The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), in partnership with the Taiwan Design Center, inaugurated the American Innovation Center in Taiwan on January 16, 2014 to promote digital learning that focuses on innovation, creativity, and design.
AIT Director Christopher Marut, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Cho Shih-chao, and Taipei Deputy Mayor Tim Ting attended the opening ceremony.
As the digital era unfolds, the United States Department of State, in cooperation with local partners in Europe, has started to establish digital innovation centers, where an array of the latest digital equipment is provided. Currently, American Innovation Centers have been created in Italy, Portugal, Cyprus, and Greece. The American Innovation Center in Taiwan is the first of its kind in Asia.
The American Innovation Center, equipped with computers, 3D printers, multimedia devices, books, DVD and online database, is open to the general public. It offers lectures, workshops, DIY activities, and programs on four major themes — innovation, entrepreneurship, digitalization, and culture and design.
“We are very pleased to be opening the first American Innovation Center in Asia today,” said AIT Public Diplomacy Section Chief Joe Bookbinder. “The Center will allow the United States to further deepen our relationship with Taiwan by supporting innovation and creativity and facilitating interactions among those who visit the Center,” added Bookbinder.
The center will offer each new member the free use of a 3-D printer by appointment from January 17 to March 29, 2014. It also plans to hold at least 82 programs, including lectures, classes, video viewings, and workshops, in 2014.
American Innovation Center
- Address: 133, Guangfu S. Road, Taipei, Taiwan (Songshan Cultural and Creative Park)
- Opening Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. (except for Taiwan holidays)
- Tel: 02-2745-8199 Ext. 678
- Email: twaic@tdc.org.tw
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/twaic
