[International] France VivaTech Taiwan Pavilion Showcases AI Strength, Foxconn's Debut Deepens European Layout
bellala 央廣5h ago
The Paris technology event VivaTech opened on the 17th, marking Taiwan's 8th participation. 34 startups showcased their strengths in artificial intelligence (AI). Foxconn Technology Group also set up a pavilion for the first time, displaying advanced AI server rack systems and intelligent AI solutions.
VivaTech is one of Europe's largest technology and startup exhibitions, celebrating its 10th edition this year. It features not only leading companies like Microsoft and Airbus but also showcases startups from various countries, such as the emerging French quantum computing startup Alice & Bob.
The "Taiwan Tech Arena" (TTA) under the National Science and Technology Council set up a pavilion themed "AI Taiwan." Officially unveiled at noon today, it presents Taiwan's achievements in AI technology and applications, focusing on how AI can build smart living circles. Participating companies have integrated AI into various fields, including training, security, energy, and retail.
European tech industry professionals who visited the Taiwan pavilion last year commented that this year's pavilion appears larger and is highly visible even amidst the bustling exhibition hall.
Lin De-sheng, Director of the Industrial Technology and Science Parks Affairs Division of the National Science Council, stated in an interview that this is the 8th year of participation. He observed a shift in the trend of Taiwanese startups participating in exhibitions. Previously, the focus was on learning and participation, but "starting last year, we changed our mindset to focus on doing business and securing orders."
He added that because of this shift, startups also need to make adjustments, such as having ambition, participating in exhibition competitions, ensuring a complete supply chain for order fulfillment and production, and having a strategy for the European market.
Lin De-sheng pointed out that with this change, companies are collaborating with their supply chain partners to enter the market. Previously, securing orders worth over NT$100 million was considered good, but last year saw a growth of more than 5 to 6 times. Therefore, this year, efforts are being intensified to implement this model. The 34 participating startups are supported by as many as 61 supply chain manufacturers.
Julie Lamande, VivaTech's Global Partnerships and PR Manager, attended the opening ceremony of the Taiwan pavilion on behalf of the event.
In an interview with CNA, she said, "Taiwan's ecosystem is extremely important to us at VivaTech." She noted that the number of participating companies this year is higher than last year, fully demonstrating the thriving development of Taiwan's technology and AI industries. With Foxconn also setting up a pavilion this year, the overall momentum is even greater, "significantly reflecting Taiwan's importance in many global industry ecosystems, especially in AI and semiconductors."
Foxconn's exhibition area is located opposite the Taiwan pavilion across the aisle. Two smart electric vehicles, one black and one white, along with an AI server rack system, are on display and have attracted considerable attention.
Foxconn Vice President and Spokesperson, W.U. Chih-yi, stated that this is Foxconn's first time exhibiting. They are showcasing their latest technological products targeting four major potential business opportunities in Europe: the automotive industry, AI server rack systems, AI data centers, and smart manufacturing.
Foxconn brought two reference prototype vehicles, MODEL B (BRIA) and MODEL D. They also presented the NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72, making its European debut, and introduced the NVIDIA-certified Bay Area Supercomputing Center. In terms of smart manufacturing, they showcased humanoid robots.
W.U. Chih-yi emphasized that Foxconn is no longer just a hardware manufacturer but has transformed into a technology platform service provider. Through the aforementioned products, Foxconn highlights its offerings as comprehensive solutions for smart manufacturing, smart electric vehicles, and smart cities, rather than single components or products.
He also mentioned that under the concept of sovereign AI, Foxconn has received cooperation intentions from many European countries and is currently discussing possibilities. This indicates that the AI industry has significant development potential, which can be achieved through Foxconn's "Build, Operate, Localize" (BOL) business model for mutual benefit.
He added, "Given Foxconn's global position in technology, strategic alliance projects like these will undoubtedly increase in the future, and we are optimistic about them."
Hao Pei-chi, Taiwan's Representative in France, also expressed high confidence in the unstoppable development wave of Taiwanese enterprises in AI.
She pointed out that Europe, facing a new geopolitical landscape, is emphasizing re-industrialization and de-risking. In this context, European countries developing AI technology are eager to cooperate with Taiwan because Taiwan not only possesses advanced chips but also holds significant advantages in AI servers and software/hardware, making it a trustworthy partner. (Editor: Liu Hsiang-hua)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215217
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