Taiwan launches program to boost AI use in southern industries

台灣啟動大南方新矽谷計畫推動AI應用

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Science and Technology Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Digital Affairs, will invest over NT$4.5 billion (US$140 million) from this year through 2029 to promote AI adoption in southern Taiwan’s industries, aiming to drive regional development and strengthen the local AI talent pool.

According to the council, approximately NT$370 million has been allocated this year to support AI adoption in the region's foodservice and caregiving industries, per CNA. From next year through 2029, the plan calls for an annual investment of NT$1.04 billion to bolster other sectors, including manufacturing, metal processing, and automotive component industries.

Foodservice businesses applying to join the program can receive subsidies up to NT$5 million. Through the initiative, they will be able to use AI to optimize food preparation processes, implement automated scheduling systems, and adopt serving robots. Businesses can also leverage AI to recommend menu items tailored to customer needs.

The economic ministry has approved applications from 11 companies. Among them, Hi-Lai Foods Co. is collaborating with Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology to develop voice-based reservation systems and AI-powered food waste reduction solutions. Another approved project involves a partnership between Mercuries F&B Co. and Soochow University, which will focus on an AI-powered ordering program.

Additionally, Tainan's A Sha Restaurant will collaborate with Tainan University of Technology through the initiative to adopt AI technologies aimed at enhancing operations and supporting the restaurant's transformation.

The program will also help foodservice businesses adopt AI-powered point-of-sale (POS) systems to streamline checkout and reconciliation processes. These systems can integrate with food delivery platforms to automatically import orders, analyze order data, and schedule printing through the POS system, thereby helping reduce delivery errors.

In the caregiving sector, businesses applying to join the program may receive up to NT$5 million in subsidies. This includes support for workforce expansion and the addition of rehabilitation assistive devices. Additionally, AI-driven systems will be used to analyze seniors' health data, generate care records, and provide caregiving guidance.

The economic ministry has also approved an AI-powered chronic disease care program proposed by JiangYu Innovative Medical Technology. Other approved projects include Imedtac Co.'s AI-based cognitive and muscle strength training equipment, which aims to enhance seniors' ability to maintain independent living and manage their health.