About the Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan Challenge
The Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan Challenge (QITC) 2026 is a continuation of an initiative run by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, that was started in 2019 to support the development of Taiwan’s ICT ecosystem by identifying and nurturing innovative, new small and medium-sized companies and products in areas such as AI PC, edge AI, 5G and IoT innovations with our platforms and technologies.
Building upon our longstanding support of Taiwan’s ICT ecosystem, QITC aims to facilitate the integration of international and Taiwanese innovative ideas and technologies developments to boost innovation in Taiwan, enable new ICT industry dynamics in Taiwan, and raise the competitiveness of Taiwanese start-ups on the global stage.
Through our leadership in on-device AI, QITC 2026 will focus on AI PC and edge AI with the aim of encouraging and supporting startups to create innovative AI use cases by using Qualcomm Technologies' diversified solutions across PC computing and IoT such as Windows PC, drones and robotics, smart cities, and more.
Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan Challenge
Program Highlights in QITC 2026
QITC 2026 will guide shortlisted teams in leveraging Qualcomm Technologies' advanced Qualcomm DragonwingTM and Snapdragon® platforms to develop intelligent applications that deliver high speed, low power consumption, and robust security.
The program also encourages shortlisted teams to explore diverse edge AI application scenario through the new Arduino® UNOTM Q development board. Powered by the Dragonwing platform, the new Arduino UNO Q open-source development board supports Linux applications, real-time control, and lightweight AI inferencing, enabling startups to more quickly build applications with edge intelligence.
To accelerate the on-device AI applications across various uses cases, startup teams can also utilize the Qualcomm® AI Hub, a developer-centric platform featuring a growing library of more than 175 pre-optimized AI models so that developers can save valuable time and effort, accelerating their development and deployment cycles facilitating faster iterations.
Program Benefits in QITC 2026
Financial Grants to Support Incubation: Up to 10 shortlisted companies will each be eligible to receive a grant in the equivalent of USD 10,000 (at the prevailing exchange rate) to support incubation, with additional prize money awarded to the top three finalists selected at the conclusion of the incubation period.
Patent Filing Incentive: Each shortlisted company will be eligible to receive the equivalent of USD 2,500 (at the prevailing exchange rate) for each utility patent application filed with either the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) and which relates to such company’s proposal for QITC 2026. Limited to two patent applications per company. Please see the official rules for more details.
Access to Accelerator Program Services: Qualcomm Technologies, with partners, will offer workshops and training, at no additional cost, on a range of topics such as product management, global market entry strategy, mastering the pitch, and fundraising. Frequent coaching and mentoring sessions from subject matter experts in these areas, as well as training on intellectual property topics, will be offered to participating companies.
Ongoing Technical and R&D Support: Qualcomm Technologies will offer technical support to participating companies at no additional cost, which will include technical guidance, laboratory access, as well as problem-solving support from local Qualcomm engineer teams.
Timeline
Qualcomm Innovate in Taiwan Challenge 2026 is a single cycle incubation program from May to November 2026.
- Application Phase (1 January through 31 March 2026): Roadshows will be held to introduce the program, and online applications may be submitted during this time.
- Tainan Roadshow — Feb. 25, 2026 (more details)
- Taipei Roadshow (with live stream) — Mar. 3, 2026 (more details)
- Shortlisting (April 2026): Up to 10 teams will be selected through a jury process to participate in QITC 2026, and will each be eligible to receive a grant in the equivalent of USD 10,000 (at the prevailing exchange rate) during the Incubation Phase.
- Incubation Phase (May to November 2026): Shortlisted companies will be eligible to receive the grant, patent filing incentives, and services and support mentioned above during the incubation period.
- Finale (November/December 2026): One winner and two runners-up will be selected by a jury of industry leaders and receive cash awards in the equivalent of USD 125,000, USD 100,000 or USD 75,000 respectively (at the prevailing exchange rate).
Note: the above timeline may be subject to change.
QITC 2026
Feb 23, 2026 | 8:05
