Chung Yuan Christian University’s Industry Accelerator and Incubation Center participated in the 2nd Startup Ecosystem Stars Awards (SES Awards) organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and was recognized as a “Startup Ecosystem Star.” It is the first university incubation center in Taiwan to receive this honor and the only Taiwanese recipient this year, showcasing its contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem development, and internationalization.
The SES Awards, co-hosted by the ICC, Mind the Bridge, OECD, and the European Commission, with support from Microsoft, honor organizations promoting innovation globally. In 2024, 64 institutions from 36 countries received awards, including 35 as “Startup Ecosystem Stars” and 29 as “Rising Stars.” The ceremony took place on December 4, 2024, in Paris, with Kao Ching-Hang, Director of CYCU’s Industry Collaboration Division, accepting the award.
Chung Yuan Christian University’s Industry Accelerator and Incubation Center has long focused on building a comprehensive entrepreneurship platform, offering training, mentorship, and technical support to enhance the competitiveness of startups. Its efforts have successfully helped teams expand into global markets, earning recognition as a “Startup Ecosystem Star.” This achievement highlights CYCU as a key player in fostering innovation ecosystems worldwide and a beacon of Taiwan’s innovation on the international stage.
President Li Ying-Ming noted that this honor affirms CYCU’s dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship. The university aims to be a core part of Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem while fostering global collaboration to connect startups with international resources and opportunities.
Director Chang Yong of CYCU’s Industry Collaboration Division emphasized the center’s support for startups through technical assistance and funding, as well as its efforts to build global networks, amplifying Taiwan’s innovative voice. Winning this international award is a testament to Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem as a whole.
According to the SES Awards organizers, the rapid growth of regional ecosystems worldwide offers hope for narrowing the global innovation gap. Regions implementing effective policies and investments have advanced technological innovation and global connectivity, serving as models for others. CYCU’s success exemplifies this trend.
Chung Yuan Christian University’s Industry Accelerator and Incubation Center is the first university incubation center in Taiwan to receive the “International Incubation Excellence” award. It is also the only Taoyuan City entity authorized as a Creative Board recommender by the Taipei Exchange, achieving several pioneering milestones.
In collaboration with the Taoyuan City Government, the center co-manages the Taoyuan Youth Innovation Base, supporting over 60 startups annually. To date, it has helped businesses secure more than NT$200 million in government funding and over NT$80 million in grants and subsidies.
This award not only underscores Taiwan’s growing innovation capabilities but also opens new opportunities for the center to collaborate with global innovation ecosystems.
