Center for Innovative Technology and Commercialization (CITC)

The winners of the "22nd National Innovation Awards"—regarded as the highest honor in Taiwan’s biomedical and healthcare industries—have been announced. In 2025, Chang Gung University (CGU) demonstrated robust R&D capabilities and strong industry-academia momentum. This year, 13 technologies from CGU were selected for awards, comprising 7 Academic Research Innovation Awards, 4 Clinical Innovation Awards, and 2 National Innovation Refinement Awards. These achievements, highly acclaimed by the judges, underscore the University’s leadership in medical technology and AI-driven smart care. The Center for Technology Licensing and Entrepreneurship (under the Office of Technology Cooperation) has long invested funds and resources to support faculty in technology translation. Beyond providing funding for development and prototype verification, the University utilizes the CGU SPARK Office and the T5 GIP (Global Industry Platform) to offer mentorship resources. This support enhances technology maturity, allowing these innovations to shine on the national stage and attract industry attention. The four key technologies highlighted below, which received university subsidies and mentorship to win this year's awards, are: Non-invasive Respiratory and Swallowing Function Detection System, Method, and Application Principal Investigator: Professor Wan-Yun Hsieh (Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering) Description: This portable, non-invasive handheld device synchronously detects neural coordination in the nasal, oral, and pharyngeal cavities. Breaking through traditional limitations, this technology makes a significant contribution to respiratory and swallowing healthcare in an aging society. Probiotic Screening Platform for Improving Learning and Memory Principal Investigators: Professor Chia-Lin Wu (Department of Biochemistry) & Professor Chih-Ho Lai (Department of Microbiology and Immunology) Description: The team established a screening platform to deeply evaluate the mechanisms by which probiotics affect brain neural activity. This platform provides a scientific analytical tool for validating probiotic functions, facilitating precision development and innovation in related industries. Intelligent Health Promotion System with Precision Exercise Prescription Principal Investigators: Distinguished Professor Jong-Shyan Wang (Department of Physical Therapy) & Clinical Professor Chih-Chin Hsu (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) Description: A domestic pioneer in integrating AI algorithms, normobaric hypoxic environments, and patented ring-type multi-module exercise equipment. This innovation is highly replicable and modular, making it suitable for long-term care facilities, health centers, and private clinics, demonstrating strong potential for international export. AI-Empowered Automated Diabetic Foot Detection and Risk Assessment System Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Ting-Ting Yeh (Master's Program in Health and Long-term Care Industry) Description: This system boasts three key advantages: automatic speed, detailed data recording, and a low barrier to adoption. With patent protection secured in both Taiwan and the US, it is poised to address the massive global demand for diabetic foot care. Excellence in Clinical & Cross-Disciplinary Applications Beyond the highlighted projects, the collaboration between Chang Gung University and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital continues to yield exceptional results. Academic Research Innovation Awards were also granted to projects led by medical faculty, including Cancer Combination Therapy (Clinical Associate Professor Yu-Sun Lin), Gut Microbiome Restoration (Clinical Professor Huang-Yu Yang), and 3D Hip Joint Detection (Clinical Associate Professor Pang-Yun Chou / Clinical Associate Professor Szu-Heng Chen). Clinical Innovation Awards were presented to forward-looking medical technologies, including: AI-Driven Home Sleep Apnea Detection (Associate Professor Yi-Ping Chao, Department of Artificial Intelligence) Dental Digital Obturator (Clinical Associate Professor I-Fang Huang, Graduate Institute of Craniofacial and Oral Science / Clinical Assistant Professor Wei-Han Chang, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine) Stroke Subtype Prediction (Clinical Associate Professor Yen-Chu Huang, School of Medicine / Professor Prasan Kumar Sahoo, Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering) Brachial Plexus Injury Prediction (Clinical Lecturer Yun-Tsung Cheng, School of Medicine) National Innovation Refinement Awards honored technologies that have demonstrated continuous optimization and excellence: Customized Extension Mechanism Reconstruction (Clinical Professor Yu-Te Lin, School of Medicine) Minimally Invasive Ear Endoscopic Surgery (Clinical Associate Professor Chin-Kuo Chen, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine) A Model of Successful Tech Transfer Notably, the "Anti-Interferon-Gamma Human Antibody" research by Distinguished Professor Cheng-Lung Ku’s team (Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology), which was licensed to Elixiron Immunotherapeutics in 2017, helped the company win the "Corporate Innovation Award" this year. This success further validates the effective model of technology transfer and industry alignment at Chang Gung University. Looking Ahead The Office of Technology Cooperation at Chang Gung University continues to drive campus innovation programs. By assisting faculty in enhancing technology readiness, building prototypes, and accelerating commercialization, the University actively encourages participation in major domestic and international competitions. These efforts ensure academic R&D results extend beyond the campus, linking with industry to expand social and economic impact. The stellar performance at the National Innovation Awards is a testament to the synergy between faculty research energy and professional mentorship. Moving forward, CGU will continue to serve as a bridge between academia and industry, utilizing systematic guidance and resource infusion to discover more commercially viable technologies and create a win-win future for all.

1.Background: The Center for Innovative Technology and Commercialization is now accepting applications for the "Innovation Prototype Project" according to the "Chang Gung University Technology Production Innovation Development Guidelines." The aim is to subsidize the prototyping of technical concepts resulting from research, creating demonstrable technical prototypes to enhance product identification. Priority will be given to funding technologies in the biomedical and medical-related fields, with each project receiving a subsidy of up to NT$250,000. 2.Application Details: (1) Eligibility: Faculty and staff of CGU. (2) Application Method: The project principal investigator must submit the following documents in both electronic and hard copy (one copy each) to The Center for Innovative Technology and Commercialization for application: A. Chang Gung University Technology Production Innovation Development Project Application Form (Attachment 1). B. Chang Gung University Funding Application Form for the Technology-Based Innovation and Development Program (Attachment 2; for a sample completed form, please refer to Attachment 3). C. Statement of Disclosure Regarding Subsidized Projects Previously Awarded to Chang Gung University (Attachment 4). D. If the project involves human trials, approval documents from the Medical Ethics Committee or the Human Trials Committee must be included. (3) Application Period: From now until November 30, 2025. (4) Project Duration: 6 months. (5) Project Budget: Up to NTD 250,000 per project (according to funding source regulations, principal investigator fees and full-time or part-time assistant fees are not to be included. Student labor fees may be included under business expenses). (6) Application Restrictions and Conditions A. If an applicant has consecutively received subsidies for the Industry-Academia Innovation Project for two years (rounds), the Center will not accept their application in the following year. B. If an applicant’s project execution rate in the current year is below 70%, the Center will not accept their application in the following year. 3. Prospective applicants are requested to submit the electronic version of the project application to citc0940@mail.cgu.edu.tw and deliver the signed hard copy to The Center for Innovative Technology and Commercialization, 12th Floor, Administration Building, by November 30, 2025. The proposal will subsequently be reviewed by the Review Committee, which will decide whether to grant the subsidy and determine the approved funding amount. Note: All participants in the research projects must strictly adhere to intellectual property rights and academic ethics regulations when applying for projects or conducting research. Once the application is approved, the final financial report must comply with the Ministry of Education's "Higher Education Sprout Project" subsidy and commissioned expense disbursement and reporting guidelines. Successful project executors must cooperate with the university’s technology promotion activities.

1. Program Background: The Technology Value-Added Program provides funding for technologies at the prototype validation stage, with the goal of advancing their technology readiness to a level suitable for field testing and achieving early-stage commercialization. Each approved project may receive funding of up to NTD 1.5 million. 2. Eligibility Criteria: This year's Technology Value-Added Program is jointly implemented with the NSTC SPARK Project. Therefore, only technologies in the categories of pharmaceuticals or medical devices are eligible. Applications outside these categories will not be accepted. 3. Application Guidelines: (1) Application Method: The Principal Investigator (PI) should submit both electronic and printed copies (one set) of the following documents to the Center for Technology Innovation and Commercialization: Application Form for Chang Gung University Biomedical/Medical Device Technology Development and SPARK Team (Appendix 1) Chang Gung University Technology Commercialization Development Project Funding Application Form (Appendix 2) Declaration of Previous Funding Support (Appendix 3) For projects involving human trials, IRB approval or relevant ethics committee approval documents must be included (2) Application Period: From now until August 15, 2025. Submissions will be collected and reviewed together after the deadline. (3) Project Duration and Funding: Each project will run for 1 year, with funding ranging from NTD 500,000 to 1.5 million per project. (Please refer to the program guidelines for allowable expenses.) (4) Review Process: The review includes a document review followed by an oral presentation. The review and approval process will take approximately three months. 4.Interested faculty members are requested to submit the electronic files of the proposal and related documents to citc0940@mail.cgu.edu.tw. Additionally, the signed hard copies of the proposal and related documents should be delivered to the Technology Transfer and Innovation Center, 12th Floor, Administration Building. The submitted materials will be reviewed, and a decision will be made regarding the approval and amount of funding. The Center will review all applications and determine funding approval and the amount of support. Notes: ·    Awarded projects are required to participate in the university’s technology promotion activities and SPARK mentoring courses. ·    All project participants must strictly adhere to regulations regarding intellectual property rights and academic ethics during both application and research phases.

1.Research Center for Biotechnology and Medicine Policy has announced the call for entries for the 22nd We, innovators, with a submission deadline of Thursday, July 31, 2025. To encourage participation from university technology teams, The Center for Innovative Technology and Commercialization (CITC) will review applications for registration fee subsidies. Selected teams may receive a maximum reimbursement of NT$25,000 per team, subject to a post-event reimbursement process. As the number of subsidies is limited, all eligible teams are encouraged to apply. 2.Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be full-time faculty members of the university.Preference will be given to those who have previously participated in CITC’s innovation and commercialization programs, especially in the fields of medical devices or new drug development. 3.Application Method and Deadline: (1)Interested applicants must email their application materials to citc0940@mail.cgu.edu.tw by Friday, August 1, 2025. (2)Email subject line should follow the format: " We, innovators Registration Fee Subsidy Application_[Award Category]_[Team Name]" (3)Required documents (please refer to Section 3-2 of the 22nd We, innovators Handbook-Application Guidelines): i.Electronic application file (including the consent form and project proposal). ii.For entries in the Enterprise Innovation Award or Startup Innovation Award categories, please also include financial statements. iii.Applications will be reviewed by CITC, and results will be individually notified following the review meeting. 4.For more information, please visit the 22nd We, innovators website: https://innoaward.taiwan-healthcare.org/

The Center for Innovative Technology and Commercialization at Chang Gung University held the “2025 CGU Biodesign Workshop” on April 26 and May 3, 2025, at the Future Classroom. Nearly 30 participants registered for the event, including clinical physicians, faculty members, and graduate students from both the College of Medicine and the College of Engineering. The workshop also attracted students from National Taiwan University and Chung Yuan Christian University, showcasing strong interest and enthusiastic participation across universities and disciplines. ▸ The 2025 CGU Biodesign Workshop drew enthusiastic participation from physicians, faculty members, and students from Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, National Taiwan University, and Chung Yuan Christian University. At the core of Biodesign is a focus on identifying unmet clinical needs directly from real-world medical settings and patient experiences. Using a structured innovation process, Biodesign systematically uncovers unresolved clinical problems and seeks the most appropriate technological solutions. For this workshop, Professor Peng-Ting Chen from National Cheng Kung University—also a member of the Stanford Biodesign Global Faculty—and her team were specially invited as instructors. The course content was tailored to Taiwan's healthcare environment and covered key topics such as clinical needs assessment and exploration, ideation and concept development, market feasibility analysis, risk assessment, and strategic planning. Through group-based hands-on activities and brainstorming sessions, participants were guided to design promising medical technologies or products that have the potential to address real clinical pain points. ▸ Professor Peng-Ting Chen led the team members in conducting clinical needs assessment and exploration. Chang Gung University is actively implementing the National Science and Technology Council’s SPARK Program, a talent cultivation initiative aimed at accelerating translational development in biomedicine and medical devices. The university is dedicated to nurturing talent to support teams in developing new drugs and medical technologies, while also guiding them toward potential paths such as startup formation, technology transfer, or integration into large-scale projects. Within this program, Biodesign-based training serves as a critical foundation. Introducing this mindset early in the development of new drugs or medical devices can significantly increase the chances of successful technology advancement and commercialization. ▸ The Biodesign Workshop intentionally grouped participants from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-disciplinary brainstorming and guided mentorship to collaboratively design innovative products that address clinical needs while demonstrating market feasibility. In the future, Chang Gung University will continue to advance the research and development of new drugs and medical devices by actively integrating internal resources, the Chang Gung healthcare system, and the innovation capacities of universities in the Taoyuan region. The university is committed not only to the commercialization of technologies but also to cultivating entrepreneurial talent with cross-disciplinary integration capabilities, thereby expanding the impact of the biomedical innovation ecosystem.