Showcasing Practical AI Applications
Taiwan is making a strong push at Vivatech in Paris, one of Europe’s largest technology and startup events. A delegation of 34 startups, alongside Foxconn’s first ever booth at the fair, is presenting a broad range of artificial intelligence applications. The Taiwan pavilion, organized by the National Science and Technology Council under the theme “AI Taiwan,” highlights how local companies integrate AI into daily life and business operations. The startups are demonstrating solutions in fields such as training, safety, energy, and retail, signaling that Taiwan’s AI ecosystem extends beyond semiconductor manufacturing to include practical, market ready products and services.
Shifting Strategy from Learning to Deal Making
National Science and Technology Council official Lin Te-sheng noted that Taiwanese startups have shifted their approach to international trade shows. Rather than attending primarily to learn and network, they now focus on securing business deals and orders. The 34 startups at this year’s event are backed by 61 supply chain companies, a model that generated significantly stronger business outcomes last year. Lin emphasized that startups must demonstrate ambition, participate in competitions, and build robust supply chains to win overseas contracts. Julie Lamande, head of Vivatech global partnerships, highlighted Taiwan’s growing importance in the global technology ecosystem, particularly in AI and semiconductors.
Foxconn and Broader European Partnerships
Foxconn’s booth features two smart electric vehicles, an AI server rack system, and other technology products. The company is targeting four key business areas in Europe: smart electric vehicles, AI server systems, AI data centers, and smart manufacturing. Foxconn Vice President Wu Chun-yi stated that the company is evolving from a hardware manufacturer into a technology platform services firm, offering complete solutions rather than individual components. He noted interest from several European countries planning national AI infrastructure, with Foxconn offering a build operate adapt model. Taiwan’s Representative to France Hao Pei-chih said Europe’s push to rebuild industry and reduce risk creates opportunities for trusted partners, and Taiwan’s strengths in advanced chips, AI servers, and software make it a strong collaborator.
