Taiwan has announced a bold initiative titled the “Ten Major AI Infrastructure Projects,” aiming to generate over T$15 trillion ($510 billion) in economic value by 2040 as it positions itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Premier Cho Jung-tai shared the vision in a Facebook post on Tuesday, emphasizing the island’s intent to leverage its strengths in information and communications technology (ICT) and semiconductor manufacturing to transform into a “smart technology island.”
The initiative prioritizes three cutting-edge technologies: silicon photonics, quantum technology, and AI robotics. Taiwan aims to lead globally in silicon photonics, an area actively pursued by top industry players like TSMC. The government also plans to build a robust quantum technology ecosystem and establish Taiwan as a central hub for AI robotics by utilizing its strong hardware and ICT supply chains.
To support these goals, industry stakeholders have rallied behind the initiative. A new coalition, the Taiwan AI Robotics Industry Grand Alliance, was launched Tuesday, with Foxconn Chairman Young Liu among the backers. The government also intends to foster sovereign AI capabilities, build computing infrastructure, and ensure balanced regional development across the island through AI deployment in various industries.
With plans to invest over T$100 billion ($3.08 billion) in venture capital and innovation, Taiwan’s AI blueprint targets the creation of 500,000 jobs and the establishment of three world-class research laboratories. The government sees this initiative as a strategic move to attract global AI talent and investment, solidifying Taiwan’s standing in the future of artificial intelligence.