Industry leaders at the Taiwan-US SMEs AI Industry Forum during InnoVEX 2025 urged transforming one-off partnerships into strategic alliances to leverage artificial intelligence in addressing global challenges, with healthcare emerging as a critical focus.
This demographic crisis is creating an urgent demand for AI healthcare solutions to address the challenges of the aging population in both nations. Taiwan faces becoming "the country with the lowest birth rate in the world by 2035," according to Kai Hua, CTO at Microsoft Taiwan.
Microsoft's Azure AI Foundry, with over 1,800 models, offers Taiwanese companies access to cutting-edge cloud solutions. "Interoperable data allows us to co-develop healthcare solutions with the US, addressing the needs of aging populations in both nations," Hua explained.
"AI can empower small nations like Taiwan to deliver outsized impact, much like the internet did for small companies 25 years ago," said Chris Cottorone, president of TriOrient Investments, citing potential in healthcare and biotech to improve lives globally. "Taiwan, with 24 million people, might be able to do the work and service of 200 million."
For Taiwanese SMEs entering the US market, several significant challenges exist. Cottorone highlighted the challenges faced by Taiwan's family-run SMEs, including talent shortages and navigating a fragmented market of 50 states with varying regulations. "Don't go it alone," he urged, recommending partnerships with US chambers of commerce and state offices to mitigate risks.
"Many SMEs are family-run and struggle with leadership development, capital access, and regulatory complexity," said Cottorone, advising companies to "focus on talent and leadership development" to overcome skill shortages in the US market.
Yvie Tai, drector of Business Development at Qualcomm, stressed the importance of market research and intellectual property strategies. "Taiwanese companies must ensure their solutions address US customer needs and protect their IP globally," Tai said. She recommended three key strategies: addressing real customer needs, leveraging Taiwan's strong R&D talent and supply chain, and partnering with established US companies.
"They can help you when you try to enter the market... people might not know you, especially when you are a startup or SME, but they know the partner you are working with," Tai explained, suggesting this creates trust with US entities.
Both Chen and Cottorone endorsed the creation of permanent cross-border innovation hubs to replace fragmented bilateral efforts.
Tai highlighted Qualcomm's seven-year incubation program in Taiwan, which connects startups to US customers and fosters mutual growth. "Collaboration is not a one-company game," she said, urging more US corporations to launch similar initiatives.
"We're not just helping startups—we're helping ourselves by discovering new applications," Tai noted. The program connects startups to potential customers rather than providing financial investment, building relationships that benefit both ecosystems.
Article edited by Jingyue Hsiao
