President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with this year’s Model of Entrepreneurs Award recipients on Thursday at the Presidential Office. Lai said “the world’s challenges are Taiwan’s opportunities,” and expressed hope that the winners will continue to excel in their fields and showcase Taiwan’s entrepreneurial spirit to the world.

In his remarks, Lai said the government aims to build an innovation-driven industrial ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs and business owners to fully unleash their creativity and drive industrial growth. He said the government will allocate NT$30 billion (US$955 million) to promote ten new AI-related projects, with a focus on key sectors such as silicon photonics, quantum technology, AI drones, and smart robots. Lai added that amendments to the Statute for Industrial Innovation in April incorporated AI and carbon reduction into investment tax credits and expanded tax incentives for startups, increasing opportunities for fundraising.

To help businesses mitigate the impact of tariffs, Lai said the Cabinet has increased the industry support budget from NT$88 billion (US$2.8 billion) to NT$93 billion (US$3 billion).

“I have always believed that the world’s challenges are Taiwan’s opportunities,” Lai said. “Facing global changes, the vitality and wisdom of innovative and entrepreneurial partners will be key forces in enhancing national resilience and promoting industrial upgrading. Moving forward, the government will work with entrepreneurs to boost the economy and shape the future, allowing businesses to leverage their strengths and drive development across all industries.”