Table of contents
Computex 2026 concluded in Taipei with 111,312 visitors from 152 countries and regions and 1,500 companies from 33 countries, spread across more than 6,000 stands. This year’s event, organised under the theme “AI Together”, focused primarily on AI computing, robotics and intelligent mobility, and next-generation technology.
The event, which has traditionally focused on ICT and hardware, devoted considerable attention to the technologies underpinning the development of artificial intelligence: chips, servers, infrastructure, robotics, edge computing, embedded systems, connectivity, smart mobility and industrial applications. The programme also featured the first AI Robotics Zone, dedicated to robotics, embodied AI and integrated solutions, alongside new areas such as the E-paper Pavilion and TechXperience.
Among the announcements made in Taipei by leading international players, Nvidia and Microsoft highlighted the topic of local AI agents on Windows PCs via RTX Spark; Intel showcased AI solutions ranging from the chip level to the system level, featuring rack-scale infrastructure and new data centre CPUs; Qualcomm presented technologies related to agentic AI, edge intelligence and robotics; AMD announced investments exceeding ten billion dollars in the Taiwanese ecosystem to strengthen advanced packaging and AI infrastructure. Overall, the new developments presented confirmed the industry’s focus on local AI, physical AI, robotics, infrastructure and hardware-software integration.
At Computex, InnoVex has cemented its role as a platform dedicated to start-ups and innovation. The 2026 edition attracted over 500 start-ups from 23 countries, with national pavilions dedicated to France, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Canada, Italy and the Czech Republic. The pitch contest was won by the US-based Rlworld, which operates in the field of artificial intelligence, whilst the Future Star Award was presented to the Taiwanese company Quantum NIL Corporation, which specialises in semiconductor applications.
It was against this backdrop that the Italian Pavilion, organised by the Italian Trade Agency, was launched. The Italian stand brought together seven innovative start-ups and SMEs. The opening ceremony took place on 2 June, coinciding with Republic Day, in the presence of Luigi Raffone, Director of the ICE Office in Taipei.
The delegation presented a range of technologies in Taipei, spanning various sectors from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, space technology to fintech, as well as solutions for drones, immersive experiences and the certification of digital content. The Italian delegation’s participation was therefore part of a trade fair environment focused not only on showcasing products, but also on building relationships with investors, industrial partners and operators within the technology sector.
InnoVex as a networking platform
InnoVex’s role as a meeting place for start-ups and industry players was highlighted by Grace Chen, Global Marketing Manager at the Taipei Computer Association, who told Startupbusiness: ‘InnoVex is Asia’s innovation hub, where high-potential start-ups connect with manufacturers, strategic partners, investors and global technology corporations to accelerate commercialisation and international collaboration’.
Chen linked Italy’s presence in Taipei to the industrial characteristics of the two ecosystems: ‘Italy’s global reputation in precision manufacturing, industrial design and advanced engineering expertise brings a distinctive and complementary strength to Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem’.
According to the organisation’s analysis, the key area of focus concerns the potential integration of Italian expertise in precision engineering, design and applied technologies with Taiwan’s hardware sector, high-tech manufacturing and technology supply chains.
Taiwan: AI, semiconductors and industrial supply chains
Taiwan continues to play a central role in many of the supply chains underpinning the development of artificial intelligence. The local ecosystem extends beyond semiconductors to include electronics manufacturing, components, hardware infrastructure, robotics and industrial technologies linked to digital transformation.
It is against this backdrop that Italian start-ups operate. According to Chris Cottorone of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, the Italian delegation’s participation in InnoVex was a valuable step towards building relationships with the local and international ecosystem: ‘It was a significant undertaking because it helped connect Italian start-ups operating in various technological and application sectors with potential partners, customers and investors from Taiwan and around the world’.
Cottorone attributes this decision to Taiwan’s industrial positioning, as it has become one of the global hubs for the technology supply chains underpinning semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
Another factor concerns the country’s industrial structure. Alongside major technology groups such as TSMC and Foxconn, Taiwan retains a network of small and medium-sized enterprises, often family-run, operating under OEM and ODM models. This characteristic may facilitate dialogue with the Italian industrial sector, which is itself based on SMEs, industrial specialisation and the ability to adapt to international markets.
The seven Italian companies at InnoVex
The Italian pavilion brought together seven organisations operating in different fields, all of which are aligned with the fair’s technological focus.
Hewatek has brought hydrogen-powered UAV systems to Taipei, featuring fuel-cell-powered drones designed to increase range and sustainability on long-duration missions.
Innovatech has unveiled Kelly AI Digital Concierge, a conversational artificial intelligence solution designed for sectors such as hospitality, smart cities, retail and digital healthcare, alongside other AI tools for business processes and digital services.
Metaphora Lab has unveiled SafetyScapes, an immersive platform that uses VR, AR and AI for HSE training, simulating industrial scenarios and emergency situations in photorealistic environments.
MLR has launched WuvDay, a platform for the acquisition, certification and management of authentic visual content, with applications for media organisations, institutions and organisations seeking to improve traceability and trust in digital workflows.
MyMoney has unveiled a fintech solution based on biometric payments and device-free digital identity, designed to enable transactions without the need for cards, smartphones or cash.
Studiomapp presented a geointelligence solution based on the analysis of satellite and aerial imagery using proprietary artificial intelligence, with applications in the fields of security, climate, the environment and land management.
Travelverse has unveiled Jolly Gateway, an IoT gateway that incorporates on-device AI to automate operations, including payments, by linking artificial intelligence, devices and physical processes.
Italian companies also took part in the Global Demo Day on 3 June, with a session dedicated to the Italian pavilion on the Pi Stage at InnoVex, as part of the programme of meetings and presentations aimed at investors, industry partners and ecosystem stakeholders.
An Italian focus within a global platform
The Italian Pavilion forms part of the wider context of Computex and InnoVex, where start-ups, supply chain players, manufacturers, investors and major industrial groups come together to discuss the sector’s key technological trends.
According to Cottorone, ‘the relationship between Italian start-ups and Taiwan is still in its infancy’, but there are several areas that could be developed through greater engagement between businesses, investors and institutions.
For Italian start-ups, taking part in Taipei therefore offers an opportunity to engage with an ecosystem in which direct relationships with industrial partners, investors, incubators, universities, research centres and technology clusters play a central role. At a time when artificial intelligence requires infrastructure, production capacity and practical applications, InnoVex provides a space for connecting innovation, the market and industrial supply chains (the author’s photo shows the entrance to the event).
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©
