The inaugural FUTUREMODE 2026 Taiwan Future Festival officially opened today (the 4th) at the Xinsheng Hall in Taipei's Yuanshan Expo Park. Evolved from Taipei Blockchain Week, this cross-disciplinary tech extravaganza centers on "AI × Brands × Culture × Digital Assets × Emerging Tech," bringing together over 100 international speakers, tech companies, startup teams, and developers from around the world for three days of experimentation in future living.
This year's headline event, the BUILDMODE Hackathon, is co-created by FUTUREMODE and SITCON (Students' Information Technology Conference), drawing over 600 registered developers on-site. Organizers say the scale is set to break Taiwan's AI Hackathon records, with competing teams tasked with turning AI, emerging technologies, and industry needs into demonstrable, verifiable innovations—all within a limited timeframe.
Taipei Gathers Global Innovation Energy
At the opening ceremony, Taipei City Government Deputy Secretary-General Lin Shih-pin, representing Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, thanked the organizers, co-organizers, and the teams behind the scenes for their efforts.
Lin noted that the growth of AI and startup industries is steadily reaching into every sector and into citizens' daily lives, and that FUTUREMODE creates a platform for talent, creativity, and industry resources to converge and exchange in Taipei. He also expressed hope that the three-day event, along with its nighttime outdoor performances, would draw more young people to participate and witness the future of Taiwan's AI industry together.
Ou Shu-fang, Chairperson of the Taipei Neihu Technology Park Development Association and Chairwoman of University Optical Technology Co., Ltd., pointed out that the future being discussed at FUTUREMODE is precisely the challenge Neihu Technology Park must confront in its next decade.
Neihu Technology Park is currently home to over 6,700 companies and more than 220,000 workers, spanning industries including IT, finance, healthcare, biotech, and corporate headquarters. Ou stated that the association hopes to connect real business needs with young talent and international resources, so that innovative solutions don't just stay at the demo stage but move forward into enterprise validation, partnerships, and commercial opportunities.
From International Forums to Hands-On Building: Turning Ideas into Reality
FUTUREMODE 2026 redefines the format of tech events with four curatorial pillars: Learn, Build, Experience, and Recharge.
Across three main stages—FUTUREMODE Stage, Onboard Stage, and Workshop Stage—the event brings together over 100 speakers for more than 40 keynotes, fireside chats, and panel discussions, plus over 30 workshops and product showcases.
Speakers from companies including AMD, Google Cloud, and Mastercard will share the latest developments in AI infrastructure, digital finance, consumer tech, Web3 applications, hardware integration, and future living scenarios.
At noon on September 4, the festival also features an online keynote from OpenAI titled "AI Engineering with Codex," delivered by Derrick Choi, OpenAI's Head of Codex Applied AI for the Asia-Pacific region.
600-Person AI Hackathon with Over $90,000 USD in Prizes
The BUILDMODE Hackathon features six challenge tracks, inviting developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and students to form cross-disciplinary teams and propose innovative solutions in AI, digital assets, emerging tech, and future living.
The competition offers a total prize pool exceeding $90,000 USD, with partners including OpenAI, ElevenLabs, and Cathay Financial Holdings providing development tools, computing credits, and follow-up resources. Participants receive guidance from industry experts and showcase their projects on-site, competing for awards and future collaboration opportunities.
Ou explained that through innovation tracks such as "AI for Taiwan Enterprise Transformation," companies can present real problems they need solved, while developers and startup teams can turn their ideas into verifiable product prototypes—further bridging industry needs with international markets.
F1, AI Mixology, and Sports Experiences: Building a Future Living Playground
FUTUREMODE 2026 doesn't just talk about technology—it brings tech into entertainment, dining, sports, and social scenes.
Red Bull LUKA brings DJ performances, lounge spaces, and F1 racing simulators on-site; CHAOZ Technologies showcases AI applications in food and beverage and entertainment; NOXCAT sets up a Beyblade Zone battle experience; and Deepcoin features an interactive badminton court.
From September 4 to 5, Xinsheng Plaza also hosts "Non-Typical Playground," presented by Savor, blending food, art, music, tech, and social connection—extending the tech expo into a citywide cultural experience.
To help participants pace themselves through a packed schedule, the venue also features a Wellness Zone, offering Supercover Ice Bath experiences, F45 Training fitness classes, and Run Clubs co-presented by Blackwater and NID Fitness Studio.
Opening day dining includes Fu Hang Soy Milk breakfast, classic Taiwanese street food, bubble tea, and an MEXC coffee station—giving international attendees a taste of Taipei's food culture and city warmth beyond the tech exchange.
Building a Tech Future Everyone Can Take Part In
FUTUREMODE 2026 brings together co-organizers and strategic partners including Google Cloud, TABEI, the Taipei Neihu Technology Park Development Association, and AppWorks, with support from brands and innovation communities including Ourbit, Bitget, Deepcoin, Red Bull, AMD, and BenQ.
FUTUREMODE is more than an extension of Taipei Blockchain Week—it aims to transform AI, digital assets, and emerging technologies from industry buzzwords into a gateway to future living that everyone can understand, experience, and take part in.
The event runs through September 6, with tickets now on sale.
Event Information
Event Name: FUTUREMODE 2026 Taiwan Future Festival Event Dates: September 4–6, 2026 Venue: Xinsheng Hall, Taipei Yuanshan Expo Park Event Theme: AI × Brands × Culture × Digital Assets × Emerging Tech
