Technology

TWSE Transforms Innovation Board into Asia’s Premier Startup Platform

Published

2 days ago

January 7, 2025

TAIPEI, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) has unveiled its upgraded Innovation Board (Taiwan Innovation Board, TIB) on January 6, 2025, removing restrictions on qualified investors and opening the market to retail investors. This significant reform aims to boost market liquidity, increase accessibility, and position Taiwan as a regional leader in innovation and investment, establishing the TIB as Asia’s premier platform for startups and emerging industries.

Initially launched in July 2021, the Innovation Board was limited to qualified investors, such as institutional investors and entities with substantial trading experience and financial assets. The new framework removes these barriers, expanding access to Taiwan’s 13 million account holders, up from the original 300,000 qualified investors.

“The removal of the qualified investor restriction will not only boost liquidity but also enhance company valuations,” said Sherman Lin, Chairman and CEO of the TWSE.

Taiwan’s capital market reached a historic milestone in 2024, soaring by over 28%, making it the best-performing stock market in Asia and the second-best globally, trailing only the NASDAQ in the United States. Lin emphasized that the TWSE will focus on “technology” and “innovation” as the dual pillars driving its future growth, with the goal of transforming Taiwan into a smart technology island.

The introduction of the Innovation Board 2.0 is a pivotal move, positioning Taiwan as a premier destination for innovative enterprises across Asia. “This initiative is expected to attract cutting-edge companies and foster an environment conducive to technological advancements and economic growth,” said Lin.

Looking ahead, the TWSE plans to strengthen collaboration within domestic innovation ecosystems while targeting international markets such as Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam to attract startups and growth-stage companies to list in Taiwan.

“The Innovation Board 2.0 not only helps retain Taiwanese startups considering overseas listings but also aims to attract Asia’s new economy companies, solidifying Taiwan’s position as a regional leader in innovation and investment,” Lin added.

Since its inception, the TIB has supported over 20 innovative companies with core technologies or unique business models in accessing capital markets for fundraising, underscoring its critical role in fostering innovation and growth.

Empowering Emerging Industries Across Asia

The inauguration event of the “TIB Innovation Spotlight” on January 6 attracted over 250 representatives from 200 companies, intermediaries, and venture capital firms. Lin emphasized the board’s significance: “The Innovation Board will drive the growth of emerging industries and provide exceptional opportunities for Asian startups to succeed in Taiwan.”

Dr. Yen-Liang Chen, Vice Chairman of Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), echoed this sentiment: “This move will allow investors to better understand emerging and innovative companies, thereby contributing to Taiwan’s goal of becoming Asian Asset Management Center.”

The transformation of the TIB has garnered strong support from Taiwan’s venture capital community. Andy TC Chiu, Chairman of the Taiwan Venture Capital Association, noted: “These changes provide startups with better funding opportunities while stimulating growth and innovation across sectors. Taiwan is positioning itself as Asia’s leading hub for technological advancement.”

Julian Liu, Chairman of the Securities Investment Trust & Consulting Association (SITCA) in Taiwan, underscored the vital role of investment trust institutions in offering essential support. He expressed optimism that the expansion of mutual funds and ETFs would generate a virtuous cycle, promoting diverse collaborations within the capital market and driving success.

Event Highlights

The event commenced with a keynote address by Chin-Ho Hsieh, President of Wealth Magazine and Business Today Magazine. Hsieh praised the new Innovation Board, highlighting its four key features: high liquidity, friendly entry thresholds for emerging industries, a focus on innovation capability and growth potential, and full disclosure of operational information, hoping it will continue to excel and drive meaningful progress.

A notable highlight was the panel discussion titled “Showcasing Innovation Board Companies,” moderated by Cheng-Hua Lu, Secretary-General of the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI). The panel featured Jackie Cheng, Co-Founder and Chairman of Gogolook Co., Ltd., and Dr. Yun-Li Li, CEO of PlayNitride Inc. The discussion delved into their entrepreneurial journeys, strategies for accessing capital markets, international expansion plans, and the impact of the Innovation Board’s new framework.

Advancing Taiwan’s Capital Market

A skit at the event showcased the significant upgrades to the Innovation Board and detailed TWSE’s initiatives to develop a robust, investor-friendly capital market in collaboration with the Taiwan Index Plus Corporation and the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange. To enhance liquidity and engage investors, TWSE introduced initiatives, including market-making rewards for proprietary traders, broker-led education campaigns, and a lottery program for retail investors.

As the TWSE expands its international outreach in 2025, the Innovation Board is set to become Asia’s premier platform for startups and emerging industries, fostering growth, investment, and innovation across the region.

About TWSE

The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) commenced operations on February 9, 1962. The TWSE is tasked with operating and advancing Taiwan’s securities market. Its primary business operations encompass listing, trading, settlement, and surveillance. These activities include listing promotion and review, post-listing supervision, corporate governance, maintaining market order, providing services to securities firms, investor protection, clearing and settlement operations, safeguarding against market defaults, and monitoring illegal transactions. The Exchange offers comprehensive services to the stock market.

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SOURCE Taiwan Stock Exchange

Technology

iGarden Debuts TurboX Series Robotic Pool Cleaner and Robotic Lawn Mower

Published

9 minutes ago

January 9, 2025

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iGarden, a pioneer in smart, comprehensive outdoor living solutions, is proud to announce the launch of two groundbreaking product series: the iGarden TurboX Series Robotic Pool Cleaner and the iGarden Lawn Mower.

iGarden TurboX Series Robotic Pool Cleaners – Effortless Pool Maintenance Redefined

Featuring a sleek hypercar inspired design packed with state-of-the-art iGarden AI-InverterTM technology that guarantees powerful, long-lasting performance, the iGarden TurboX Series is a year round device, ensuring your pool stays sparkling clean with minimal effort.

Pool Cleaning Powerhouse

Being the Guinness Record Holding Endurance Champion for Longest Continuous Operation robotic pool cleaner, the TurboX series is a pool cleaning powerhouse with the TurboX Master edition featuring a record 15 Hour Marathon performance. Integrated with multiple patented iGarden AI-InverterTM technologies, the TurboX Master boasts greater cleaning and battery efficiency, resulting in a lighter machine and long-lasting performance and run time, allows for up to a month of use without recharging, assuming twice-weekly cleanings*. The TurboX Master also comes with its Turbo mode for 200% extra turbocharged suction to clear those tougher stains.

Effortless Navigation Through Any Pool

Armed with infrared sensors, IMU (inertial measurement unit + gyroscope), and obstacle-crossing design (tracks), the TurboX Master possesses strong compatibility, catering to cleaning needs of all shapes and sizes from pool steps, plateaus and round or oval shaped pools. Its intelligent algorithm allows the TurboX Master to autonomously return to its initial drop-off point when the battery is low, ensuring it does not remain adrift in the middle of the pool.

Intelligent Cleaning Paths

The TurboX series follows an advanced 3D “S” pathing system, methodically cleaning every inch of your pool, leaving no spot untouched. Its modular propeller design gives it an edge when it comes to cleaning tough to remove algae and particles along the water line and bottom of the pool.

Elite Aesthetics and Durability

Featuring multi-layered anti-corrosion and UV-resistant coating, the TurboX Master ensures long-lasting durability against prolonged pool water and sunlight exposure. It also comes integrated with a magnetic filter basket which is designed for easy extraction from the top, making scheduled maintenance a breeze. The holographic touch interface is made for easy operation and resistant to deterioration or water damage.

iGarden Lawn Mower – the All-Terrain Robotic Lawn Mower

Powered by advanced AI technology Zero-turn AWD high traction driving system and the company’s inherited energy management system, the iGarden Lawn Mower brings users All-Scenario Friendly robotic lawn mower keeps your lawn perfectly manicured with minimal effort.

Flawless Cutting Performance Without the Hassle

With its built-in AWD, the Garden Lawn Mower can master slopes and hills and offering superior traction when traversing various terrains and precision manoeuvring for flawless cuts on uneven ground. The robust battery system allows the iGarden Lawn Mower to enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous, flawless mowing on a single charge, making it the best maintenance device to ensure your lawn is perfectly maintained at all times, day or night.

Made for Ease of Use and Convenient Wireless Control

Unlike other robotic lawn mowers, the iGarden Lawn Mower comes integrated with LiDAR technology and doesn’t require cumbersome perimeter wires or RTK reference stations. With the iGarden Lawn Mower, you can be ready to mow in minutes. Users can easily set up and monitor multiple lawn zones with ease, ensuring every area receives the perfect cut.

Smarter Mapping with AI Vision and Unwavering Precision

Cutting-edge AI technology allows the lawn mower to automate mapping, cross-edge cutting, and seamless obstacle recognition and avoidance. The 360° 430K-point cloud 3D LIDAR ensures stable, interference-free positioning and mapping for unparalleled accuracy and reliability. The iGarden Lawn Mower is specifically designed to avoid cutting flowers, so your garden and hedges remain beautifully untouched.

The iGarden TurboX and TurboX Master will be available in March and April 2025 respectively, and the iGarden lawn mower will be available on Kickstarter in April 2025.

About iGarden

Founded in 1999, iGarden has been at the forefront of revolutionizing outdoor living with smart, comprehensive solutions that seamlessly blend premium energy efficiency with sophisticated design. iGarden is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and design to elevate your everyday lifestyle to new heights of elegance and comfort.

Our product range is meticulously crafted to enhance every aspect of the outdoor experience. From our cutting-edge inverter pool technology to advanced robotic pool cleaners, solar energy panels, robotic lawnmowers, and surfing-swim machines, iGarden offers a holistic suite of solutions that transform your outdoor space into sanctuaries of luxury and efficiency.

At iGarden, we understand that true innovation lies in the details. Our vision is to provide you with hassle-free, stylish, and sustainable outdoor living solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. Elevate your lifestyle with solutions designed to integrate seamlessly and experience the epitome of performance without the hassle.

Experience the artful living with iGarden:

Website: www.fairlandgroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/iGarden/61570919963920/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKtrBDHjIeviWcSzMP_dpZg

Media Contact:

TEAM LEWIS
Leo Li
Email: leo.li@teamlewis.com

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SOURCE iGarden

Technology

Vatrer Power Debuts Latest LiFePO4 Sustainable Energy Technology Solutions at CES 2025

Published

9 minutes ago

January 9, 2025

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vatrer Power, the leading Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) product and technology solution provider, is currently showcasing its latest sustainable energy solutions and products for consumer electronics, home energy storage, and electric vehicles at Booth #35906 during CES 2025, held from January 7 to 10 in Las Vegas.

“The CES exhibition is not only a platform to highlight our latest products but also an opportunity for us to communicate with global innovators, industry leaders, consumer users, and more. The brand mission of Vatrer Power is ‘to make green energy at your fingertips,’ and we hope to welcome you to visit us at the exhibition or follow us online,” said Henry Ma, CEO of Vatrer Power.

The Vatrer 48V 105AH Lithium Golf Cart Battery, to be highlighted at CES 2025, adopts EVE’s Grade A Prismatic LiFePO4 cells and offers 5.37kWh of energy. It delivers 10.24kW of power with low self-discharge and stable performance that’s 50 percent more powerful than similar-sized lithium batteries, and provides strong acceleration to handle tough terrains with ease. Engineered for 48V golf carts, this battery offers powerful energy and compatibility with major golf cart controllers, includes a 58.4V 20A LiFePO4 charger for fast charging, and features a 2.8-inch touchscreen for real-time monitoring.

The Vatrer 48V (51.2V) 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Solar Battery is a compact and high-efficiency home energy storage solution that seamlessly integrates with renewable energy. Its user-friendly design features a touchable smart interface for monitoring and controlling the battery anytime, anywhere, providing great convenience. With no acid in the lithium-ion battery, it can be mounted in any position, making Li-ion batteries perfect for marine, RV, campers, travel trailers, and off-grid applications.

In addition, the Vatrer 12V 460AH RV Lithium Battery is specifically designed for RVs and a perfect replacement for lead-acid batteries. It boasts a capacity of 5,888Wh and an impressive maximum load power of 3,200W. It fits the most unobstructed lead-acid battery trays with a compact size that takes up only half the space of four 12V 100Ah batteries. When used in conjunction with MPPT and an inverter, it seamlessly integrates into solar power systems, providing uninterrupted power supply for the RV.

At CES 2025, Vatrer Power’s exhibition will also feature simulations to demonstrate the products’ performance under extreme conditions. Visitors will have the opportunity to try the products firsthand and experience their functionality and efficiency.

Looking ahead, Vatrer Power will continue to innovate powerful, long-lasting and affordable LiFePO4 batteries for broader applications and accentuate on its commitment to green energy accessibility, supporting sustainable practices to build a green future for all.

For more information about Vatrer Power’s products and exhibition at CES 2025, please visit https://www.vatrerpower.com/blogs/event/consumer-electronics-show-2025.

About Vatrer Power

Vatrer Power was founded on a commitment to bridge the gap between cost and accessibility and mission of democratizing access to advanced lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology to make sustainable energy solutions affordable for all. Vatrer Power opened its flagship store in 2020—not just as a business venture but as a pledge to the planet and customers. Today, with a dedicated team of 200, it leads in providing eco-friendly batteries that power everything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles, ensuring energy that is not only reliable but also responsible. Driven by a promise of quality, innovation, and trust from the community, Vatrer Power thrives to create a greener future, not just powering the devices, but powering a better, sustainable life for everyone.

www.vatrerpower.com

https://www.instagram.com/vatrerpower/

https://www.youtube.com/@Vatrer

https://www.tiktok.com/@vatrerpowerofficial

CONTACT: Zixin Li, global@vatrerpower.com

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SOURCE Vatrer Power Inc.

Technology

Yeahka Partners with Mastercard to Launch Acquiring System

Published

9 minutes ago

January 9, 2025

HONG KONG, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, Hong Kong-listed Yeahka (09923.HK) has launched an acquiring system in partnership with global payments technology leader Mastercard and its joint venture in China, Mastercard NetsUnion. This marks another upgrade in Yeahka’s international card organization partnership channels.

Earlier in March of this year, Yeahka officially became a member institution of Mastercard. The newly launched acquiring system now supports foreign card acceptance, further enhancing Yeahka’s transaction capabilities in its payment business. This development provides merchants with more diverse and comprehensive payment services, while also making it more convenient for international consumers to make payments in China.

Moreover, Yeahka and Mastercard will collaborate to explore diversified value-added services, including but not limited to digital innovation and marketing solutions. They will also actively expand international market payment partnerships together.

This advancement lays a solid foundation for Yeahka’s application to become a member of more international card organizations. Previously, Yeahka had also partnered with another international card organization, American Express, and in September 2021, they jointly launched the American Express RMB card acquiring business.

Yeahka has stated that it will continue to drive collaboration with card organizations, banks, and other institutions, offering high-quality services and continuous innovation to provide customers with efficient, convenient, and secure one-stop payment solutions. Beyond payments, the company is also committed to providing multi-layered smart service products, including merchant operation SaaS services and data-driven marketing solutions to merchants across various industries.

Notably, in recent years, Yeahka has been focusing on cross-border payments, expanding into new markets and seeking new growth opportunities. It has already acquired licenses such as the Hong Kong MSO, Singapore MPI, and U.S. MSB, and has established a preliminary, comprehensive cross-border payment service network. In 2023, the company officially launched its cross-border payment business brand, YeahPay. According to the latest financial report, Yeahka’s cross-border payment business has seen rapid growth, with third-quarter GPV increasing by nearly 50% year-on-year in 2024.

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SOURCE Yeahka Limited