Go Healthy with Taiwan campaign opens doors for South African health innovators

The Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026 campaign launched in Johannesburg last week, offering South African innovators, researchers and health professionals a chance to link local projects with Taiwanese technologies and expertise.

What the campaign offers

The programme, launched by Impilo Global Events in partnership with Taiwan stakeholders based in South AfriTaca, invites proposals that combine local implementation with Taiwanese technologies to address challenges facing communities across South Africa.

Participants will have the opportunity to gain international exposure, build cross-border partnerships and compete for global awards intended to turn innovative ideas into real-world impact.

Prizes and finalist opportunities

Three winning proposals globally will each receive a $30,000 (about R485 000) award.

The top six finalists will be invited to Taiwan for enterprise visits, health innovation experiences and professional pitch coaching. The top 20 finalists will receive one-on-one mentorship and collaboration opportunities with Taiwanese enterprises.

Past interest and local launch

In 2025, the Go Healthy with Taiwan campaign attracted 638 proposals from 55 countries.

The South African launch took place at Workshop17 The Bank. Speaking at the event, CJ Lo, director of the economic division at the Taipei liaison office in South Africa, said:

“Taiwan is not only about chips, but is also leading in health care innovation.”

Ellen Hsu, director of the Taiwan trade centre Johannesburg, said:

“Last year our promotion in South Africa was limited, yet we still received several proposals that impressed us greatly. That showed us the tremendous potential that exists here.”

Who can apply

The campaign targets a broad group of South African participants, including innovators, entrepreneurs, universities, NGOs, health care professionals, researchers, sports scientists and community leaders, inviting them to submit proposals that address real health challenges.

How proposals are framed

Submissions are expected to combine local implementation with Taiwanese technologies and expertise to tackle community health issues.

For South African applicants, the campaign presents an avenue to develop cross-border partnerships and access mentorship, enterprise visits and cash awards.