Australian innovators invited to compete for US$30,000 in global health innovation challenge

Taiwan Trade Center Sydney

The global ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan’ competition returns, offering Australian organisations funding, international exposure and access to Taiwan's innovation ecosystem.

Sydney, Australia 10 July 2026: Australian organisations are being invited to compete for a share of up to US$90,000 through ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan’, a global innovation challenge run by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) on behalf of the Taiwanese Government.

The competition is calling for bold ideas that leverage Taiwanese products or services to tackle real-world health and wellbeing challenges. Potential applicants have access to a network of Taiwanese organisations across smart healthcare, sports technology or cycling to help develop and strengthen their proposals. Following the campaign's Australian launch at HealthHaus in Sydney last week, Australian companies, startups, universities, research institutions, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations are being encouraged to apply before entries close on 5 August.

Three winning teams will each receive US$30,000 to help bring their ideas to life, while gaining opportunities to build partnerships with some of Taiwan's leading health and technology companies. The top six finalists will be flown to Taiwan to pitch their ideas, connect with industry leaders and experience first-hand the country's world-leading health and technology ecosystem.

At a time when investment is becoming increasingly selective and funding is flowing to fewer organisations*, this competition offers a rare opportunity to access both capital and global connections.

Last year’s highly successful inaugural campaign received 638 submissions from 55 countries. This year the 2026 campaign introduces a new Top 20 Mentorship Program to help finalists refine business models, validate market opportunities and strengthen international partnerships.

The impact of last year's three winners is already evident. In Ukraine, the winning team successfully deployed Taiwanese medical equipment in healthcare facilities and reinvested its entire prize award to expand equipment procurement and hospital donations. Switzerland's Perovskia partnered with Everlight Chemical, resulting in research published in Nature, with pilot production expected in 2026. In the United States, Ideas Lab collaborated with the Taiwan Institute of Sports Science (TISS) to deploy AI-powered motion analysis technology, broadening access to professional-grade sports training.

As global demand for health innovation continues to grow, the competition offers Australian organisations a unique opportunity to secure funding, forge international partnerships and bring their ideas to life.

ENDS

How to Submit a Proposal

Eligible participants can submit their proposals through the official Go Healthy with Taiwan website. Proposals must be submitted in English and should outline the proposed solution, its expected impact, and how it integrates Taiwanese products, technologies, services, or business models. Submissions will be evaluated based on predefined judging criteria, see official website for more info.

Submission details and deadlines:

• Official Website & Applications: https://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org/
• Submission Deadline: 5 August 2026 (23:59 GMT+8)
• Note: Applications cannot be modified after submission.
• Select Taiwan Trade Centre, Sydney, as the referral unit when submitting the proposal.

About ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan’

‘Go Healthy with Taiwan’ is organized by the International Trade Administration (TITA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan, and implemented by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the 2026 campaign theme is "Designing Healthier Futures Together." It showcases Taiwan's strengths in smart healthcare, medical devices, sports and fitness technology, healthy ageing, and wellness, encouraging participants to apply these capabilities to communities, workplaces, cities, and institutions worldwide.

The top three winning proposals will each receive US$30,000, while the Top 20 finalists will receive personalised mentorship from industry experts. The six finalists will also be invited on a sponsored visit to Taiwan to engage with leading Taiwanese enterprises, experience the country's health innovation ecosystem firsthand, and compete in the final round.

The global health sector is being transformed by AI, preventive care, and longevity-focused technologies, creating new opportunities across healthcare, hospitality, insurance, workplace wellness, and sports science. With proven strengths in smart healthcare, digital health, and systems integration, Taiwan offers technologies that can be readily adapted across global markets. As Australia continues to emerge as a hub for digital health and wellness entrepreneurship, the campaign provides a platform to scale promising ideas through collaboration with Taiwan.

Media Contact

Roberta Sowden, Palin Communication
[email protected]

*Cut Through Venture, & Folklore Ventures. (2026). State of Australian Startup Funding 2025. https://www.australianstartupfunding.com/