In April 2026, a delegation from TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, arrived in Taiwan with a purpose: to deepen ties, unlock investment opportunities and build lasting bridges between two thriving innovation ecosystems.
The visit came at a pivotal moment. Just six months earlier, TEDCO—the Maryland Technology Development Corporation—had formalized an agreement with Taiwan’s APAC Investment and Innovation Development Association (TAIIDA) and SFIC Group. The collaboration opened the door for up to $50 million in co-investment capital, signaling a shared commitment to fueling startups, advancing technology, and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
Now, standing in Taipei, that commitment continues to advance, as both teams seek to open doors for further opportunities and engagement.
The delegation included Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO, alongside key contributors such as Tammi Thomas, TEDCO president, David Tohn, TEDCO board member and Jean-Luc Park, deputy chief investment officer & sr. director, Social Impact Funds, each bringing expertise and a shared vision for expanding Maryland’s global innovation footprint. During the trip, the delegation met with Taiwan government officials, including Johnny Chiang, vice president of the Legislative Yuan, and GJ Lee, director general of the Administration for Startups, Ministry of Economic Affairs (SMEs). The conversations that followed were focused on strengthening support for entrepreneurship and identifying pathways to better support startups scaling across both markets.
Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee, alongside Judy L. Smith of the Maryland Department of Commerce, who visited Taiwan on April 6, 2026, emphasized Maryland’s unique value proposition. With world-renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, proximity to federal agencies such as the NIH and FDA, and a strategic East Coast location anchored by the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, offered Taiwanese companies a powerful launchpad into the U.S. market.
“We want Taiwan companies and investors to come to Maryland,” Lee shared during their visit. “There are so many things that we can offer.”
The message resonated strongly with Taiwanese partners already exploring collaboration in key sectors such as cybersecurity, life sciences, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and aerospace. These industries align closely with the joint vision outlined in the TEDCO-TAIIDA agreement,.
But beyond policy and investment frameworks, the TEDCO delegation’s visit was about relationships.
For the TEDCO leadership team, the visit reinforced the importance of international partnerships in supporting early-stage companies ready to grow beyond U.S. borders. With leaders like Thomas and Park contributing strategic insight, and Lein strong connections within the Taiwanese innovation ecosystem, the delegation demonstrated a unified approach to global engagement.
The timing of the visit added another layer of momentum. With EVA Air set to launch direct flights between Taipei and Washington, D.C. in June 2026, the physical distance between the two regions is shrinking—making collaboration more seamless than ever.
For many in the delegation, the trip was also a reminder of the deep cultural and community ties that already exist. Maryland’s vibrant Taiwanese-American population continues to play a vital role as informal ambassadors, nurturing connections that go far beyond business.
As the meetings concluded and the delegation reflected on their time in Taiwan, one thing was clear: this was not expected to be a one-time visit, but the continuation of a growing collaboration.
From co-investment funds to startup exchanges, from biotech collaborations to emerging tech initiatives, Maryland and Taiwan are looking to write a shared story—one defined by innovation, trust, and a vision for long-term impact. And with each conversation, handshake and agreement, that story is only just beginning.
Learn more about TEDCO’s investment funds and resources at https://www.tedcomd.com/.