#Japan #Digital Transformation #Sustainable Innovation #Tokyo #Venture Café

Taiwan Showcases Innovation and Sustainability at Venture Café Global Gathering 2025

In March 2025, Tokyo played host to the Venture Café Global Gathering, a pivotal event for the global startup community, where Taiwan's thriving startup ecosystem took the spotlight. The Digital Transformation Association (DTA) spearheaded Taiwan's participation, emphasizing the island's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. This gathering attracted over 1,000 innovators, startups, policymakers, and academic leaders from more than 80 countries, all eager to foster collaboration and explore new opportunities.

DTA's Leadership and Taiwanese Startups

Leading the Taiwanese delegation was DTA President Jen-Ran Chen, who brought together a mix of startups, investors, and industry leaders to engage in vital discussions regarding regional innovation and potential collaborations. Among the notable attendees was Benjamin Jen, Managing Partner at GRC VC Fund and a former president of the Taiwan MIT Alumni Club, alongside Benjamin Liao, Chairman of Forte Hotel Group and key member of the MIT REAP Team Hualien. These influential figures are known for their instrumental role in enhancing Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem, aligning with sustainable development goals.

A highlight of the event was the #Pitch2Tokyo competition, showcasing the talents of Taiwan's startup community. Dr. Roy Cheng, CEO of an ITRI-supported startup and a representative from MIT REAP Team Hualien, impressed the audience with his presentation of Harvest Defender—a pioneering solution in precision agriculture that utilizes Hualien's organic farmlands. This platform not only underscores the innovative spirit of Taiwanese startups but also their focus on sustainable practices in agriculture.

Advancing Urban Sustainability

At the Resilient Sustainable Cities panel, DTA collaborated with the MIT REAP Team Hualien to highlight Taiwan's leadership in urban innovation. The panel hosted Fara Taraie, an urban design expert with extensive experience in both Japan and the UK. Taraie discussed best practices in sustainable city planning, providing insights that are increasingly vital for modern urban development. Meanwhile, Benjamin Liao, who also serves as Chair of PATA Taiwan, elaborated on strategies for sustainable tourism and hospitality development. Concurrently, blockchain entrepreneur Harrison Goldsmith spoke about how cutting-edge technologies are propelling sustainability and enhancing urban resilience.

Strengthening Regional Innovation

DTA Secretary-General Dr. Samantha Huang participated in the East Asia Innovation Panel, where she engaged with key stakeholders like Osamu Aruga, Director for Innovation Policy at Japan's Cabinet Office, and Harim Chung, Director at the Tokyo Office of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency. The discussions, moderated by James Lee, Senior Manager of Global Asia Innovation Advisory at CIC Tokyo, revolved around government-led innovation policies and the growth of startup ecosystems. This session underscored the ample opportunities for collaboration among East Asian nations in cultivating innovation-driven economies.

DTA's Ongoing Commitment

As Taiwan's premier industrial association for digital transformation, the DTA's presence at the 2025 Venture Café Global Gathering exemplifies its commitment to positioning Taiwan as a global hub for social innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By participating in such influential gatherings, the DTA aims to strengthen Taiwan's role on the world stage, showcasing its vibrant startup ecosystem and fostering partnerships that can further propel sustainable development.

For additional information about the DTA, visit Digital Transformation Association.