Social Contributions

In 2024, AIM-HI demonstrated outstanding performance in the area of social contributions. With detailed outcomes elaborated in five key areas: spin-off startups, domestic and international industry-academia collaborations, community empowerment activities, domestic and international exhibitions, and industry-academia-research alliances.

1. Proactive Promotion of Spin-off Startups：

In 2024, AIM-HI continued to promote the commercialization and market validation of its technologies, achieving notable results in the application and dissemination of spin-off outcomes. Building on its long-standing research advantages in smart manufacturing and aligning with market trends, the Center is steadily advancing toward its five-year goal of establishing two spin-off startups.

1. Startup Incubation Mechanism：AIM-HI has established a comprehensive incubation mechanism and patent subsidy program, offering resources such as patent strategy planning, business model development, market analysis, pitch deck optimization, and legal consultation. These efforts effectively support research teams in commercializing innovative technologies. AIM-HI also actively assists teams in securing government project funding and encourages members to apply for and maintain patents through the “Patent Fee Subsidy Guidelines,” thereby strengthening intellectual property management and technology transfer outcomes.
2. Encouraging Participation in Startup Competitions：Research teams are encouraged to participate in entrepreneurial competitions to accelerate the real-world application of their technologies. In 2024, teams participated in three competitions: the 2024 Rural Return Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, the Dragon Soaring Smile Award, and the 5G Innovation Application Contest. Notably, the teams earned third place in the 5G contest and received the “Field Implementation Award” in the Rural Return competition.
   
3. Establishment of One New Spin-off Company：With a product-oriented focus, AIM-HI actively fosters interdisciplinary research teams. In 2024, significant achievements were made: the “AI Real-time Monitoring Smart Tool Holder” team completed a technology transfer worth NT$7.02 million and successfully launched a new spin-off company, Wolong Industrial Co., Ltd. Additionally, the “VR/AR Smart Machine Tool Motion and Cutting CPS Simulation System” team transitioned into Metaverse Digital Technology Co., Ltd. in 2023.

2. Expansion of Domestic and International Industry-Academia Collaborations：

1. Deepening Domestic Collaborations：In 2024, AIM-HI set a target of 50 domestic and international collaborative projects, with an anticipated revenue of NT$22 million. Ultimately, 57 projects were executed, generating NT$22.349 million—successfully surpassing the year’s targets. With 38 research members involved, the average number of collaborations per person reached approximately 1.54. A total of 7 technology transfers were completed, amounting to NT$10.747 million, demonstrating strong and pragmatic industry engagement.
2. Expanding International Cooperation Channels：In the second year of implementation, two international industry-academia collaborations were successfully facilitated, accounting for 3% of the total projects and meeting the annual target.One project involved a collaboration with MPF Company (Vietnam), leveraging sub-project technologies in electric vehicle research to develop a dual-degree-of-freedom, dual-power, continuously variable planetary gear system for EVs, aimed at enhancing thrust and efficiency. The project value was approximately NT$250,000. Another project with hiPOWER EUROPE (Poland) focused on performance testing and validation of proton exchange membranes provided by the partner company, including basic performance analysis, durability assessments, and environmental parameter evaluation. The project was valued at around NT$60,000.
3. Connecting with Local Industries through Community Empowerment：Emphasizing social responsibility, AIM-HI organized 10 community empowerment events in 2024, engaging 35 Center members and 43 industrial partners, with total participation reaching 256 individuals. In response to the challenges facing the machinery industry—such as labor shortages, limited R&D resources, and reliance on imported key components—AIM-HI organized the 2024 Industry Advisory Board Meeting, themed “Integrating Smart Manufacturing with the Semiconductor Industry,” attracting participation from over 30 companies.
   The events focused on providing technical consultation and R&D support, fostering strong connections with the Southern Taiwan Science and Technology Corridor, strengthening regional industrial capabilities, cultivating local talent, and creating job opportunities—effectively contributing to regional development and the creation of high value-added industries.
   
4. Active Participation in Major Domestic and International Exhibitions：AIM-HI’s research teams have actively participated in prominent international exhibitions. In 2024, three teams showcased their innovations, successfully meeting the annual participation target. In September and November 2024, the team behind the “AI Real-time Monitoring Smart Tool Holder” collaborated with Vernal Manufacturing & Engineering Co., Ltd. for joint exhibitions at IMTS in the United States and JIMTOF in Japan. These exhibitions significantly enhanced the Center’s visibility in the research field and opened up valuable opportunities for industry-academia collaboration.
   Additionally, Professor Yung-Chou Kao’s AR/VR research team received funding support from Shang Nong Industry Co., Ltd.. and presented impressive results at TMTS (Taiwan International Machine Tool Show). Meanwhile, the “Low-Carbon Green Technology” team, led by Professor Yong-Song Chen, participated in the 2024 Net-Zero Taiwan Exhibition at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. The team’s research received widespread positive feedback and was featured in a special report by Industrial and Commercial Times.
5. Industry-Academia-Research Alliances：Since its establishment in 2021, AIM-HI has formed strategic alliances with 85 industry partners. These alliances facilitate the dissemination of research outcomes, foster exchange with like-minded research institutions and enterprises, and generate mutual benefits. Alliance members also have opportunities to assign engineers to AIM-HI for hands-on training in the latest manufacturing technologies. Conversely, AIM-HI sends students to intern at partner companies, based on specific research or educational needs, enabling them to gain practical, real-world experience.