Meet Taipei 2018: A Journey of Ideas, Networking, and First Project: POKAYOKE INFOTECH

On November 15-17, 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Meet Taipei 2018, one of Taiwan’s largest gatherings of startup companies. Hosted at the bustling Taipei Expo Dome, this event brought together hundreds of innovators and entrepreneurs from Taiwan and beyond, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy, collaboration, and groundbreaking ideas.

I was invited to be part of the event through Startboard Taipei, and I must say, it was an experience that truly shaped my entrepreneurial journey. Meet Taipei was not just an event; it was a powerful platform where startups could showcase their products, exchange knowledge, and connect with potential clients and investors.

I arrived at the event with a clear purpose: to present my business idea and demo software products. At the time, I was just beginning work on my thesis, which centered on developing custom software solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With the support of colleagues from New Delhi who helped in the software development phase, and partnerships with software vendors specializing in app, web, and enterprise solutions, we were ready to make an impact.

















A Booth Full of Ideas

During the event, I had the privilege of setting up a booth to display our demo projects. It was a great chance to explain my ideas to visitors, gather feedback, and showcase the potential of our software solutions. Additionally, I was invited to pitch on the podium, where I presented my business vision to a larger audience. The experience was thrilling and intimidating at the same time, but it was worth it for the exposure and valuable connections.

First Projects and Early Success

The most exciting part of Meet Taipei 2018 was landing my first two software development orders. One project was for a Mexican wine company, and the other was for a Taipei-based football training center. These orders marked a significant milestone for me and my team.

Immediately after securing the contracts, I began working closely with my clients to understand their requirements. I coordinated with my development team back in India to ensure that we delivered high-quality results on time. We successfully completed both projects and even received ongoing maintenance work. For the wine company, we developed a comprehensive warehouse management system integrated with their e-commerce platform, which was a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Learning and Implementing

Working on these projects while writing my thesis felt like the perfect blend of academic learning and real-world application. It was a continuous loop of learning new concepts and implementing them in live projects. The exposure and hands-on experience were invaluable and taught me the importance of adapting quickly and delivering on promises.

Looking back, Meet Taipei 2018 was a pivotal moment in my career. It was where I first turned an idea into real business opportunities, learned to collaborate effectively with a diverse team, and delivered successful projects. The event was full of memories, lessons, and the beginning of long-term professional relationships.

I've captured some of these memorable moments in photos, and they always remind me of where it all started. Meet Taipei 2018 was more than just an event; it was the launchpad for a journey filled with growth, collaboration, and unforgettable experiences.

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

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