By Eryk Michael Smith/KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Taiwan Startup World Cup (台灣新創世界杯) will hold its Southern Taiwan final in Kaohsiung this month, marking the first time the startup pitch competition has expanded to the city.
The event is scheduled for July 23-24 at InterContinental Kaohsiung (高雄洲際酒店), according to the Taiwan Startup World Cup website.
Organizers said the Kaohsiung event is part of a broader initiative to connect southern Taiwan’s startup teams with international investors, business leaders, accelerators, and entrepreneurship networks.
The competition is part of Startup World Cup, a global pitch contest organized by Silicon Valley-based Pegasus Tech Ventures. Winning teams from regional events compete for a chance to advance to the global stage in the United States.
The Taiwan competition’s official schedule lists a Southern Taiwan final on July 24, followed by a Taipei final in mid-August.
Organizers said the Kaohsiung program will include startup pitches, an international panel discussion, and an awards ceremony. A networking program, harbor cultural exchange, and VIP dinner are planned for July 23.
CnC Startup Service (仙人掌創業服務), which has organized the Taiwan event since 2023, stated that the move to Kaohsiung aims to provide southern startups with more direct access to global venture capital and corporate networks.
CnC Startup Service CEO Tina Huang (黃晨淳) said the competition is not only a pitch contest, but also a way to connect Taiwanese startups with international resources.
The Taiwan Startup World Cup website says the top team will receive NT$300,000. Organizers also describe the competition as a route for Taiwan startups to connect with Silicon Valley and the wider Startup World Cup network.
The event comes as Kaohsiung continues to promote itself as a southern startup and technology hub, with development around the Asia New Bay Area, semiconductors, AI, smart manufacturing, and port-related industries.
