With the support of Taiwan’s Ministry of Sports, the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator, implemented by the Industry Accelerator and Patent Strategy Center (IAPS) at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), brought together 12 alumni startups to participate in SPORTEC Tokyo 2026, one of Asia’s leading sports industry exhibitions. The delegation showcased Taiwan’s capabilities in sports technology research, development, and innovative applications to Japanese and international audiences.
The exhibition successfully concluded on July 10. Through product demonstrations, technology exchanges, and business matchmaking activities, the participating startups presented a diverse range of solutions spanning artificial intelligence, sports performance analysis, smart training, healthcare, and digital sports services. They also connected with Japanese companies, sports organizations, academic institutions, and industry partners to explore opportunities for technology validation, collaboration, and market development.
During the exhibition, ASPN also engaged with key Japanese partners, including the Japan Sports Agency (JSA), the Japan Sports Tourism Alliance (JSTA), the Japan Sports Business Initiative (JSPIN), Nagoya University, and Tokyo Gakugei University. These exchanges further strengthened Taiwan–Japan connections in sports technology, talent development, industry-academia collaboration, and international engagement.
- ASPN joined 12 alumni startups at SPORTEC Tokyo 2026 to showcase their sports-tech innovations to Japanese and international audiences.
黃經堯產創長出席開幕剪綵 深化臺日運動科技交流
On the opening day of the exhibition, Dr. Hank Huang, Project Director of the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator and Vice President, OIAC at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, represented ASPN at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Together with leading representatives from the global sports industry, he marked the opening of the exhibition and celebrated the continued growth of Asia’s sports-tech sector.
During the event, Dr. Huang also met with Mr. Junichi Kawai, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, to share plans related to Team Chinese Taipei’s preparations for the 2026 Asian Games. They also exchanged views on sports-tech innovation, international cooperation, talent development, and industry growth.
The exchange demonstrated Taiwan’s commitment to participating in the development of Asia’s sports industry while further strengthening the foundation for collaboration between ASPN and Japan’s official sports institutions. It also opened new possibilities for future cooperation in sports technology applications, policy exchange, and cross-border industry initiatives.
- Dr. Hank Huang, Project Director of ASPN and Chief Innovation Officer at NYCU (second from right in the second row), represented ASPN at the SPORTEC Tokyo 2026 opening ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- Dr. Hank Huang exchanged views with Japan Sports Agency Commissioner Junichi Kawai (far left) on sports-tech innovation, preparations for the Asian Games, and future collaboration.
12 ASPN Alumni Startups Showcase Diverse Innovative Applications
A total of 12 ASPN alumni startups participated in the exhibition:
- MeetAgile
- Mbranfiltra
- NeuinX
- Rebas Sports
- Long Good
- Feebees
- Preciser
- Fortune AI
- WhiizU
- RedEye
- FastPong
- AQUIVIO
Addressing a variety of sporting environments and user needs, the startups presented innovative products and services across artificial intelligence, sports data analytics, smart training, health management, sports rehabilitation, and digital content. Together, they demonstrated the diversity and growth potential of Taiwan’s sports-tech sector.
Through on-site product demonstrations, technology presentations, and interactive experiences, the teams introduced their applications and business models directly to Japanese companies, investors, sports organizations, and professional buyers. These firsthand exchanges also gave them valuable insights into the needs, industry landscape, and potential collaboration models of the Japanese market.
The exhibition provided the startups with opportunities for market validation and business matchmaking, helping them review their product positioning, gather feedback from potential partners, and develop clearer strategies for entering Japan and other international markets.
- The 12 ASPN alumni startups presented solutions spanning artificial intelligence, smart training, healthcare, and digital sports services through product demonstrations and interactive experiences.
- ASPN alumni startup WhiizU showcased its latest technology, which can be applied to rehabilitation and mobility support for older adults.
Connecting Japan’s Government, Industry, and Academia to Expand Local Collaboration Networks
During the exhibition, the ASPN pavilion welcomed visits from several important Japanese partners, including the Japan Sports Tourism Alliance, the Japan Sports Business Initiative, Nagoya University, and Tokyo Gakugei University.
The discussions covered sports-tech innovation, sports tourism, innovative talent development, industry-academia collaboration, technology validation, and international market development. By learning from partners across different sectors, the participating startups gained a deeper understanding of Japan’s sports industry ecosystem and its practical needs for innovative technologies.
Japan has a mature sports industry, professional competition systems, strong academic research capabilities, and extensive corporate resources. For sports-tech startups seeking to establish a presence in the country, building a trusted network of local partners is essential to successfully implementing their products and solutions.
Through SPORTEC Tokyo 2026, ASPN further connected with Japanese government agencies, industry organizations, and academic partners. These exchanges not only increased the international visibility of the participating startups but also laid a stronger foundation for future joint research, field validation, talent exchange, and business matchmaking.
- ASPN representatives met with JSTA Senior Advisor Tetsuo Nakayama (far right), further strengthening collaboration among government, industry, and academia.
- ASPN exchanged views with JSPIN representatives to deepen connections across Japan’s government, industry, and academic sectors.
From International Showcasing to Local Implementation: Supporting Startups in Japan
For sports-tech startups, participating in an international exhibition is not only an opportunity to showcase products; it is also an important process for understanding markets, validating demand, and building relationships.
SPORTEC Tokyo brings together decision-makers, companies, professional buyers, research institutions, and innovative startups from across the sports industry, giving ASPN-supported teams direct access to the Japanese market.
Through three days of exhibitions and industry exchanges, the participating teams received firsthand feedback from Japanese and international stakeholders. They were also able to evaluate potential customers, technology partners, and implementation environments, transforming short-term international exposure into a foundation for future collaboration and market development.
- ASPN helped the participating startups connect with Japanese companies and industry partners to explore opportunities for collaboration, technology validation, and local implementation.
Continuing to Deepen Taiwan–Japan Collaboration and Build an Asia-Pacific Sports-Tech Ecosystem
Through continued participation in international events, ASPN is not only increasing the global visibility of Taiwan’s sports-tech sector but also demonstrating the country’s strengths and potential in sports innovation, technology development, and industry applications.
With the continued support of Taiwan’s Ministry of Sports, ASPN will deepen its collaboration with the Japan Sports Agency, sports industry organizations, universities, and innovation ecosystem partners. These efforts will help more promising sports-tech startups engage with the Japanese market while promoting cross-border technology exchange, industry-academia collaboration, business matchmaking, and talent development.
ASPN will continue working with government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and international partners to build a more comprehensive and impactful Asia-Pacific sports-tech innovation ecosystem, helping Taiwanese sports-tech startups move from Taiwan onto the global stage.