoo, Jmem Tek, National Central University, National Taiwan University, Touch Lab (Philippines), and Arba Lab (UK).According to an MOEA press release, the 'Best AI Awards' aspires to be Taiwan's equivalent of the "Oscars for AI", embodying diversity, global reach, and a forward-looking vision. Its core objectives are to ignite the creativity of the next generation, foster stronger ties between academia and industry, and nurture a deeper pool of AI-savvy talent and innovative enterprises. Ultimately, the competition aims to drive the industrialization of AI and the adoption of AI across industries, thereby solidifying Taiwan's position in the AI landscape. The competition offers substantial prizes, with student group winners vying for up to NT$300,000 and winners in the enterprise open, startup and SME, and international groups competing for up to NT$1 million.Credit: MOEAAt the awards ceremony, Deputy Minister Ho Chin-tsang emphasized AI's accelerating transformation of the global industrial structure, impacting sectors from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and everyday services. He stressed the 'Best AI Awards' competition platform's crucial role in forging stronger links between talent development, technological applications, and industry demands. In response to the widespread anticipation for AI technologies, the MOEA seeks to foster a practical, application-oriented approach, encouraging innovative concepts to address real-world industry challenges. This strategy aims to continuously cultivate new talent and generate cutting-edge solutions within Taiwan's evolving AI ecosystem. Deputy Minister Ho also highlighted that the competition entries exemplify the fusion of AI technology with tangible needs and creative execution, showcasing the immense potential of translating innovative ideas into viable solutions. Looking ahead, the MOEA will sustain its commitment to facilitating the adoption of innovative solutions and maximizing their value through strategic policy initiatives and industry partnerships.Credit: MOEADirector-General Kuo Chao-chung of the MOEA's Department of Industrial Technology underscored the impressive international engagement of the inaugural Best AI Awards, attracting both enthusiastic domestic participation from enterprises and academic institutions and the involvement of 353 international professionals from 36 countries, including India, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This global participation establishes the competition as a vital platform for the international exchange of AI innovation. To expedite the industry's capacity building in AI talent and applications, the MOEA will not only continue to host the Best AI Awards but also leverage the pilot production capabilities of schools and research institutions to support businesses in design, new product development, and prototyping. Furthermore, the MOEA will collaborate with agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration and the Industrial Development Administration to facilitate industry-wide AI transformation and develop practical AI expertise.Chiu Chui-hui, Director-General of the Industrial Development Administration, cited a report by the Artificial Intelligence Technology Foundation, which identifies the 'shortage of relevant technical talent' as Taiwan's primary obstacle to AI advancement. The Global Artificial Intelligence Index corroborates this, revealing that while Taiwan excels in infrastructure (ranking 4th), it faces challenges in talent (38th), research (27th), and commercialization (39th). Consequently, the Best AI Awards are designed to expedite the real-world application of AI and the cultivation of skilled professionals. Chiu emphasized the competition's significance as Taiwan's premier AI competition, characterized by its scale, prestigious awards, and high standards (with a highly selective 7.4% award rate). He expressed his hope for collaborative efforts across all sectors to broaden the adoption of AI and harness its power to drive industrial innovation.The 'Best AI Awards' entries spanned a diverse range of application areas, including information and communication technology (18.4%), manufacturing (16.2%), healthcare (15.9%), wholesale and retail (10.2%), education (8.6%), and finance (7.8%). This diversity not only underscores the application of cutting-edge technologies but also highlights the immense potential of AI to be successfully integrated into various industries.The gold medal winners' covered areas and their attempted solutions to problems are summarized as follows:CategoryTeamWork TitleDomainPain Points to SolveAIStudentNational Central UniversityRealization of Highly Flexible Production LinesManufacturing AutomationTraditional production lines are inflexible and struggle to adapt to rapidly changing and varied production needs.AI SME and StartupData YooFarmiSpaceFarmingEnhance the efficiency and management of agricultural production, and optimize agricultural resource allocationAI Public CompanyHiTRUSTpayVeri-id equipment id verification and real-time AI anti-scam/fraud serviceCybersecurity, FintechSolve device identity verification issues, and provide real-time prevention of financial fraud, thereby enhancing transaction security.AI_INTLTouchLab (Philippines)AI driven TOUCH System – Digitizing TouchDigitalization, human-machine interactionDigitize touch, enabling machines to understand and simulate tactile sensations, thereby enhancing the precision and scope of human-computer interaction.IC StudentNational Taiwan UniversityTernary-weight Transformer model software-hardware synergetic design and neural network accelerator IC design and implementationIC design, AI hardware accelerationDesign higher-performance, lower-power AI chips to accelerate the computation of Transformer models and improve the efficiency of AI applications.IC SME & StartupJmem TekArgusNPU – PQC security edge AI inference systemCybersecurity, Edge AI, AI IC designProvide AI inference capabilities with post-quantum security on edge devices to protect sensitive data and enable high-performance AI applicationsIC Public CompanyeYs3D MicroelectronAI Edge Computing Car Parking Management SystemSmart City Transportation ManagementUse edge AI to improve parking management efficiency, optimize the allocation of parking resources, and alleviate traffic congestion.IC_INTLArbaLab(UK)ArbaEdgeAI Edge ComputingRealizing high-performance AI computing on edge devices to reduce reliance on cloud computing, enhance response speed, and improve privacy protection.Source: MOEAThe winning entries of the 'Best AI Awards' showcased the dynamic development and diverse applications of AI technology, with particularly strong innovation evident in sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing, as well as in the burgeoning fields of AIoT and edge AI integration.The Ministry of Economic Affairs pointed out that looking ahead, it will continue to collaborate with industry, academia, and research institutions, hoping that the "Best AI Awards" can become an important annual platform to promote Taiwan's AI technology development, talent cultivation, and innovative applications, and to continuously discover more promising new talents. In addition, matchmaking events will also be held concurrently during the "COMPUTEX" exhibition every May, with plans to invite more than 20 domestic and foreign venture capitalists and buyers to participate, fostering in-depth exchanges and cooperation between participating teams and the industry, and further expanding the commercialization opportunities for AI innovative applications.Through this comprehensive strategy, the Ministry of Economic Affairs aims to expedite the creation of groundbreaking AI applications and the cultivation of interdisciplinary AI expertise, ultimately steering Taiwan toward its ambitious vision of becoming a globally recognized "AI Island". For the latest updates, follow the official LinkedIn page of the Best AI Awards.

Quebec-based startup Femtum, a trailblazer in laser technology, is carving out a critical role in the evolution of semiconductor manufacturing.Spun off from Laval University's Centre of Optics, Photonics, and Lasers in November 2017, the company was founded by Louis-Rafaël Robichaud and Simon Duval, who are respectively the CEO and CTO.Initially, the focus of the company was on the laser sources. Since it was a spinoff, it had more than 20 years of research that Femtum acquired through a transfer of technologies by licensing the IP from the university.Robichaud and other experts on the team bring a wealth of knowledge to Femtum, including laser engines, fiber laser engines, all the assemblies, and the processing steps that are required to make them viable."Still today, Femtum is the only mid-infrared short pulse fiber laser in the industry," he asserted, highlighting the company's unique technological advantage. This distinctiveness is crucial in addressing the intricate challenges of manufacturing next-generation semiconductors for AI and photonics.Femtum's laser solutions are engineered to enhance precision in essential processes such as trimming and cleaning. In the production of advanced components like Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), and silicon photonics, the necessity for meticulous cleaning is paramount."One dust particle can kill a full CPO package," Robichaud warned, emphasizing the potentially devastating impact of contaminants and the critical role of Femtum's cleaning technology in preventing defects and boosting production yield.Robichaud emphasized that where Femtum distinguishes itself from other competitors is the fact that it not only provides the laser source, but also the optical end, how to focus the beam, how to condition the beam, and a fiber beam delivery. "We have fast shutters. We have optics to focus it really well. We also provide a software suite, which is pretty advanced to do the laser cleaning and laser trimming," said Robichaud.Versatile in laser solutionsThe company's technology is not just about cleaning; it's also about enabling new manufacturing processes. "We can really enable new processes. Epoxy is widely used for the bonding of parts together," Robichaud explained, pointing to the versatility of Femtum's laser solutions.Femtum has already demonstrated the efficacy of its solutions through pilot programs with key industry players. Its partnership with ficonTEC, a global leader in fiber-attached systems, has been instrumental in validating the technology at wafer scale."ficonTEC is the leading supplier of fiber attached systems in the world. They're a German company. They're the suppliers of many of the biggest Taiwanese OSATs," Robichaud stated, underscoring the significance of these collaborations.Femtum is also collaborating with other major entities, including INO and C2MI in Canada, to further refine and expand the applications of its laser technology.As Femtum looks to the future, scalability is a key focus. "The aim of Femtum is to achieve a thousand laser solutions per year," Robichaud revealed, outlining the company's ambition to significantly increase its production capacity. This vision includes the construction of a new factory in Quebec City.Seeking strategic investmentsTo fuel its expansion, Femtum is actively pursuing strategic investments. "We are raising Series A as we speak, and we hope to close this round by the end of this year," Robichaud confirmed. The company is particularly interested in attracting Taiwanese investors, recognizing the pivotal role of Taiwan in the semiconductor ecosystem."Taiwan is a key market, if not the top three markets for sure for Femtum," Robichaud emphasized, highlighting the country's importance for the company's growth strategy. He also mentioned that Femtum already has distributors in Taiwan.Femtum's business model is centered on providing comprehensive laser solutions. "We are a Femtum inside play. We co-sell our solution together with the machine integrator," Robichaud explained. This collaborative approach ensures that Femtum's technology is seamlessly integrated into the broader manufacturing process.Looking for investors, Robichaud hopes to find those that are more than just financial backers. "We're not looking only for people that can provide money, but also people that can bring value to the company, open doors and make those strategic partnerships or strategic projects or customers or suppliers, things like that," he said.With its sights set on revolutionizing semiconductor manufacturing, Femtum is poised for significant growth, driven by its cutting-edge technology and strategic vision.

Vancouver-based startup Clirio is transforming how engineering projects are visualized and managed through its cutting-edge platform that integrates augmented reality (AR), LIDAR scanning, subsurface data, and 3D visualization.Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from an applied earth science consulting company, Clirio aims to help engineering projects make better risk-informed decisions regarding large infrastructure projects such as transportation corridors, bridges, tunnels, and mining operations.According to CEO Gerald Magnusson, Clirio was born from the need to address the challenges of traditional engineering practices. "We're trying to help engineering projects make better risk-informed decisions around large infrastructure projects, such as transportation corridors, bridges, tunnels, and tailing dams for mining operations," Magnusson explains.Magnusson further highlights the difficulty for the general public to comprehend complex projects: "As you can imagine, for the layperson, looking at hundreds of 2D drawings is often challenging to understand what the scope and scale of the problem of the project is." Clirio's platform addresses this by "taking that data and putting it into the middle of the room so that everyone can ask questions based on the initial model, so everyone starts learning and growing their knowledge base around the project," says Magnusson.Core technology and unique advantagesClirio's core technology combines augmented reality, LIDAR-based scanning capabilities, subsurface data, and advanced 3D visualization. The platform enables users to capture, visualize, and collaborate on geospatial and project data in immersive environments.What sets Clirio apart, Magnusson states, is "its ability to integrate real-world 3D data, or what we often refer to as digital twins, into highly collaborative cloud-based workflows, allowing those teams to work anywhere in the world with one another". Unlike traditional BIM solutions, Clirio's tools focus on delivering real-world, spatially accurate visualizations.Scalability and data interoperabilityClirio's platform is designed with scalability in mind, capable of supporting organizations from small teams to large enterprises. The cloud-native architecture ensures that data storage, processing, and collaboration grow seamlessly. The platform also utilizes field-gathering tools on smartphones and tablets, enabling users to keep data current throughout a project's lifecycle."We've prioritized data interoperability and offer integrations with most commonly used data formats," Magnusson notes, emphasizing Clirio's ability to seamlessly integrate into clients' existing spatial data workflows. The platform supports various GIS systems, subsurface information, CAD platforms, and data formats, providing a comprehensive view of both above-surface and below-surface data.Customization and diverse applicationsClirio's platform is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific industries and use cases.Magnusson illustrates the platform's versatility: "Large-scale infrastructure engineering and construction projects can utilize geo hazard mapping and annotation tools. Archeologists could use it for digital preservation and virtual tours of excavation sites. Natural resource industries can adapt the platform for pipeline monitoring and environmental impact assessments," and even "Mining operators can collect geo-referenced 3D scans of changing conditions on site to provide safety briefings for workers that are just arriving on-site".Business model and financialsClirio operates on a subscription-based SaaS model, with pricing tiers based on usage volume and organizational size.Small teams can have access to affordable plans with limited user seats and digital workspaces. "Our tiered plans include a free tier where a user has access to one workspace. There's the pro tier for $49 US per month, and then there's a premium tier for $89 US per month". For larger clients, enterprise plans offer unlimited access and custom feature development.Clirio's annual recurring revenue is approximately CA$400,000, with CA$350,000 from services and CA$50,000 from the product side. The company's current burn rate is about CA$42,000 per month.Future roadmap and expansionClirio's future roadmap includes integrating AI to analyze geospatial data and provide actionable recommendations. The company also plans to add more data integrations and enhance its 3D annotation and design tools.Magnusson said it is also focused on expanding its hardware compatibility and establishing strategic partnerships in regions like Taiwan. He highlighted the company's interest in partnering with AI data analytics firms, display hardware manufacturers, and supporting Taiwan's infrastructure development.Looking ahead, Magnusson envisions Clirio continuing to grow its feature set based on user feedback and expanding its reach through joint ventures and strategic partnerships. "Really it is about continuing to grow our feature set based on, on what our users are telling us that is, that is critical for their types of work," Magnusson states. Ultimately, Clirio's vision is to support companies in making better-informed decisions on their projects, ensuring the best outcome for everyone involved.

Letenda, a company with a strong vision to become a major player in the transportation industry, is making significant strides in the electric bus market. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Letenda aims to transform public transit.Nicolas Letendre, Letenda's CEO and founder, with over 15 years of experience in the transportation vehicle manufacturing industry, including roles at tier-one suppliers and Bombardier Aerospace, identified a crucial gap in the North American bus market. "My family comes from an entrepreneur family, and I always wanted to start a vehicle manufacturing company," Letendre explains. This passion, combined with technical expertise and a keen business sense, led to the inception of Letenda.In 2013, Letendre began investigating the bus industry, engaging with customers and suppliers to understand their needs. A key takeaway from these interactions was the demand for a mid-sized bus, a segment underserved in North America, where the market has been dominated by 30-foot and 40-foot full-size buses since the 1960s. "The customers told us we need smaller buses than the full-size bus that we have in North America," Letendre states, highlighting the need for a 9-meter bus for transit and shuttle services.Innovation at the forefrontLetenda's journey began in 2016, with Letendre participating in various accelerators to refine the business plan and model. Securing initial investments in 2017, Letendre focused on developing a battery-electric bus program that addresses key customer requirements: zero emissions, improved passenger accessibility, enhanced maneuverability, and a good range.Letenda's commitment to innovation is evident in its design and technology. The company's buses feature a distinct shape, improved passenger cabin and accessibility, enhanced driver field of view for increased safety, and energy efficiency, and computer-controlled systems for data provision. A rear steering system enhances maneuverability, allowing drivers to navigate tight corners with ease. "So you drive the bus now like a car and not like a bus anymore," Letendre explains.Targeting the public transit marketLetenda primarily targets the public transit market, including municipal transit, airport shuttles, and university shuttles in the USA. The company also recognizes the emerging demand for on-demand transit services in smaller towns, where smaller buses like Letenda's are ideal. "Like the Uber, but for buses, and you don't need a full-size bus for that service, they take less people, so a smaller bus makes sense," Letendre points out.Strategic manufacturing and expansionLetenda's business model involves collaborating with manufacturing partners to produce its buses. This approach allows for efficient production ramp-up and scalability. Initial manufacturing will occur in Canada to serve launch customers, with plans to utilize a manufacturing partner's US site to comply with "Buy America" requirements for public transit projects in the United States.The company is also exploring opportunities to expand its manufacturing and market reach. Letendre expresses interest in collaborating with Taiwanese manufacturers to serve markets in different regions, leveraging Taiwan's capabilities and Letenda's innovative platform.Competitive and sustainableLetenda is committed to providing competitive solutions in the electric bus market. The company's buses are priced competitively with major competitors like BYD, and Letenda has the advantage of being eligible for FTA (Federal Transit Administration) projects and avoiding surtaxes. "We are competitive with the other electric buses. BYD is a Chinese company, and is banned from applying to FTA like public transit projects", Letendre explains.Letendre also recognizes the importance of government incentives in driving the adoption of electric buses. In Canada and the USA, public transit operators utilize grants to purchase buses, a model that Letenda is familiar with. "And In Canada, we have the incentive for research and development (R&D)," Letendre emphasized that the sound ecosystem of R&D is very helpful for the company.Data monetization and AI integrationLetenda's business model extends beyond bus sales to include aftermarket parts and data monetization. The company plans to leverage the data generated by its buses to provide valuable insights to customers, enhancing their operations and services.Furthermore, Letenda is embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI to enhance its offerings. The company is integrating AI-powered passenger counting devices to provide valuable data to customers.Letenda is currently in a Series A fundraising round to support its commercialization phase. The funds will be used to purchase parts and work with the manufacturing partner to deliver buses. "We are planning to achieve our breakeven point executing the Series A plan," Letendre states.Collaboration and government incentivesLetenda is coming to Taiwan in May for the Computex and actively seeks strategic partnerships to expand its market presence and leverage local expertise. The company has initiated discussions with Taiwanese bus manufacturing companies to explore collaboration opportunities.As an innovative bus company based in Quebec, Letenda is poised to make a significant impact on the transportation industry with its innovative electric bus technology, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainability.

In an era dominated by cloud-based AI, a growing movement toward edge computing is emerging. Canadian edge AI startup Picovoice offers a full portfolio of voice AI and LLM technologies, distinguishing itself by delivering cloud-level performance directly on edge devices, combining high performance with privacy and low latency.Founded in January 2018 by Alireza Kenarsari, Picovoice aims to accelerate the transition of AI processing to where data is generated – at the user's fingertips.Kenarsari observed the inherent inefficiencies of cloud-dependent AI assistants, questioning the necessity of sending even simple voice commands to distant data centers for processing."If you tell Alexa to turn off the lights, does it really need to go through half of the planet, go to a data center, and come back? Probably not," Kenarsari said. "I knew what was going to happen, so my goal was to accelerate that transition."He envisioned a future where AI could operate more locally, mirroring human intelligence. This vision, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to establish Picovoice.Kenarsari's journey to Picovoice is marked by a rich blend of experiences. His career began with stints at three different startups in Vancouver, where he witnessed the full spectrum of outcomes from acquisition and IPO to complete failure. This was followed by a role at Amazon, focusing on machine learning-based financial fraud detection. His close interactions with the Alexa unit at Amazon provided him with key insights that would shape his vision for his startup.End-to-end optimizationPicovoice's core technology is distinguished by its end-to-end optimization. The company owns its data pipelines, training mechanisms, and inference engines, enabling it to fine-tune its AI models for optimal performance on edge devices. This approach allows Picovoice to match the accuracy of cloud-based APIs while providing the low latency and reliability crucial for real-time applications.What differentiates Picovoice's solution from other edge-computing competitors? "Many edge deployment solutions use post-training optimization, where a pre-trained model (often open source) is modified to be smaller and faster. This approach has limitations: the original model isn't designed for edge deployment, restricting potential optimizations," explained Kenarsari. "Additionally, reliance on open-source runtimes like PyTorch and TensorFlow limits the optimization techniques available." These limitations make it difficult to achieve cloud-level accuracy on edge devices. That's why Picovoice addresses this by creating its own data pipeline and training mechanism.To empower non-developers to design voice-enabled product interactions, Picovoice has developed a web-based platform that simplifies the creation and customization of voice commands and wake words. It adopts a customer-centric approach, tailoring its business model to suit the unique needs of each client. As Kenarsari notes, "If you're making an AI PC, your constraints are very different compared to someone who is making a $5 million surgical robot."Its solutions are designed to be cross-platform compatible, supporting a wide array of operating systems and hardware configurations from Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox to NPU, GPU, CPU, MPU, and MCUs. "This versatility is particularly valuable for enterprises with diverse product portfolios," said Kenarsari. This is especially valuable for large enterprises that want to provide consistent user experiences across different devices.Value proposition for the edgePicovoice targets industries where privacy, reliability, and real-time processing are paramount, including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, public safety, and government tech. The company's business model is B2B-focused, offering cost-effective solutions for high-volume applications. Its technology is being utilized in various innovative applications, including LLM-based voice assistants, agentic AI, and even NASA's next-generation spacesuits. In public safety, Picovoice's on-device solutions ensure that sensitive data remains secure.Picovoice initially earned recognition by delivering technically advanced solutions that outpaced competitors, gaining credibility among sophisticated technical buyers. As the company evolves, expanding its product portfolio and refining its go-to-market strategy, its value is increasingly recognized by non-technical stakeholders as well. With a commitment to transparency, Picovoice offers open access to its technology and resources. Its flexible pricing model is designed to adapt to the unique needs and scale of each customer.Looking aheadLooking ahead, Picovoice's vision is to power a billion devices with its AI technology. It is actively expanding its team and exploring strategic acquisitions to further its reach and impact.The company remains committed to continuous innovation, investing heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of the AI revolution.Picovoice has achieved profitability and secured significant multi-year deals with Fortune 100 companies. While the company is not actively seeking fundraising, it is open to strategic acquisitions to expand its team and capabilities.