Taiwan, long recognized as a global leader in semiconductors, is rapidly positioning itself as the "next frontier" for the space economy. With its strategic geographic location, world-class manufacturing base, and advanced technology ecosystem, Taiwan is attracting innovative SpaceTech startups from around the globe. These companies view Taiwan not only as a gateway to Asia but also as a critical partner in developing next-generation aerospace technologies.
Credit: TAcc++
Through the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMESA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, startups specializing in AI-driven satellite platforms, geospatial intelligence, Earth observation, and advanced space applications are forging new alliances, tapping into Taiwan's supply chains, and exploring joint R&D opportunities. Their visits underscore Taiwan's growing role as an indispensable hub for international collaboration in the space sector.
SkyServe: AI Edge Computing for Smarter Satellites
India-based SkyServe is building cutting-edge onboard AI and edge-computing platforms that transforms satellites into "smart" systems capable of conducting real-time analytics in orbit. By embedding AI directly into satellite hardware, SkyServe enables faster, more efficient decision-making by processing satellite data directly onboard and reducing the latency of deriving insights from space. This capability has broad applications, ranging from maritime logistics and agriculture monitoring to disaster management and environmental observation.
During its participation in the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, the company set clear objectives for its Taiwan engagement: exploring strategic partnerships with local manufacturers, assessing Taiwan's semiconductor and electronics industries as supply chain partners, and exchanging expertise to co-develop advanced hardware and software for complex AI workloads in space. Taiwan's strengths in chipmaking and system integration align well with SkyServe's roadmap for next-generation intelligent space platforms.
SkyServe has already signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during the Taiwan Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE), underscoring its commitment to long-term collaboration. Looking ahead, the company envisions building an interoperable system that connects both aerial and space platforms, enabling drones and satellites to collectively generate actionable insights. By deepening ties with Taiwan’s ecosystem, SkyServe is positioning itself as a global leader in AI-driven aerospace solutions.
Marble Imaging: Earth Observation Data for Resilient Futures
Marble Imaging, a European startup specializing in Earth Observation data and AI analytics, is expanding its presence in Asia through new partnerships in Taiwan. The company leverages high-resolution satellite imagery and advanced analytics to deliver actionable insights for governments and industries, particularly in areas such as environmental monitoring, renewable energy, and disaster response. Its solutions provide low-cost, scalable ways to visualize infrastructure, assess risks, and support data-driven decision-making.
While in Taiwan, Marble Imaging demonstrated how its technology could play a pivotal role in disaster management. The team personally experienced an earthquake during their visit, highlighting how satellite imagery can help assess affected areas quickly and provide situational awareness to local rescue units. Another case study presented was the monitoring of solar farm growth in southern Taiwan, particularly around Kaohsiung. By using satellite data, the company can map solar installations, estimate power production, and offer oversight tools to government agencies tasked with energy planning.
Marble Imaging is already progressing toward formal partnerships. It is preparing to sign an MOU with the Intelligent Maritime Research Center at National Taiwan Ocean University, while also pursuing discussions with Foxconn to integrate its data-driven services with Taiwan's industrial capabilities. By combining Earth Observation data with Taiwan's vibrant SpaceTech ecosystem, Marble Imaging is helping to create more sustainable and resilient futures.
Amelia Space Technologies: Geospatial AI for Sustainable Growth
Amelia Space Technologies, a company specializing in geospatial AI, is advancing its mission to transform satellite and multisource data into actionable intelligence. Its core platform leverages AI-driven analytics to generate insights that support environmental monitoring, water management, and circular economy initiatives. Amelia emphasized the importance of building long-term relationships in Taiwan to lay the groundwork for sustainable collaboration.
The company sees great synergy between its software-driven business model and Taiwan's hardware-focused industry, particularly in chipmaking and sensor technologies. This complementary relationship could open opportunities for co-developing end-to-end solutions that integrate advanced hardware with AI-powered geospatial analysis. Amelia's current go-to-market strategy is already being tested in the United Kingdom, where its platform helps a government environmental agency address harmful algal blooms. By identifying intervention priority areas, the system reduces ecological harm and converts waste into valuable resources.
Looking ahead, Amelia aims to expand into new domains, including maritime intelligence, smart agriculture, and water resource management. Taiwan's robust manufacturing ecosystem provides the hardware foundation that, when paired with Amelia, could create scalable global solutions. By engaging with local industry leaders through the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, Amelia is positioning itself as a strategic partner for Taiwan in the next wave of sustainable space applications.
Insight360.ai: Defense Intelligence for the Indo-Pacific
India-based Insight360.ai is a defense intelligence startup that combines AI and satellite monitoring to deliver advanced situational awareness across the Indo-Pacific region. Founded only two years ago, the company has rapidly developed its Unified Intelligence Platform, which integrates optical and SAR satellite imagery, hyperspectral data, AIS ship-tracking signals, and radio frequencies. This powerful fusion of data provides real-time alerts and predictive intelligence to defense and security agencies, enhancing their ability to respond to emerging threats.
During its engagement in the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, Insight360.ai highlighted the strategic relevance of Taiwan as a partner, citing shared geopolitical challenges and regional security needs. The company has already been working closely with the Indian Armed Forces, refining its platform for operational use. By expanding to Taiwan, Insight360.ai intends to collaborate with aerospace firms and defense stakeholders to adapt its solutions for local requirements.
Its go-to-market approach centers on direct engagement with defense agencies and forming partnerships with aerospace companies for integrated solutions. With Taiwan's advanced technology ecosystem and growing defense innovation landscape, Insight360.ai sees an opportunity to jointly enhance security resilience in the region. This collaboration underscores the vital role of space-based intelligence in the evolving defense strategies of the Indo-Pacific.
Sternula A/S: Maritime Connectivity through AIS 2.0 (VDES)
Denmark's Sternula A/S, a leader in satellite-based maritime communication, is expanding into Taiwan to accelerate deployment of AIS 2.0 also known as a VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), a next-generation connectivity technology for the maritime industry. AIS 2.0 combines VDES, enabling higher data rates than traditional AIS, and MMS, which securely routes data via VDE-TER, VDE-SAT, or IP using digital signatures through the Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP).
This technology supports services like S-124 Navigational Warnings, where Sternula's MMS Proxy (Ship and Shore) focusing on the safety of seafarers through enhanced maritime communication
Through the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, Sternula formalized its Taiwan partnerships by signing two Memoranda of Understanding.
The first, with National Taiwan Ocean University, builds on an existing collaboration to advance the development of VDES applications for Taiwan's maritime industry. The second, with Taiwanese firm VIVANTEX, explores a representation role to support Sternula's long-term business presence in Taiwan.
Sternula also used its time in Taiwan to expand international connections, engaging with companies and institutions from India, South Korea, New Zealand, and the UK. This global network is designed to support market expansion and strengthen interoperability of VDES technologies worldwide. By aligning with Taiwan's strong maritime technology ecosystem, Sternula is contributing to the modernization of regional maritime communication and reinforcing Taiwan's role as a strategic partner in global shipping innovation.
Slingshot Aerospace: Building Taiwan as a Regional Hub
US-based Slingshot Aerospace is scaling its Asia-Pacific footprint by establishing a registered business in Taiwan and hiring local staff to support its expansion. The company delivers integrated hardware and software solutions designed to enhance situational awareness and Space Situation Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) . By choosing Taiwan as its regional base, Slingshot aims to address both the Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asian markets more effectively.
During the program, Slingshot chose not to sign formal MOUs, instead prioritizing relationship-building with Taiwanese businesses and research institutions. The company highlighted the competitive advantages of sourcing hardware from Taiwan's supply chains and expressed interest in working with startups offering technologies adjacent to Taiwan's semiconductor industry.
Slingshot Aerospace has officially entered the Taiwan market through the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and has opened a Taiwan office to strengthen collaboration with local industry, academia, and government partners. This new office demonstrates Slingshot's commitment to investing in Taiwan's innovation ecosystem and building long-term partnerships that advance space technology development.
Looking forward, Slingshot plans to collaborate with the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and local businesses to strengthen Taiwan's leadership in the regional space economy. Its long-term goal is twofold: expand its own business footprint while simultaneously helping Taiwan emerge as a hub for space innovation. By anchoring its Asia-Pacific operations in Taiwan, Slingshot underscores the island's growing reputation as a launchpad for international SpaceTech ventures.
ECOTEN urban comfort: Urban Climate Resilience for Smart Cities
ECOTEN urban comfort, a Czech startup, is addressing one of the most urgent urban challenges-extreme heat-by integrating space-based data with microclimate analytics to help cities become more resilient. The company's name combines "eco" for ecological services with "Ten" derived from founder Tencar's surname. Its mission is to deliver science-based tools that enable municipalities to design smarter and more sustainable urban spaces.
During its participation in the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, ECOTEN urban comfort met with government and academic stakeholders, including the Taipei City Government, which maintains a sister-city relationship with Prague City Hall. The company emphasized that while its work is not directly tied to manufacturing, it complements Taiwan's smart city initiatives and its drive to address natural hazards and climate-related risks.
ECOTEN urban comfort has already executed projects in European cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Helsinki, as well as for a private client in Las Vegas. It is currently working with the Prague Real Estate Development Agency (PDS) to strengthen heat resilience and ensure high outdoor thermal comfort in newly developed residential neighborhoods. In Asia-Pacific, the startup is actively pursuing opportunities in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
Taiwan's hot and humid climate, combined with its proactive urban innovation agenda, makes it an ideal candidate for ECOTEN urban comfort's first case study in Asia. The company hopes to build long-term partnerships that integrate climate resilience into Taiwan's smart city development.
ResearchSat: Microgravity Research for New Frontiers
Australian startup ResearchSat is pioneering new frontiers in research and manufacturing by harnessing the unique conditions of microgravity. Its proprietary Space Bioreactors and specialized satellite platforms enable groundbreaking experiments across industries such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, agriculture, and space biology-areas where space-based research can generate insights unattainable on Earth.
The company successfully completed its first mission in 2022, launching yeast samples into orbit and generating valuable biological data. Building on this success, ResearchSat plans to conduct missions every two years, with the next scheduled for 2026, sending 150 samples into space. The company is also extending opportunities to Taiwanese researchers, offering participation in its missions at an accessible cost of approximately NT$75,000 per 0.5 ml sample.
ResearchSat intends to establish a subsidiary in Taiwan to strengthen collaboration with local research institutions and organizations such as the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA). By leveraging Taiwan's advanced supply chain and growing national space program, the company aims to expand its microgravity research services while embedding itself in the island's innovation ecosystem. This partnership could accelerate the development of advanced materials and biomedical breakthroughs, reinforcing Taiwan's role in the global space economy.
Taiwan: A Global Partner in SpaceTech
Taiwan is rapidly solidifying its role in the global space economy. Its strengths in semiconductors, electronics, and advanced manufacturing provide a unique foundation for next-generation aerospace innovation. The international startups participating in the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program are not simply seeking market entry-they are seeking partnership.
With Taiwan’s expertise in hardware, its vibrant technology ecosystem, and its strategic regional location, the island has become an indispensable partner in shaping the future of SpaceTech. This collaborative spirit ensures Taiwan is not only a regional hub but also a vital global player in the new space era.
Sep. 9 - Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) visit. Deputy DG Vicky Chu (TASA, row 1 fourth from right).
DG GJ Lee (SMESA), Deputy DG Vicky Chu (TASA), and Dr. Lewis Chen (ITRI CIS) attended with TAcc+.
Article edited by Joseph Tsai
