Taiwan launches ambitious AI infrastructure plan with focus on quantum tech, intelligent robots, and supercomputers

Cabinet to Announce Major AI Infrastructure Program

The Executive Yuan is set to introduce a comprehensive program focused on advancing Taiwan's artificial intelligence capabilities. This initiative aligns with President William Lai’s vision of establishing Taiwan as an “AI island” and aims to accelerate the country’s development in key emerging technologies.

The National Development Council (NDC) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) are currently finalizing details of the “10 major AI infrastructure projects” program, which is expected to be launched in the latter half of the year. Premier Cho Jung-tai confirmed the government’s commitment to combining innovative research and physical infrastructure to drive technological growth.

Key Technologies in Focus

The program targets four critical areas: intelligent robots, quantum technology, silicon photonics, and sovereign AI.

• Intelligent Robots: The government recently approved a “smart robot program” designed to nurture startups with system development capabilities. The goal is to increase the domestic output value of professional service robots from NT$4 billion (US$134 million) to NT$50 billion within five years, while building a complete supply chain and industry ecosystem.
• Silicon Photonics: This technology is already advancing, with government policies set to boost its industrial development. Research efforts will focus on high-speed, low-power optical connections through heterogeneous integration, crucial for AI chip interconnects and high-speed computing.
• Quantum Technology: A national quantum technology team has been established, integrating research and industry through a dedicated “quantum technology industrial platform.” Academia Sinica's Southern Campus hosts a Thematic Center for Quantum Computing and a Quantum Photonics Research Project. A quantum experiment building is scheduled for completion in 2028.
• Sovereign AI: This component emphasizes developing AI technologies that maintain national independence and security.

Infrastructure Expansion

The program also includes six major infrastructure projects, such as AI supercomputers and hyperscale data centers. Recently, Nvidia announced a partnership with NSTC, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co to build an AI supercomputer in Taiwan.

The government is actively constructing supercomputers in Tainan’s Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City and Hsinchu Science Park, with plans to expand facilities in central and northern Taiwan. By 2029, government supercomputing power is expected to reach 480 petaflops, with combined public and private sector capabilities projected to total 1.2 exaflops.

This substantial investment in infrastructure and technology is designed to strengthen Taiwan’s position in the global AI landscape and support sustainable industrial growth.

For government professionals interested in practical AI applications and infrastructure development, staying informed on these initiatives is essential. Further resources and AI training programs can be found at Complete AI Training.