NCKU Pilots 2026 Hult Prize Taiwan: Youth Entrepreneurial Energy Converges in Tainan
Written & Image credit tothe Atelier Future at NCKU.
Known as the "Nobel Prize for Students," the world’s largest social entrepreneurship competition, the Hult Prize, held its 2026 Taiwan National Program in Tainan on April 25–26. Hosted by the Atelier Future at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and fully sponsored by Bank SinoPac, the event kicked off at NCKU’s Macronix Building, with the Grand Final taking place the following day. This year’s competition brought together winning teams from universities across Taiwan, integrating international social innovation resources to foster entrepreneurial education and boost social innovation exchange in Southern Taiwan.
(From left: Yu-Wei Hsu, Adjunct Lecturer at National Tsing Hua University IMBA; Daniel Chang, Vice President of Bank SinoPac NCKU Branch; David Lee, Economic Specialist from the American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch; Belén Marín Vysokolan, Asia-Pacific Regional Manager of the Hult Prize Foundation; Dr. Yung-Chun Lee, Vice President of NCKU; Dr. Huey-Jen Jenny Su, Professor Emeritus,former president of National Cheng Kung University; Hsiao-Wen Wang, Chairperson of the Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission of Tainan City Government; Leslie Tsai, CEO of Atelier Future; and Kristy Cheng, Project Manager of Center for Industry Collaboration and Innovation Incubation at National Chengchi University.)
During the opening ceremony, NCKU Vice President Dr. Yung-Chun Lee stated: "The Hult Prize Taiwan is more than a competition; it is a platform that converges innovative thinking and youth action. This event provides students with a venue to bridge theory and practice, cultivating problem awareness and cross-disciplinary implementation skills through international competition. NCKU hopes to help students gain experience through practice and transform their learning into concrete action."
Bank SinoPac noted: "We believe that the creativity of the younger generation is the key driver for solving contemporary challenges. Therefore, we spare no effort in supporting initiatives that inspire innovation, teamwork, and sustainable development. The Hult Prize is a perfect realization of this vision, and we are immensely proud to partner with these dreaming youths."
Chief Judge Dr. Huey-Jen Jenny Su encouraged the students, saying: "Creativity encompasses deep potential. We look for whether a concept can evolve from a single product into a systemic solution with the capacity to scale from local application to long-term impact. It is not just about proposing an idea, but about carving a feasible path that connects technology with human needs, vision with practice."
Distinguished guests in attendance included Belén Marín Vysokolan (Hult Prize), GJ Lee (Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration, MOEA), and Hsiao-Wen Wang (Tainan City Government), while Neil Gibson (American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch) delivered remarks via video.
Director General GJ Lee and Chief Judge Dr. Huey-Jen Jenny Su presenting the award to the winning team, "Cultivator."
From Campus to the National Stage: Innovation with Global Perspectives
Following campus rounds and an open selection by Hult Prize Headquarters, 13 teams were selected from across Taiwan to advance to the National Program. Participating institutions included National Cheng Kung University, National Tsing Hua University, National Chengchi University, National Sun Yat-sen University, Soochow University, National Taipei University of Education, and Tamkang University. The participants represented diverse academic backgrounds and international perspectives, focusing on sustainability and technology to develop innovative and executable business models.
Six teams advanced to the Grand Final on the second day, including the NCKU team "Glucoluco." Ultimately, Team "Cultivator" from National Tsing Hua University was crowned the champion. Addressing management issues in aquaculture, the team developed a smart monitoring device that utilizes data analysis to detect equipment anomalies early, helping operators reduce risk and improve efficiency. The winning team will represent Taiwan in the global Top 20, traveling to the UK for the Global Accelerator to compete for the $1 million USD startup grand prize.
The entire event was conducted in English, featuring a keynote by 2025 Hult Prize Global Champion Chong Ing Kai, who shared his journey from student competitor to practicing entrepreneur. Beyond the competition, the organizers arranged a cultural excursion to Tainan’s night markets, allowing participants to experience Southern Taiwan’s local cuisine and vibrant culture, further promoting the spirit of cross-cultural exchange.
Grand Group Photo at the Conclusion of the 2026 Hult Prize Taiwan
The "UNLIMITED" Spirit of Social Innovation
This year’s theme, "UNLIMITED," emphasized breaking existing boundaries and encouraging multi-perspective solutions. Judges noted that given the complexity of sustainability and social issues, teams must continuously pivot and refine their direction. Entrepreneurship relies not only on technology and business models but also on collaboration and community building to create lasting impact. The 2026 Hult Prize Taiwan National Program serves as a vital platform connecting education, industry, and international resources.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2026-05-06
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