Real World AI: Connect, Invest & Scale in Taiwan

Taiwan has long been one of the engines behind the global AI revolution, producing the advanced semiconductors, electronics, hardware, and manufacturing capabilities that power many of the world’s most important technologies. Now the next wave of AI is moving beyond software and centralized computing into robotics, autonomous systems, intelligent hardware, smart manufacturing, drones, and machines that interact directly with the physical world.

Building these companies requires far more than algorithms. It requires engineering expertise, manufacturing capacity, reliable supply chains, commercialization partners, and the ability to scale from prototype to global production. Taiwan brings these capabilities together in one of the world’s most sophisticated technology ecosystems.

This Official TechCrunch Side Event is designed for Corporate VC teams, venture investors, strategic investors, innovation leaders, founders, and technology companies looking for early access to emerging technologies and new partnership opportunities. Join us in San Francisco to meet Taiwanese founders and technology leaders building the next generation of Real World AI. Discover emerging companies, identify potential investments, explore strategic technologies, and connect directly with founders who may become future portfolio companies, technology partners, suppliers, customers, or acquisition targets.

Corporates Are Back: How VCs and CVCs Are Co Investing in the AI Era

As part of the event, we are holding a special panel discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the relationship between traditional venture capital and Corporate VC.

As capital increasingly moves toward AI infrastructure, intelligent hardware, robotics, and other technologies that require significant resources to commercialize, collaboration between financial investors and corporate investors is becoming increasingly important. Join Kayvan Baroumand, Founder of SignalRank AI, Ben Narasin of Tenacity Venture Capital, Chi-Chao Chang of Fusion Fund, and Brian Bell, Managing Partner of Team Ignite Ventures in a panel discussion on emerging AI investment trends, what VCs and CVCs look for in startups, how their investment strategies differ, and where they can work together to accelerate innovation.

The conversation will also examine what Corporate VCs can bring beyond capital, including strategic customers, industry expertise, manufacturing resources, distribution channels, technology partnerships, and pathways to global markets. Traditional venture investors bring capital, startup networks, company building expertise, and the ability to help founders move quickly. When these capabilities come together, they can create powerful opportunities for startups entering capital intensive areas such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, intelligent hardware, and Real World AI.

Taiwan will be an important part of this discussion. For Silicon Valley investors and corporate innovation teams, Taiwan represents far more than semiconductor manufacturing. Its combination of engineering talent, advanced manufacturing, technology suppliers, global supply chains, and commercialization capabilities creates both an investment pipeline and a platform for scaling emerging technologies.

The panel will explore how Silicon Valley investors, Corporate VCs, founders, and Taiwanese technology partners can work together to identify new investment opportunities, build strategic partnerships, accelerate commercialization, and bring promising technologies to global markets.

For investors, this is an opportunity to discover companies before they become widely known and understand where the next generation of AI investment opportunities is emerging. For founders, it is an opportunity to meet investors, corporate partners, manufacturers, and technology leaders who can help turn ambitious ideas into globally scalable businesses.

The next phase of AI will not be built by software alone. It will require capital, hardware, manufacturing, supply chains, and strategic partnerships. Come see why Taiwan is becoming one of the most important places to connect, invest, and scale in the Real World AI economy.

This official TechCrunch Side Event is hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA), and Industrial Development Administration (IDA), and Taiwan Corporate Venture Capital Forum, showcasing how Taiwan powered the AI revolution and is now bringing AI into the real world.

Signature light fare and drinks will be served.

This event is immediately followed by another event at the same venue: Funders & Founders After Hours: Taiwan Innovation Meets Capital. Starting at 6:30PM, please come meet Taiwan’s next generation of startups across AI, MedTech, space, energy, healthcare, and frontier tech. It is another Official TechCrunch Side Event connecting founders with Silicon Valley investors and corporate leaders.

This event is independently organized and operated solely by Sparknify on behalf of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. TechCrunch Media, LLC is not responsible for the event's content, programming, speakers, venue, attendee conduct, or any incidents, injuries, or claims arising from the event. Sparknify agrees to indemnify and hold harmless TechCrunch Media, LLC from any liability related to the event.

Produced by Sparknify, known for its signature Silicon Valley vibe and high signal networking that brings Silicon Valley's founders, investors, and tech leaders together to turn meaningful conversations into partnerships, investments, and real opportunities.