ITIC Develops Taiwan-UK Partnership to Support Deep Tech Businesses

Insider Brief

• Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Investment Corporation (ITIC), led by President Karen Yu, is developing a Taiwan–UK deep tech innovation corridor to connect British research with Taiwan’s engineering, manufacturing and investment capabilities.
• A partnership with Cambridge’s St John’s Innovation Centre will connect Taiwanese startups with UK and European businesses while creating opportunities for investment, startup exchanges and industry collaboration.
• The initiative targets several sectors, including quantum computing, silicon photonics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology and green energy.

PRESS RELEASE — According to a report published by The Icons, Industrial Technology Investment Corporation (ITIC), led by President Karen Yu, is advancing a Taiwan–UK deep tech innovation corridor to connect British research with Taiwan’s engineering, manufacturing and investment capabilities. The initiative aims to help technology businesses move from scientific discovery towards commercial applications while creating opportunities for Taiwanese companies to participate earlier in emerging industries.

Yu’s approach centres on the complementary strengths of the two ecosystems. British research teams bring scientific expertise and new technologies, while Taiwan offers experience in prototyping, engineering validation, hardware integration and volume production. Quantum technologies and silicon photonics are among the areas where she sees opportunities to bring these capabilities together.

“I see considerable scope for Taiwan and the UK to complement one another in the industries of the next generation,” Yu said.

For British innovators, the proposed corridor offers a route to explore the industrial resources needed to develop and scale their technologies. For Taiwanese businesses, earlier engagement with research teams can help identify future applications, understand technical requirements and establish partnerships while new supply chains are still taking shape.

A partnership with St John’s Innovation Centre in Cambridge provides a practical channel for these connections. Under their cooperation agreement, ITIC will introduce Taiwanese startups to the centre’s innovation and business support network. St John’s will connect promising companies from Cambridge, the wider UK and Europe with ITIC’s investment and industry ecosystem in Taiwan. Both organisations also plan to explore startup exchanges, joint initiatives and investment opportunities.

The collaboration covers artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, biotechnology, quantum computing and green energy. By establishing introductions in both directions, the partnership aims to help entrepreneurs, investors and technology organisations find relevant contacts and explore opportunities beyond their domestic markets.

Beyond Cambridge, Yu visited photonic quantum technology company Aegiq in Sheffield to explore technology and industrial cooperation. At the time of the interview, she said ITIC had already invested in British startups. A possible technology investment fund with UK partners remained under exploration, with strategic partnerships providing a basis for developing longer-term cooperation.

ITIC combines venture investment with access to technical expertise and industrial relationships. As a subsidiary of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), it draws on research capabilities to assess technologies and support portfolio companies’ development. Its wider network can help businesses identify potential partners for engineering, manufacturing, commercialisation and international expansion.

These resources give the corridor a practical focus: connecting technology teams with the expertise, industry contacts and capital relevant to their next stage of development. The Cambridge partnership establishes a framework for sustained exchanges, while ITIC’s investment activities and engagement with British companies provide opportunities to explore cooperation through individual projects.