The “Hutou Mountain Ammunition Depot” located on the campus of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) is a relic of a Kamikaze garrison stationed in the area during the Japanese occupation. Taiwan’s National Army continued to use the depot until 2010 when the Executive Yuan re-designated it as non-public property in accordance with National Property Act. Recently, the decision was made by the university to revitalize the unique historical space and use it as a “Innovative Smart Agriculture Micro Park”. An unveiling ceremony was held at 10:30 am on Nov 28 (‘23). The first occupants of the space will be three professors from the university who are involved in research on low carbon agriculture, civil construction products, and wood design, respectively. Each of the professors, and their teams, will begin operating companies out of the micro park while also promoting related youth entrepreneurship activities.
NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang made a speech at the unveiling, saying “this park is a base for ‘knowledge put to practice’, and is a starting point for developing spin-off enterprises under the support of the university. In the future, it will be a place to carry out industry-university matchmaking, technical consulting, start-up incubation, and industry-university cooperation.”
Distinguished researcher Chiwan Hsieh said, “the latest version of the design specifications for our concrete structures are under revision and will implemented in January next year (2024) after the concrete anchor reports are evaluated”. Hsieh is using the results of 30 years of research to set up a start-up company in the park. He added, “we are currently developing two patented anchoring products and are in the final self-assessment stage”. He hopes that in the future, the company will also be able to provide assistance to local manufactures seeking international certification.”
The “Innovative Smart Agricultural Micro Park” will serve as an important link between the university and industry, not only operating as a hub for start-up companies, but also as a place where innovative technology and culture can be integrated. Expectations are that the businesses stationed in in the new park the will begin thriving in the near future and help bring prosperity and vitality to the Pingtung region.
