Following the global launch of the Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 campaign at a press conference in Taiwan on 27 May, the international initiative is now accepting proposals from innovators, startups, researchers, universities, institutions and organisations worldwide, including participants from South Africa.
South Africans are invited to leverage Taiwan’s products, technologies and business models to develop scalable health and wellness solutions that address real challenges facing communities across the country. This year, the introduction of the Top 20 Mentorship Programme gives every finalist direct access to industry experts, creating an even stronger incentive for South African innovators, entrepreneurs and organisations to submit their ideas.
Organised by the International Trade Administration (TITA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan, and implemented by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the campaign is centred on the theme “Designing Healthier Futures Together.” The initiative 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, educational institutions and cities around the world.
Following a highly successful inaugural campaign that exceeded its target of 100 proposals by receiving 638 submissions from 55 countries, the 2026 campaign introduces the new Top 20 Mentorship Programme to help finalists refine business models, validate market opportunities, accelerate commercialisation and strengthen international partnerships.
The impact of last year’s campaign is already evident globally
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.
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 according to predefined judging criteria.
Submission Details and Deadlines
- Official Website and Applications: https://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org/
- Submission Deadline: 5 August 2026 (23:59 GMT+8)
- Note: Applications cannot be modified after submission.
The top three winning proposals will each receive US$30,000 (R500 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 artificial intelligence, preventive care and longevity-focused technologies, creating new opportunities across healthcare, education, workplace wellness, sports science and community development.
As South Africa continues to confront challenges including access to healthcare, preventative wellness, active mobility, healthy ageing and community health outcomes, the country has also emerged as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact initiatives. Taiwan’s proven strengths in smart healthcare, digital health technologies and systems integration provide a unique opportunity for South African innovators to develop scalable solutions with meaningful local and global impact.
Whether addressing healthcare access in underserved communities, improving wellness outcomes, supporting active lifestyles, advancing sports performance technologies or developing healthier cities and communities, Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 offers South Africans a platform to transform bold ideas into real-world solutions through international collaboration.
