Since Google established its first office in Taiwan in 2006, its operational scale has continued to expand, attracting talents from all over the world. In the past ten years, the size of the Google Taiwan team has grown more than 20 times, bringing together more than 30 countries/regions. employees work together for global technological innovation and help Taiwan move toward the goal of becoming Asia’s Silicon Valley. Following the completion of the first hardware R&D office building in 2021, today (4/25) it was announced that the second new hardware R&D office building, also located in Banqiao, was officially opened. Taiwan has become Google’s largest hardware facility outside of the U.S. headquarters. The R&D base is a strategic location for the development of the global hardware industry.
Google Taiwan’s second R&D building officially opened to promote hardware and AI application innovation
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At the opening ceremony of Google’s new R&D building, President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Youyi, President Chen Jianren of the Executive Yuan, Hsiao Meiqin, the 16th Vice President-elect of the Republic of China, Sandra Oudkirk, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, etc. Come to visit and personally give positive blessings to the Google Taiwan team, and recognize Google’s contribution and expansion in investment and development in Taiwan in recent years. In addition, Seang Chau, Vice President of Software Engineering for Google Devices and Services in the United States, and Ana Corrales, Chief Operating Officer of Google Devices and Services, also came from afar to witness this important moment.
Google’s engineering R&D team in Taiwan has assembled talents from a wide range of fields, including software, hardware, semiconductor design, product development, quality control testing, etc. As the R&D team in Taiwan has grown, the number of devices and technologies involved in the development has also gradually increased. In addition to the Pixel smartphone series, Pixel Watch smart watches, Fitbit health wearable devices, Nest smart speakers, Chromecast streaming media players, and other smart home products Global hardware products such as devices are developed and contributed by Taiwanese teams.
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The newest office building has more than 50 state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as office spaces that are full of Google’s diverse and inclusive culture and encourage open innovation. I believe that by creating such a working environment, Google’s teams in Taiwan and around the world can collaborate more closely, move towards a development vision with AI applications as the core of design, and continue to bring integrated Google AI technology, software and solutions to users around the world. Hardware products and experiences allow everyone to easily enjoy the help of AI technology through the devices they use in daily life.
In addition to global product research and development, Google also shares with you several office designs and how they implement Google’s concepts of environmental sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and flexibility and openness:
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Energy- and water-saving office design: Our new building plans and adopts different infrastructure to reduce energy consumption, including but not limited to 240 photovoltaic solar panels and batteries that can generate electricity and store energy, water-saving devices, non- Drinking water for toilet flushing and rainwater collection systems, electronic kitchens with low carbon emissions and reduced air pollution, refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP), etc.
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Diverse and inclusive workspace: During the design process, we listened to the suggestions of the internal employee community “Disability Alliance” to create an accessible office design that is superior to local regulations, such as: Braille signs, automatic doors, barrier-free ID card reader, and barrier-free meeting room.
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Pay attention to the physical and mental health of employees: We have set up spaces and facilities for health, entertainment or relaxation on different floors, such as game rooms, gyms, basketball courts, yoga rooms, massage rooms, micro kitchens, massage rooms, and health centers. We also provide A variety of meals and snacks allow employees to take care of their body and mind, nutrition, stress relief and relaxation after busy work, and inspire more creativity and inspiration.
As a member of Taiwan’s technology community, Google continues to contribute to technology research and development and talent cultivation in Taiwan’s technology field through various programs and resources:
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Strengthening academic exchanges: We have promoted the Research Grant Program in Taiwan and invested resources to enhance industry-university cooperation and technological innovation. Since 2021, Google has funded more than 40 research projects at universities and academic research institutions in Taiwan, covering fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, hardware, and health care.
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Cultivate diverse talents: Through the Google Taiwan gReach program, students with disabilities who are interested in the technology industry are provided with opportunities to develop professional skills, and paid training is provided so that they can accumulate substantial work experience at Google. This program is about to enter its sixth year. Applications are open until the end of May. Details can be found on the recruitment website.
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Support female technology talents: Google Taiwan has established a close network of female talents within the company through a one-to-one mentorship program, and has launched various initiatives to encourage career growth, such as leadership training and community exchanges. . Google also actively participates in external female talent initiatives and continues to promote cross-field and cross-generational talent exchanges between industry, government, academia, and research. This year, Google Taiwan will also host the TechWomen@TW annual event to provide more exchange opportunities for female talents in the technology industry and help Taiwan become the cradle of global women in technology.
In 2018, Google launched the “Google Smart Taiwan Project” in the hope of helping Taiwan realize its vision of Asia’s Silicon Valley. Over the past six years, it has continued to bring new products and services and complete infrastructure to Taiwan, and through advanced technology, it has helped Taiwan Talents and industries enhance digital resilience. Now, the second hardware R&D office building has been officially opened, witnessing Google’s commitment to deepening its presence in Taiwan, allowing Taiwan’s scientific and technological talents to contribute their talents, and create a smarter and better future for the world.
