Over 15,000 visitors to the INCHEON–IFEZ Booth; IFEZ supported a record 50 innovation companies participating in CES 2026.
Participating companies secure a foundation for global expansion, including 20 MoU signings.

INCHEON, South Korea, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) announced the successful operation of the INCHEON–IFEZ Booth at CES 2026, presenting IFEZ’s future-city vision and the technologies of Incheon-based innovators to a global audience.

Under the theme “Destination Incheon — From Smart City to AI City,” the booth highlighted a sustainable urban future enabled by Incheon companies’ innovations and drew more than 15,000 visitors, according to IFEZ.

During CES 2026, IFEZ also met with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) to discuss support measures and collaboration models for helping Incheon startups enter the U.S. market. The two sides plan to develop practical joint programs through continued cooperation.

IFEZ supported a record 50 companies at CES 2026 across multiple participation tracks, dividing them across various exhibition areas: 10 companies in the ‘INCHEON-IFEZ’ Booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 10 in the Korea pavilion (KOTRA) at the Eureka Park, 6 in the Global Pavilion, and 15 as the Incheon Startup Park Delegation and 10 Innovation Award showcase participants.

These companies achieved record-breaking results, conducting 1,419 business consultations with overseas buyers and investors, with the estimated value of export consultations reaching $560 million—more than 400 additional meetings compared to last year. In addition, nine companies signed 20 MOUs, building momentum for global expansion and investment opportunities.

Leadpoint System, a smart manufacturing and industrial automation solutions provider, signed an MOU with Webtronic Labs, a U.S.-based technology R&D company.

emCT, which specializes in fire detection and safety management solutions, signed an MOU with Texas Legacy Realty, a Texas-based real estate development and operations company, to pursue collaboration on applying fire safety and “safe zone” solutions in commercial and residential buildings.

Medicell Healthcare, a regenerative medicine and bio-healthcare solutions company, signed an MOU with the City of Phoenix, Arizona’s largest city, and discussed cooperation on technology collaboration and local proof-of-concept initiatives in public healthcare.

IFEZ said 14 supported companies earned 17 CES Innovation Awards, the highest total to date for Incheon, drawing strong interest from global buyers and investors. Deep Fusion AI received a Best of Innovation honor for its radar-based sensor-fusion AI technology, gaining attention in next-generation autonomous driving and robotic perception.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said the CES participation advanced the Incheon–IFEZ AI City vision on the global stage and pledged continued support to expand Incheon companies’ international reach and strengthen Incheon as a global business hub.

All On-site Profits Donated to Fund Tai Po Fire Recovery Efforts 

HONG KONG, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tam Jai International Co. Limited (“TJI”) has concluded its debut as the official partner of Clockenflap 2025, uniting its three renowned rice noodle brands – TamJai Yunnan Mixian, TamJai SamGor Mixian and the international brand TamJai Mixian – for the first time. The collaboration brought the “Made in Hong Kong, Made to Move” spirit to the Central Harbourfront. In light of the recent tragedy in Tai Po, TJI remained guided by its genuine “Passion to Serve”, pledging all on-site profits from the festival to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals to fund recovery efforts and support for residents in need.

Throughout the weekend, the trio brands welcomed music fans on a culinary journey that embodied the brands’ dedication to the city. The activation served as a global stage to showcase TamJai and SamGor’s Hong Kong-born legacy while demonstrating how TamJai Mixian unifies the best of both brands for international expansion.

• “Made in Hong Kong” was highlighted to celebrate bold flavours, distinctive style and a lively dining vibe, all originated in Hong Kong and brought to life through Tam Jai’s craftsmanship, signature soups and the iconic 10 spice levels honed over the years.
• “Made to Move” symbolised the relentless drive to innovate, expand into new markets and champion noodle culture on the global stage, sharing the unique “Tam Jai Taste” with the world.

Music fans immersed themselves in rhythm and delight to taste buds at the “TamJai Avenue”, a dedicated zone decked in signature TamJai green and SamGor red to create a space that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Every corner was infused with the identities of the three brands, allowing visitors to explore installations that blended rice noodle heritage with Hong Kong culture.

Mr Daren Lau, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TJI, reflected on the event, “‘Bringing the unique Tam Jai Taste to the world’ has never been merely a statement, but a commitment and vision that we have built step by step throughout the years. From our deep origins in this vibrant city, we have cultivated three iconic brands – ‘TamJai Yunnan Mixian’, ‘TamJai SamGor Mixian’ and ‘TamJai Mixian’. Their debut on a united front at Clockenflap symbolises an important step in our journey to present Hong Kong’s spirit on a global stage, sharing our beloved ‘Tam Jai Taste’ with music enthusiasts across the globe.”

“Music has the power to connect, heal and uplift, especially in challenging times. With deep love for the families affected by the tragic Tai Po fire, TJI donates all profits from Clockenflap 2025 to support the emergency needs and recovery efforts of the community. This reflects our ‘Passion to Serve’ brand DNA, bringing warmth, care and hope to the communities we proudly call home.”

A Culinary Recap: The Taste of Hong Kong

Festival-goers gathered at “The Taste of Hong Kong” dining area to experience an East-meets-West menu created exclusively for the event.

While fans enjoyed reimagined classics like the Mini Mixian with Pork Belly in Mala Soup, the standout items of the weekend included the innovative “Minced Pork and Homemade Pickle” series. The Minced Pork and Homemade Pickles Mini Burger and the fusion-style Avocado in Garlic and Chilli Sauce were among the most popular choices, demonstrating how authentic mixian ingredients can be transformed into shareable festival snacks.

Local Craftsmanship: Spiced Mixology

The “Spiced Mixology” Bar, a partnership with local craft distiller Perfume Trees Gin, offered cocktails that captured the essence of Hong Kong. With unique and distinctive flavours, both drinks sold out quickly on each event day and became one of the most sought-after highlights of the music festival.

• Spicy Banger (Left): A crisp gin base sharpened by SamGor’s signature spice, lychee and lemongrass, finished with a facing heaven chilli.
• Gin’ger (Right): A refreshing mix of TamJai’s soup essence, whiskey and gin, balanced with warming ginger and a crisp cucumber garnish.

Interactive Highlights: Engaging with the Brand

Beyond the culinary offerings, “TamJai Avenue” provided immersive cultural experiences. The “Make Your Own Bowl” workshop saw hundreds of fans creating customised phone straps featuring ingredient-shaped charms. Meanwhile, the “Spicy Soup Master” activation invited participants to roll a giant dice, with those braving the “Extremely Spicy” level receiving exclusive memorabilia. The “Bring TamJai Home” collection, featuring “Tastebud Troopers” plush toys and “Spicy Monster Gang” figurines, also proved to be a popular memento of the festival.

Looking Ahead: A Milestone Year in 2026

Following the conclusion of Clockenflap, TJI is looking towards a significant year ahead. 2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of TamJai Yunnan Mixian, a milestone celebrating three decades of serving Hong Kong. Furthermore, TamJai SamGor Mixian is preparing to take its unique flavours to new heights. Fans can look forward to a new store situated where the city connects with the world, offering one last taste of home before your next adventure. For those always on the move, you can savour the authentic taste of Tam Jai across Mainland China, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.

About Us

Tam Jai International Co. Limited is one of the leading restaurant groups in Hong Kong, rapidly expanding its network to over 240 stores across various markets, including Mainland China, Singapore, Japan, Australia and Malaysia, with plans to enter the Philippines. Apart from self-operating restaurants, the Group also adopts alternative models such as joint venture, franchise or strategic partnership for overseas markets. The Group’s portfolio of distinguished brands includes TamJai Yunnan Mixian, TamJai SamGor Mixian, and international brand TamJai Mixian, as well as Japanese dining brands, Marugame Seimen and Yakiniku Yamagyu, through franchise and licensing in Hong Kong.

With highly standardised operations, an innovative spirit and an efficient management model, TJI is committed to providing customers with a quality yet affordable dining experience while ambitiously expanding its footprints across the globe.

TamJai Yunnan Mixian brand is a fast casual restaurant chain in Hong Kong with operations in Mainland China. Our brand has over 30 years of history and the first restaurant under the TamJai Yunnan Mixian brand in Hong Kong was opened in 1996. In 2021, we opened our first restaurant under our brand in Mainland China.

TamJai SamGor Mixian brand is a fast casual restaurant chain in Hong Kong with operations in Singapore. Our brand has over 17 years of history and the first restaurant under the TamJai SamGor Mixian brand in Hong Kong was opened in 2008. In 2020 and 2022, we opened our first restaurant under our brand in Singapore and Japan respectively.

TamJai Mixian represents our international brand, capturing the essence of our flagship brands “TamJai Yunnan Mixian” and “TamJai SamGor Mixian” in Hong Kong. We launched our first store under this brand in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2024. Our stores in Mainland China were also revamped into “TamJai Mixian” starting from 2024. In July 2025, we opened our first restaurant in Malaysia.

TAIPEI, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To accelerate the co-development of Taiwan–U.S. startup ecosystems in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and advanced technologies, Startup Island TAIWAN, the national startup brand guided by Taiwan’s National Development Council (NDC), today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), and Tesoro Venture Capital, in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).

Building on TSMC’s expansion in Phoenix, the partnership aims to integrate Taiwan’s technological and industrial strengths with Phoenix’s robust industrial cluster to establish a long-term innovation collaboration framework.

The MOU signing ceremony was jointly witnessed by the National Development Council, the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), marking an upgrade of prior project-based cooperations and further promoting participation in accelerators, incubators, and soft-landing programs.

From Pilot Projects to Institutionalized Collaboration

During Deputy Minister Jan Fang-Guan emphasized that the signing of this MOU builds upon two years of solid collaboration. He noted that since Startup Island TAIWAN and GPEC established their partnership in 2024, several Taiwanese biomedical teams have successfully entered the Phoenix market, achieving tangible outcomes such as U.S. FDA approvals and completed clinical proof-of-concept (POC) validations.

“These success stories demonstrate the strong complementarity and significant potential of Taiwan–Phoenix cooperation,” As the semiconductor industry becomes increasingly integrated with advanced technology applications, this MOU upgrades previous project-based collaboration by incorporating incubation and acceleration resources from partners such as Tesoro Venture Capital. With a focus on startup landing and market-driven development, the partnership aims to further advance soft-landing programs for startups.

Medical Startups Deliver Breakthrough Results in the U.S. Market

As one of the most retirement-friendly cities in the United States, Phoenix is home to world-renowned medical institutions, including Mayo Clinic, and offers a mature and open clinical environment. With support from Startup Island TAIWAN and GPEC, Phoenix has emerged as a key gateway for Taiwanese health-tech startups conducting clinical POCs and expanding into the U.S. market.

Notable success cases include:

JelloX: Leveraging AI-powered 3D pathology imaging technology, JelloX collaborated with Mayo Clinic to complete clinical validation and obtained U.S. FDA clearance, demonstrating strong performance in colorectal polyp diagnosis.

Brain Navi: One of the few Taiwanese teams to receive U.S. FDA approval for a brain surgery robotic system, highlighting Taiwan’s global competitiveness in AI-driven medical automation.

Aesop: Its AI-based clinical diagnostic reasoning model has completed POC validation in U.S. healthcare settings, effectively supporting clinical decision-making and workflow optimization.

These cases illustrate the natural complementarity between Phoenix’s concentrated medical demand and Taiwan’s advanced AI medical technologies—accelerating market validation for Taiwanese startups while delivering ready-to-deploy solutions to U.S. healthcare systems.

Focusing on Key Technologies to Co-Build a Taiwan–U.S. Innovation Ecosystem

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stated that Phoenix is not only a major U.S. semiconductor hub, but also an innovation gateway integrating AI, talent, and capital. She emphasized that Phoenix is well-positioned as a strategic entry point for Taiwanese startups into the U.S. market. With support from Tesoro Venture Capital, corporate partners, local resources such as the Mayo Clinic accelerator, a high quality of life, and direct flights between Taipei and Phoenix, the city offers a comprehensive environment for startups to land and scale rapidly. Mayor Gallego expressed her expectation that the MOU would further amplify the global impact of Taiwanese startups.

GPEC President and CEO Christine Mackay noted that since signing an MOU with Startup Island TAIWAN in 2023, the two sides have established a physical showcase site in Phoenix’s biomedical innovation district. By leveraging the U.S. SelectUSA program, the partnership provides Taiwanese startups with pragmatic market-entry mechanisms that support direct sales and accelerated landing.

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) also reaffirmed its continued collaboration with GPEC through SelectUSA to support Taiwanese startups and TSMC supply-chain partners expanding into Phoenix. AIT highly recognized Taiwan’s outstanding performance across AI, healthcare, semiconductors, manufacturing, drones, and aerospace sectors.

SMESA Director General Kuan-Chih Lee emphasized that SMEs will remain at the core of this collaboration. By integrating Taiwan’s talent, technology, and community resources, SMESA will support startups participating in SelectUSA and help build scalable industrial clusters in Phoenix and Arizona—positioning SMEs as a critical foundation for U.S. industrial development and international investment cooperation.

Tesoro Venture Capital Founder Andy Lombard stated that over the next five years, Tesoro plans to cultivate 200–300 startups by integrating large-scale investments in AI and semiconductors. He stressed the importance of aligning industry partners such as TSMC, Cadence, and Amkor with consistent government policy support. Lombard also proposed establishing an executive committee composed of leaders from the signatory organizations to regularly set goals and ensure execution, with a focus on Taiwan–U.S. talent and workforce development to pragmatically translate the MOU into concrete acceleration and governance mechanisms.

Toward Long-Term, Measurable Impact

As Phoenix continues to grow into a major U.S. hub for semiconductors and advanced technologies—with Taiwanese companies and startups playing a critical role—this partnership will focus on AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, photonics, AI healthcare applications, and defense-related industries. Through bilateral exchanges, industrial validation, and investment matchmaking, the collaboration will support Taiwanese startups entering the U.S. market while attracting U.S. teams to engage with Taiwan.

Moving forward, the partners will continue to cultivate internationally competitive technology startups through institutionalized cooperation, transforming innovation partnerships into measurable and replicable economic outcomes and further strengthening the long-term Taiwan–U.S. partnership.