Small Business Innovation Research

This program in Taiwan, promoted by the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, aims to encourage SMEs to conduct R&D on innovative technologies and products to drive industrial innovation and economic development.

Objectives:

• Promote R&D in innovative techniques and products among SMEs.
• Boost competitiveness of Taiwanese SMEs.
• Expand private-sector investment in R&D.
• Support industrial development and economic growth.

Target Beneficiaries:

• SMEs defined as enterprises with paid-in capital of NT$100 million or less or fewer than 200 employees.
• Individual SMEs or R&D alliances (joint applications by at least three members, majority SMEs).
• Alliances may include schools, legal persons, or institutions in Taiwan or overseas.

Key Features:

• Project categories include Innovative Technologies (raising technical standards) and Innovative Services (creating new service industries and business models).
• Three application phases:
  1. Phase I: Preliminary research and concept validation (up to 6 months, funding up to NT$1 million).
  2. Phase II: R&D and detailed planning, including trial production (6 months to 2 years, funding up to NT$5 million per year).
  3. Phase II+: Added-value applications focusing on commercialization and market implementation (6 months to 1 year, funding up to NT$5 million).
• Funding limits vary by phase and whether the application is individual or alliance-based, with alliances receiving proportionally higher funding.
• Each SME can participate in one R&D alliance project.
• Emphasis on practical benefits to industries and commercialization potential.

Application Process:

• Applicants must describe key problems, creative concepts, anticipated industrial benefits, R&D track records, and implementation plans.
• Funding is provided based on project phase and scale, with clear duration limits.

This program supports Taiwanese SMEs in advancing innovative research and commercializing new technologies and services to enhance industrial competitiveness and economic vitality.