In the 2025 Smart Rainforest Industry Creation Subsidy Program launched by the Ministry of Digital Development, three research projects from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) were successfully selected. This achievement highlights the university’s strong research and development capabilities, as well as its expertise in integrating smart care, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity technologies. It also underscores the university’s pivotal role in advancing smart healthcare innovation across southern Taiwan.

【President Nen-Fu Huang of STUST took a group photo with the three selected research teams in the 2025 Smart Rainforest Industry Creation Subsidy Program. Team members included Dean Ming-Tsung Tsai, Dean Chun-Sheng Chang, Chairman Guo-Jun Hong, Chairman Ru-Li Lin, Prof. Yu-Sheng Lin, Prof. Ding-Hong Chen, Prof. Chian-Bei Hong, and Prof. Shie-Shiang Shu. This collective achievement showcases the university's excellence in smart care, AI, and cybersecurity research, strengthening its leading position in driving smart healthcare innovation in the region.】

The subsidy program received a total of 55 applications, with only 11 projects ultimately selected—three of which were from STUST. These projects focus on key innovations such as elderly care, AI-driven personalized health analysis, and the development of private medical systems. All three exhibit strong potential for real-world implementation and industry-wide adoption. Their selection aligns closely with the program’s core mission under the “Greater Southern New Silicon Valley Promotion Program”, aimed at regional innovation and digital transformation. Guided by the university’s vision—”AI Sets Sail, STUST Leads the Way”—STUST remains committed to cultivating AI talent for diverse industries. Through a strong connection between education and social needs, the university continues to lead technological advancement and industrial transformation with evidence-based innovation.

The subsidy program is rooted in the “Greater Southern New Silicon Valley Promotion Program.” By integrating resources and applying advanced technologies, the initiative promotes the adoption of artificial intelligence in various sectors such as healthcare, catering, and manufacturing. Its goals include enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovative business models, and establishing a sustainable smart industry ecosystem—positioning STUST as a leading force in AI education and practical application in southern Taiwan.

In this round of the Smart Rainforest Industry Creation Subsidy Program, STUST showcased its exceptional research and development capabilities. The three selected projects each focus on different core issues—including elderly care, health management, and medical information security—fully addressing key societal needs.

The Cultural and Health Station Smart Guardian Network, led by Dean Chun-Sheng Chang and Prof. Pin-Chun Chao, integrates the technical expertise of Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science and Qunmai Communications Co. This project utilizes portable smart X-ray devices and AI health systems to create a new, interactive, and traceable model for elderly care. It is already being implemented across long-term care institutions and medical facilities in Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, leveraging technology to improve the quality of care and promote patient autonomy.

The AI Health Care Twin Analysis Platform, spearheaded by Prof. Yu-Sheng Lin from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, unites a cross-university team including National Cheng Kung University, I-Shou University, and the National Health Research Institutes. The project aims to develop a comprehensive system for AI-driven nutritional intake analysis, rehabilitation tracking, and personalized health modeling. With strong clinical validation potential, the platform is designed to advance precision and systematization in smart health management.

The third project, “AipA: AI-Assisted Privacy Medical Care System,” is a collaboration between Prof. Ding-Hong Chen of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and DeCloak Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. This initiative focuses on integrating real-time behavior recognition and privacy-focused de-identification mechanisms to ensure compliance with GDPR and Taiwan’s Personal Information Protection Act. It is expected to be rolled out in prominent medical institutions in southern Taiwan, including National Cheng Kung University Hospital and Chi Mei Medical Center, offering a trustworthy and efficient smart care solution.

These three projects not only demonstrate the diverse and innovative AI applications emerging from STUST, but also underscore the university’s robust capacity to bridge academic research with industry demands. Together, they inject significant momentum into the growth of a vibrant smart healthcare ecosystem in southern Taiwan.