Taiwan and Phoenix Expand Cross-Border Innovation Partnership in AI and Semiconductors

Phoenix is continuing to strengthen its position as a global technology hub through a new international partnership focused on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced innovation.

Startup Island Taiwan — an initiative backed by Taiwan’s National Development Council — recently signed a strategic agreement with the City of Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Tesoro VC, and Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). The collaboration is designed to create stronger pathways between Taiwan’s research and manufacturing ecosystem and Arizona’s growing startup and technology landscape.

The partnership focuses on sectors shaping the future economy, including AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, photonics, dual-use technologies, and AI-powered healthcare applications.

Andy Lombard, founder and CEO of Tesoro VC, played a role in advancing the collaboration and is also a board member of Silicon Oasis — further reinforcing the growing alignment between Arizona’s startup ecosystem and international technology partners.

While Arizona’s semiconductor momentum has largely been associated with TSMC and its historic investment in the state, this agreement highlights a broader evolution taking place across the region. Phoenix is increasingly being viewed not just as a manufacturing center, but as a destination for startup growth, commercialization, venture capital activity, and international innovation partnerships.

The agreement also reflects growing collaboration between Taiwan and Arizona over the past several years. Taiwanese startups have already begun establishing a presence in Phoenix through accelerator programs, healthcare partnerships, and market expansion efforts. One example is JelloX Biotech, which has expanded operations into Phoenix through work connected to the Mayo Clinic ecosystem.

For Arizona’s broader technology community, the partnership represents another signal that the region’s ecosystem is maturing on a global level. As international founders, investors, research institutions, and corporations continue building ties to the state, Phoenix is increasingly becoming a gateway between advanced manufacturing, frontier technology, and startup innovation.

The long-term opportunity extends far beyond individual projects — it is about building a globally connected innovation ecosystem rooted in Arizona.