The rapid advancement of space technology has led to a growing range of applications, including satellites and launch vehicles, attracting significant cross-sector investment worldwide. As space becomes an increasingly strategic industry, governments are accelerating deployment efforts to secure technological leadership and industrial competitiveness.Against this backdrop, Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), through its Commercialization and Industry Service Center, partnered with the Department of Space Science and Engineering (DSSE) and the Center for Astronautical Physics and Engineering (CAPE) at National Central University (NCU) to organize the "Taiwan-Japan Space Education Exchange Delegation." The initiative targets students and early-career professionals interested in space technology, offering structured coursework and site visits to provide first-hand insight into global space industry developments and cultivate internationally minded talent for Taiwan's emerging space sector.The program centers on international industry-academia collaboration. ITRI provided industry trend analysis and facilitated R&D resource connections, while NCU designed and delivered academic training. The itinerary included visits to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), space technology enterprises, and major research facilities in Japan, enabling participants to bridge theoretical learning with real-world industrial operations and international cooperation models.Pre-departure workshop builds foundation for overseas engagementA pre-departure workshop was held at NCU on January 17 to equip participants with essential technical knowledge and industry context prior to departure. The curriculum covered space science fundamentals, satellite systems engineering, industry trends, and applied operations, providing a concentrated introduction to core space-sector competencies.The session highlighted NCU's research capabilities and emphasized the interdisciplinary integration of physics, mathematics, electronics, data analytics, and engineering practice. In the "Introduction to Space Environment and Satellite Systems Engineering" course, participants examined satellite design under extreme space conditions, as well as mission planning, testing, and operational workflows, laying the groundwork for subsequent field visits.Hands-on satellite training was also conducted. Led by SIGHT Space, participants assembled satellite structures, integrated sensors, and collected real-time data using the SMEK Educational Satellite Platform, translating theoretical engineering concepts into practical experience.ITRI and NCU host a pre-departure workshop featuring hands-on satellite training by SIGHT Space. Credit: ITRIVisit to JAXA Tsukuba Space Center integrates theory and practiceThe program began in Tsukuba, Japan, with an astronaut workshop led by experts "Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation（JAMSS）" experienced in human spaceflight missions. The curriculum incorporated NASA's Artemis Program, outlining the architecture and technical challenges of renewed lunar exploration and offering a mission-level perspective on current space strategies.In addition to lectures, the workshop featured a lunar exploration simulation exercise replicating mission execution scenarios. Participants made decisions under resource constraints and time pressure, gaining insight into task allocation, risk management, and team coordination. The module was adapted from elements of Japan's astronaut selection process, emphasizing analytical thinking and adaptability.Through exchanges with instructors and industry professionals, participants explored diverse career paths spanning engineering development, mission planning, and international collaboration. The workshop translated space exploration from an abstract concept into structured industrial processes.On the second day, participants toured the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, a key hub of Japan's space activities. Established in 1972, the center oversees satellite development, mission control, astronaut training, and foundational research.The visit included major testing infrastructure such as a 13-meter-diameter environmental chamber, vibration and radio-frequency testing systems, and vacuum simulation facilities, providing direct insight into pre-launch verification procedures.Participants also observed operations at the mission control center for the Kibo module of the International Space Station, where they learned how ground teams coordinate with astronauts in real time and conduct remote microgravity experiments. The visit underscored the scale of system integration required for national-level space missions.Participants visit the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center during the Japan study program. Credit: ITRIIndustry visits to ArkEdge Space and ispace provide market insightJapan's private sector has become an increasingly influential force in space development. As part of the program, participants visited ArkEdge Space, a company specializing in small satellite development. ArkEdge is building an integrated ecosystem covering satellite design, production, ground station operations, and key component development, aiming to lower entry barriers through commercialization.Its 6U CubeSats support missions ranging from Earth observation and communications to navigation and lunar applications. During the visit, ArkEdge shared insights into modular design and shortened development cycles, illustrating operational approaches adopted by emerging space enterprises.ArkEdge has collaborated with the University of Tokyo, Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), and NCU on the ONGLAISAT mission, contributing to the technological foundation of Taiwan's ultra-high-resolution optical remote sensing capabilities. The project represents a concrete example of Taiwan-Japan industry-academia cooperation.Participants also visited ispace, a company focused on commercial lunar development with the goal of extending human presence beyond Earth. ispace invests in lunar transportation, exploration, and resource utilization technologies, reflecting broader commercialization trends in deep-space missions.The company's core technology centers on its independently developed lunar lander. The team outlined mission architecture and technical challenges spanning launch, transit, and lunar orbit insertion. Hakuto-R Mission 2 carried a Deep Space Radiation Probe developed by NCU, marking the first time a Taiwanese research payload traveled beyond low Earth orbit and representing a milestone in bilateral cooperation.Participants said the visit reshaped their perception of the Moon as not only an exploration objective but also a potential pillar of the future space economy. Discussions highlighted pathways for translating academic research into commercial missions, reinforcing the role of sustained industry-academia collaboration.The program also included a visit to Space Travelium TeNQ, a space-themed experiential facility integrating technology, art, and education. Through interactive exhibits and virtual reality, participants explored spaceflight concepts from a different perspective. In the VR experience "SORAVEL LINE," they simulated a lunar journey from Earth departure to lunar surface landing, deepening their understanding of microgravity environments.Participants affirm value of structured international engagementThe program received strong feedback from participants. Engagement levels across online briefings, pre-departure training, and on-site visits averaged 4.4 out of 5, reflecting sustained participation throughout the program.Survey results indicated that the astronaut workshop, satellite hands-on training, and company visits were the most impactful components. Participants reported broader technical perspectives and clearer direction in academic planning and career development, with several expressing increased interest in space engineering and related interdisciplinary fields.As competition in the global space sector intensifies, talent development and international collaboration remain central to long-term industrial positioning. The Taiwan-Japan Space Education Exchange Delegation represents a structured effort to strengthen Taiwan's space capabilities through deeper bilateral engagement and practical exposure.

In today's wellness-driven world, yoga has evolved into more than just a physical practice - it has become a daily ritual for hundreds of millions of people worldwide. It now stands as one of the most widespread and diverse disciplines in the health and fitness industry.  Yet between "doing yoga" and "doing it right," a persistent instructional gap remains."In live classes," explained Myogai Project Manager Dale Neal, speaking from experience, "we often felt like we weren't getting the attention we needed. And instructors? They were struggling to manage larger groups while trying to keep instruction personalized." That experience became the spark behind Myogai.Led by Neal, Myogai is the product of a multidisciplinary team united at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST). The group includes Nic, an expert in AI-based computer vision; Valer Vanco and Andrés Brítez, who bring strengths in business strategy and finance; Luis Manzanero, a full-stack developer; and Fatima, a seasoned yoga instructor with years of in-studio teaching experience.Together, they created a real-time yoga instruction platform that uses BlazePose pose tracking technology and intelligent AI feedback to assiststudents and instructors—enhancing accuracy, engagement, and safety.At the heart of Myogai is a multi-platform system that analyzes human posture in real time. Students perform asanas while the system tracks more than a dozen key skeletal points. Based on this data, the AI engine delivers instant alignment feedback, while instructors can access live dashboards that support more effective coaching - whether in physical studios or online sessions."It works both online and in-person," Neal said. "Our competitors often go to extremes - either they build AI tools that try to replace instructors completely, or they offer platforms too simplistic to be useful. We've built something in between. Myogai is a digital extension of yoga instruction - not a substitute."This hybrid approach is what makes Myogai a game-changer. By integrating real-time analytics into live or remote sessions, it allows instructors to teach more students effectively, deliver personalized feedback at scale, and even support AI-assisted certification programs.And yoga is just the beginning."Our roadmap includes everything from calisthenics to dance to physical therapy," Neal added. "Anywhere body movement matters, our system can make a difference."Myogai did not emerge from Silicon Valley, but from the startup ecosystem of Taiwan - a decision the team believes was pivotal."The startup environment here is incredible for AI," said Neal. "You get access to world-class engineers, rapid prototyping, and strong institutional support. NTUS's incubation program is what first connected us to this opportunity."Taiwan's technical talent, affordability, and proximity to leading hardware partners, such as sensor and device manufacturers - enabled Myogai to iterate rapidly and test early-stage concepts in real-world environments.Myogai's go-to-market strategy begins with independent yoga instructors - those running small studios or teaching virtually who need better tools to grow and retain their student base. With global organizations like Yoga Alliance listing over 60,000 instructors, the opportunity is substantial.The team also plans to expand into physical yoga studios, certification institutions, and fitness platforms. They are exploring potential partnerships with wearable technology companies to build richer, sensor-integrated experiences.Myogai recently won Silver at the Ministry of Economic Affairs'Best AI Awards - a major milestone that brought not only funding, but industry validation."This award shifted our mindset," Neal said. "We've always believed in our product, but now others in the AI community are recognizing its potential too. The visibility helped us land interviews, attract advisor support, and generate new business leads. It's already speeding up the rollout of our second version."That next-generation version, due to launch soon, will feature multilingual support, expanded device compatibility, and refined posture recognition models built on Mediapipe and enhanced with proprietary tuning.But for the team, this is just the beginning. The vision extends well beyond yoga - toward a future where AI doesn't replace human instruction, but elevates it across wellness, fitness, and rehabilitation."In a world rushing toward virtual everything, we're betting on something different," Neal said. "We're building AI that makes the physical world better—not obsolete."Myogai won the Silver Adward in the International Group AI Application Category at the 2025 Best AI Awards. If you have innovation would like to present, 2026 Best AI Awards with global tracks open for both AI Applications and IC Design, students and companies worldwide can compete for the grand prize of up to USD 30,000 (NTD 1,000,000). The deadline is March 16, 5:00pm (GMT+8). For more details, please follow official Linkedin for the lastest updates.

When spine surgeons talk about pressure, few procedures rival C1–C2 fixation - a surgery so delicate that a deviation of just a few millimeters can mean the difference between success and catastrophic complications.That reality became the starting point for NeuroSpine AI, a project developed by Sanny Kumar Sahani, a PhD researcher in computer science and commercial engineering, and Shweta Prajapati, a master’s student in biomedical engineering. Both are from India, both study at Chang Gung University, and both work in the same lab under the same advisor.Their collaboration has earned them international recognition- the Bronze Medal at Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs Best AI Award, standing out in a field crowded with enterprise and academic innovations.Sahani recalls that during collaboration with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, one experienced spine surgeon, Dr. Wu, described the mental burden of C1–C2 screw planning. Even for veteran surgeons, the risk remains high. The anatomy is complex, patient variation is significant, and the vertebrae sit dangerously close to the brainstem, nerves, and major blood vessels. If automation and precision could be applied anywhere in spine surgery, this was it.Prajapati emphasizes that the motivation was never purely academic. Surgeons identified real constraints: planning is time-consuming, only highly experienced specialists can safely perform these procedures, and screw misplacement remains a serious clinical risk. The team's goal became clear - reduce planning time, lower dependence on elite expertise, and improve consistency without compromising safety.Most existing surgical planning tools focus on the thoracic and lumbar spine. Those vertebrae are relatively uniform, making automation easier. C1 and C2, by contrast, are anatomically unique, highly variable, and structurally complex.Sahani explains that current solutions either require extensive manual adjustment or do not support C1–C2 at all. NeuroSpine AI took the opposite approach: start with the hardest problem first.The system automatically generates multiple screw trajectories, performs geometric safety checks, and ensures consistency regardless of who uses the software. Unlike manual planning - which varies between surgeons and depends heavily on experience - AI-generated trajectories remain stable and repeatable.That consistency matters, especially for junior surgeons still building experience. The system does not replace surgical judgment, but it removes unnecessary variability from one of the most critical planning steps.In traditional workflows, planning a single screw trajectory can take 30 to 60 minutes. NeuroSpine AI generates multiple trajectories in just two to three minutes.More importantly, the system has been trained to understand the geometric patterns of C1–C2 anatomy, learning from diverse datasets collected through Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and an international collaboration in France. The AI does not simply segment images; its reason about spatial constraints, vessel proximity, and safe paths for screw placement.The result is a pre-operative planning tool that balances speed, safety, and accuracy — something surgeons rarely get at the same time.The role of AI is more Than just automation. First, it specializes exclusively in C1–C2 anatomy, rather than applying generalized spine models. Second, it performs geometric reasoning to avoid nerve and vessel damage - a non-negotiable requirement given the proximity to the brain. Third, it generates multiple alternative trajectories, ensuring that even abnormal anatomical cases still yield viable surgical options.Prajapati notes that the system is designed for pre-operative use. Surgeons can review trajectories before entering the operating room, making the procedure safer and more predictable - particularly for less experienced doctors.NeuroSpine AI has already completed initial clinical validation at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where surgeons confirmed that AI-generated trajectories aligned closely with what experienced clinicians would plan manually.That validation marked a turning point. The project is now transitioning from research to a deployable product.The next phase involves expanding beyond C1–C2 to cover the entire spine - all 26 vertebrae - and integrating the system into existing clinical workflow software. Given that C1–C2 is the most complex region, the team believes scaling to other vertebrae is both realistic and strategic.The potential market spans hospitals, medtech companies, surgical planning platforms, robotic surgery firms, and spine implant manufacturers. As spine surgeries increase globally, automated pre-operative planning is becoming less optional and more essential.The team plans to begin commercialization in Taiwan, leveraging established hospital partnerships, before expanding internationally.For Sahani and Prajapati, participating in the Best AI Award was less about winning and more about validation. They wanted to know whether their work mattered beyond the lab - whether people outside academia could see its value. Winning the Bronze Medal provided that answer.Prajapati admits they did not expect to win. The recognition, especially among international teams, gave them confidence that NeuroSpine AI is not only meaningful but scalable.Both researchers express strong interest in continuing their work in Taiwan, citing the strength of its AI, biomedical, and hospital ecosystems. For Sahani, the integration between technology and healthcare feels unusually seamless.Their roadmap is clear: expand anatomical coverage, refine clinical integration, and continue building AI systems with real-world medical impact.As Prajapati puts it, the most meaningful part of the journey has been having a platform to explain how AI can truly help surgeons - not in theory, but in practice. And in a field where millimeters matter, that distinction makes all the difference.NeuroSpine AI won the Bronze Award in the International Group AI Application Category at the 2025 Best AI Awards. If you have innovation would like to present, 2026 Best AI Awards with global tracks open for both AI Applications and IC Design, students and companies worldwide can compete for the grand prize of up to USD 30,000 (NTD 1,000,000). The deadline is March 16, 5:00pm (GMT+8). For more details, please follow official Linkedin for the lastest updates.