MOST Minister Chen Liang-gee (center) unveils a plan to establish AI research centers July 6 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of MOST)
 

The Ministry of Science and Technology unveiled plans July 6 to establish up to four artificial intelligence innovation research centers across Taiwan as part of government efforts to enhance the nation’s competitiveness in AI technology.

The initiative will receive NT$1 billion (US$32.68 million) in funding annually over a period of five years. The goals are to attract over 300 foreign and domestic academic and industry experts as well as train up to 3,000 personnel in AI-related disciplines.

According to the ministry, individuals and organizations operating at the centers will have access to facilities and funding that will aid their research in areas such as AI hardware and algorithm development. In addition, the centers will support the development of new AI in the realms of financial technology, smart manufacturing, smart health care and intelligent transportation systems, the MOST said.

The project aims to attract local talents by offering grants of up to NT$60,000 each month for principal researchers. The ministry will also provide partial funding for globally competitive salaries for top-level international talents.

Speaking at a news conference, MOST Minister Chen Liang-gee said the government’s goal is to foster an environment conducive to developing cutting-edge technology. This will in turn help Taiwan become a focal point for AI research and development, he added.

Through such initiatives, the nation will work toward becoming an important supplier for AI industries worldwide, Chen said, noting that the project will also facilitate the establishment of international academia-industry partnerships as well as foster cross-sector collaboration.

The government held briefings on the program June 27 at National Tsing Hua University in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu City, June 28 at National Cheng Kung University in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City and June 29 at the ministry’s headquarters in Taipei City.

These measures are part of wider government efforts to boost Taiwan’s AI industry and bolster the country’s international competitiveness. In May, the ministry also announced plans to set up AI and robotics production bases in the Central Taiwan Science Park in Taichung City and the Southern Taiwan Science Park in Tainan and Kaohsiung cities. (KWS-E)