Four Teams from SU’s Entrepreneurship Hub Win Phase One Funding in 2025 U-start Program

Four startup teams from Soochow University’s Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Hub have secured Phase One funding in Taiwan’s 2025 U-start Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. Each team will receive NT$500,000 (approximately USD 15,000) in seed funding to advance their business ventures.

Out of nearly 300 university teams nationwide, Soochow’s strong showing places it third in Taiwan, tied with National Taipei University of Technology and National Central University. This marks the university’s highest number of selected teams since the Hub’s establishment.

The winning teams represent three key sectors: manufacturing technology, social enterprise, and innovative services. Their projects highlight students’ interdisciplinary expertise, creativity, and commercial potential in addressing real-world challenges.

In manufacturing technology, the InnoPalm team, mentored by Prof. Tse-Chuan Hsu from the Department of Information Management, is developing high-precision machine vision systems for intelligent robotic arms to drive advancements in automation.

In social enterprise, the Picking Up Hope team, advised by Prof. Rong-An Shang from the Department of Business Administration, offers a subscription-based waste collection service. The project not only addresses urban waste issues but also creates stable jobs for informal waste collectors.

In the innovative services category, two teams stood out. LegacyNode has built a digital legacy management platform to help users securely store, manage, and transfer their digital assets across generations.

The second team, JT Lab, integrates 3D scanning, blockchain authentication, and custom product development to provide personalized digital memorial and keepsake services for pet owners, tapping into an emerging market.

The Entrepreneurship Hub, under the mentorship of distinguished alumnus Lu-Yen Wang (Business Administration, Class of 1977), provides hands-on support to over 20 teams each year, fostering interdisciplinary learning and industry connections.

Administrative support is led by Mei-Ling Cheng (10th EMBA cohort), who assists teams with proposal development and resource coordination. Together, the Hub’s mentors and staff help student entrepreneurs navigate challenges from idea conception to market launch.

Looking ahead, the Hub will continue recruiting new student teams, encouraging young innovators to take their first entrepreneurial step with professional guidance and university-wide support.