Into the Silicon Desert
Arizona Business Mission
The semiconductor powerhouse where TSMC, Intel, and Amkor converge — your best window to enter the US market.
SIC Becomes Arizona Commerce Authority's Official Startup Investment Partner
SIC is honored to have formally signed a Startup Investment Cooperation MOU with Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), at the inaugural AZ Tech Week dinner. This partnership marks the beginning of a new era in Taiwan-Arizona startup investment collaboration — we will receive comprehensive support to help Taiwan companies land in Arizona. Key focus industries include AI & Semiconductors, Biotech & Healthcare, Aerospace & Defense, Water Resources, and Heat Management.
Why Arizona
Why Arizona?
Arizona is undergoing a massive structural transformation from its traditional "5C" economy (Copper, Citrus, Cotton, Cattle, Climate) into an innovation powerhouse led by advanced manufacturing, aerospace & defense, biosciences, and clean energy. The Phoenix metro area, dubbed the "Silicon Desert," has become a critical node for global precision technology and R&D.
$214 Billion+
Semiconductor-related investment since 2020. TSMC alone has committed $165B across six advanced fabs — the largest foreign direct investment in US history.
#1 Most Innovative University
Arizona State University (ASU) boasts 190,000+ students and 650,000+ alumni — a direct talent pipeline for your US operations.
R&D Tax Refund up to 75%
The best tax structure in the US: 2.5% flat personal income tax, 4.9% corporate tax, no franchise tax, and up to 75% cash refund on R&D credits for startups under 150 employees.
SkySong Innovation Center — Your Strategic Basecamp
SkySong is not just the physical home of AISLE — it is Arizona's most dynamic innovation engine. This 1.2 million sq ft mixed-use campus drives industry-academic collaboration and technology commercialization. Its success lies in deep integration with ASU, ranked the #1 Most Innovative University in the US for consecutive years, with 190,000+ students and 650,000+ alumni.
Talent Access
Tenants receive a 20% discount on ASU Career Services, with priority access to student interns, graduates, and the alumni talent pool — critical for startups building a local US tech team.
Industry-Academic R&D
The campus houses 10 ASU research centers, including the Smart City Cloud Innovation Center (with AWS) and the Dell Technologies Center of Excellence. Portfolio companies can collaborate with professors on applied research and even apply for tech transfer or joint R&D funding.
Capital & Mentor Network
SkySong is the hub for the Venture Devils program and the InvestU angel investor network. Companies can connect with local early-stage investors and experienced mentors with US market expertise.
Facilities & Location
Located in central Scottsdale, just 15 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and 3 miles from ASU Tempe campus. Energy-efficient architecture designed for the desert climate significantly reduces operating costs.
Itinerary
4-Day Itinerary Highlights
Mid-May marks the post-SelectUSA 2026 Investment Summit landing window — the best time to lock in government subsidies and meet supply chain executives. From policy briefings and deep-tech accelerators to supply chain executive meetings, a systematically orchestrated connection to Arizona's innovation ecosystem (itinerary continuously updated).
Policy Alignment & Local Business Networking
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) Deep Dive
Map the concrete landing pathway for Taiwan startups. Discuss industry-specific policy support and government subsidies — transforming market entry from "case-by-case exploration" to "systematic matchmaking."
East Valley Networking Mixer
Connect with local business owners in the "Arizona Silicon Valley" — Chandler and Gilbert, home to Intel and TSMC supply chains. A grounded, practical networking event at Rudy's BBQ with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
Deep Tech, Academia & Accelerator Day
Tesoro AI + Semiconductor Accelerator
The only AI + semiconductor hardtech accelerator in the US. Deep connections to TSMC, Amkor, and Cadence. Access HPC resources, expert mentorship, and a direct pipeline into the Silicon Desert supply chain.
Amkor / Intel Supply Chain Executive Lunch
Core objective: help Taiwan startups graduate from Tier 2/3 supplier status to earning a "ticket" into Arizona's local procurement. Discuss TAA compliance requirements for electronic components, materials, and software.
ASU SkySong Innovation Center & InvestU
Direct access to the InvestU angel and institutional investor network. Promote "Taiwan Tech + US Market" co-investment models. Reserve AISLE program slots for H2 2026 and tap ASU's talent pipeline for immediate hiring.
NATEA x TCCAZ Joint Networking Dinner
Senior Taiwanese engineers and executives at Intel and TSMC share real-world insights on talent, compliance, and market entry. Access non-public co-investment opportunities through Arizona's local business trust circle.
Biomedical Frontiers & Aerospace Defense
Mayo Clinic — From Data Validation to Global Commercialization
Interface with Platform_Accelerate to access millions of de-identified clinical records for AI model validation. Clarify clinical validation cost structures while preserving IP rights. Obtain Mayo's clinical endorsement as a powerful credential for FDA review.
Pima County — Defense Supply Chain Strategy
Position Taiwan startups as NDAA-compliant "non-red supply chain" partners. Connect with Raytheon-tier contractors for Approved Vendor List (AVL) qualification. Explore C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems) pilot programs as a door-opener for US government procurement.
University of Arizona — Silicon Photonics & Automotive Tech Transfer
Leverage the 2026 "Southern Taiwan–Southern Arizona Six-Party Agreement" to connect with UA's Silicon Photonics Lab. Explore bidirectional validation: UA provides cutting-edge algorithms and optical designs while Taiwan startups supply pilot line prototyping.
TSMC Village Exploration & Action Plan
Halo Vista & TSMC Neighborhood
Explore the emerging "New Taiwan Community" in North Phoenix — education, healthcare, dining, and entertainment opportunities driven by TSMC employees and their families relocating en masse.
SIC Action Plan Summary
Classify outcomes into "immediate landing" (agencies, sales, partnerships) vs. "mid-long term" (company setup, team building, investment evaluation). Draft MOU agreements with all counterparties.
The organizer reserves the right to modify the final itinerary and will notify participants in advance.
Ecosystem
Core Partner Institutions
Systematically connecting Arizona's government bodies, top-tier accelerators, academic research institutions, and industrial supply chains.
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA)
The state's economic development arm. Your first-stop partner for government subsidies, landing pathway design, and highest-level policy support.
Tesoro VC Accelerator
The only AI + semiconductor accelerator in the US. Partners include TSMC, Amkor, and Cadence. 12-week program with HPC resources and deep-tech investor access.
Mayo Clinic
World-renowned medical institution. Platform_Accelerate provides de-identified clinical data, clinical validation, and FDA regulatory pathway consulting.
ASU SkySong Innovation Center
Home of the AISLE program. 1.2M sq ft mixed-use innovation campus with 80+ companies, ASU R&D centers, and direct talent pipeline access.
InvestU Angel Network
ASU-affiliated angel and institutional investor network. Facilitates co-investment models to help Taiwan startups secure critical US-based first-round capital.
AISLE Soft Landing Program
ASU + GPEC joint program offering free office space, dedicated staff guidance, operational cost modeling, and media exposure for international startups.
Plug and Play accelerateAZ
ACA partnership with global accelerator PnP. Corporate partners include Honeywell Aerospace and NSF Engines. Focus: water resilience, circular materials, carbon neutrality.
NATEA Taiwan Engineers Association
Senior Taiwanese engineers and executives at Intel, TSMC, and other major companies. Provides cultural translation, talent insights, and local business connections.
University of Arizona
World-class Optics department. Silicon Photonics and automotive LiDAR tech transfer opportunities via the Southern Taiwan–Southern Arizona Six-Party Agreement.
Who Should Join
Target Industries & Participants
Semiconductor & AI
- Packaging materials & equipment
- AI chip design / EDA tools
- Automated inspection & smart logistics
- Edge computing AI / Physical AI
- Cleanroom environmental systems
Biomedical & AI Healthcare
- AI medical imaging diagnostics
- Telehealth / Digital therapeutics
- Liquid biopsy / Precision medicine
- Smart elderly care solutions
- Medical device FDA pathway
Circular Economy & Green Tech
- Waste carbon fiber recycling
- Carbon neutrality / Water tech
- Smart water grid / Wastewater reuse
- Circular packaging / Materials
- Industrial energy optimization
Aerospace & Defense
- Military-grade batteries / BMS
- Drone systems / C-UAS
- Optical sensors / LiDAR
- TAA/NDAA-compliant components
- Encrypted communication systems
Education, F&B & Life Services
- Bilingual STEAM / EdTech
- Smart F&B / Automation equipment
- Immersive cultural entertainment IP
- Serving TSMC community demand
- Childcare and healthcare services
Investors & Business Owners
- US co-investment opportunities
- Silicon Desert hard-tech portfolio
- Angel / institutional investor access
- Tax planning & financial modeling
- Real estate & commercial development
Past Events
SIC Arizona Track Record
SIC has successfully hosted multiple Taiwan-US matchmaking events in Arizona in 2026, building deep local networks.
Arizona Tech Week | SIC x ACA Demo Day
Taiwan-US Startup & Investor Face-to-Face
SIC Portfolio Startup Demo Day
Arizona Global Startup Trends Forum
AISLE — Arizona International Soft-Landing Experience
Co-led by Arizona State University (ASU) and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), AISLE is designed to accelerate international companies' US growth plans with a low-risk, expert-guided landing experience.
3 Months Free Office Space
Class A office at SkySong Innovation Center — includes meeting rooms, WiFi, and a dedicated US phone number.
Dedicated Support Staff
One ASU + one GPEC staff member assigned per company for market analysis, salary modeling, and regulatory guidance.
Operational Cost Modeling
GPEC research team provides customized cross-market cost comparisons, logistics forecasts, and labor cost projections.
Media Exposure & Branding
Joint press releases and social media promotion reaching tens of thousands of potential business partners — critical for building US trust and authority.
Eligibility
Expansion-stage tech companies or revenue-generating startups with VC backing, a concrete 3-9 month US expansion plan, and willingness to station at least one employee in Greater Phoenix within a year.
Walk With Us,
Into the Silicon Desert
Add our Line@ for the latest itinerary updates, or fill out the form below to receive the complete trip plan and registration materials.
Scan QR Code to add Line@ on desktop
Request Trip Information
Leave your details and we will send you the complete itinerary and registration information.
Dates: May 13–16, 2026 | Location: Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
Organized by：Sustainable Impact Capital (SIC) | Co-organized by: ACA — Arizona Commerce Authority