Since its founding in 1989, the Taiwan BIO (TBIO) has been promoting the interests of its members from industry, the government and academia as well as promoting the development of the biomedical industries and their contribution to Taiwan's economy and people. The more than 100 organizations and 3,000 individuals that make up TBIO membership represent the entire life sciences industry spectrum, including from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical devices and materials, agricultural biotechnology, and nutraceuticals sectors. With deep connections to government policy makers at all levels, TBIO advocates strongly for policies that will lead not only to the continued growth of the industry – both locally and internationally – but also to better opportunities for its members. One of TBIO's key responsibilities is organizing the annual BIO Asia–Taiwan international conference and exhibition, an annual week-long festival of biotech-themed events held in Taipei. Through this gathering, TBIO helps facilitate networking, licensing and cooperation opportunities between investors, researchers, biotech companies and other key stakeholders, with the event also playing an important role in improving Taiwan's visibility within the global biotechnology community. TBIO also helps organize delegations to attend important overseas events, including a large combined industry-government delegation to the BIO International Convention held annually in North America. In addition, TBIO organizes regular conferences, seminars and meetings inviting key industry leaders and government representatives to address members' interests and concerns. In this way, TBIO acts as a bridge connecting the private sector, academia, government, and international interests. In 2015 TBIO helped establish the Bio Industry Academy (BIA), a training organization with a mission to better prepare local talent for employment in Taiwan's growing biopharmaceutical sector, and to upgrade the industry as a whole. Training topics offered by BIA to date include new drug development, manufacturing processes, industry-related business, finance and management, among others. BIA is currently offering over 300 hours of courses each year and has so far helped prepare more than 200 specialists to high-level placement within this demanding industry. TBIO organizes the annual Taiwan Bio-Industry Organization Awards, with the awards ceremony coinciding with BIO Asia–Taiwan. Winners are recognized in Outstanding Company of the Year, Emerging Company of the Year, and Innovation of the Year categories. In doing so, TBIO aims to recognize local achievements and encourage innovation within this important industry, helping facilitate its further growth and the development of the entire biotechnology ecosystem.