CEO Insights Magazine

In the volatile world of entrepreneurship, where innovation meets execution, leadership is often the decisive factor between a fleeting idea and a groundbreaking enterprise. In today’s fastpaced markets, where technology evolves in the blink of an eye and competition is global, the role of visionary leaders in startups is not just critical, it is transformative. Taiwan, long known for its robust manufacturing base and deep engineering talent, is now carving out a bold new narrative in the startup ecosystem. This feature shines a spotlight on the vanguard of Taiwan’s entrepreneurial surge, leaders who are not only redefining industries but also recalibrating the global perception of what Taiwanese innovation looks like. Among these trailblazers is Anthony Lu, Founder and Principal Engineer of Seeing Display Technology.

A name steadily gaining international recognition, Anthony Lu is the embodiment of the engineerentrepreneur archetype. Winner of the prestigious Taiwan Micro Entrepreneurship Award in 2024, Lu holds an impressive portfolio of 48 invention patents, has authored six international journal papers, and presented 17 conference papers, a testament to both his technical depth and relentless pursuit of innovation.

After earning his degree from National Tsing Hua University in 1999, Lu began his career at ITRI, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, Taiwan’s national research institution. It was here he cultivated an innovation-first mindset. In 2011, he earned his Ph.D. in Optoelectronics from National Chiao Tung University, refining his ability to bridge theory and practice. By 2012, he had taken his talents to the world's largest display film component company in China, gaining hands-on manufacturing expertise. In 2018, Lu struck out on his own path, culminating in the founding of Seeing Display Technology in 2021, a company that would go on to develop the world’s first memory-type smart window film and transparent display film.

From 2022 to 2025, his work has garnered numerous recognitions, including eight additional Taiwanese invention patents, national tech subsidies, and international accolades from winning EE Times' Green Tech Competition to being named one of the Top 9 Display Technology Startups globally by StartUs Insights. Anthony Lu isn’t just riding the wave of Taiwan’s startup revolution, he is helping to build it. Let’s dive in to know more.

What key factors do you consider when recommending your solutions to clients?

A product that lacks practicality cannot be considered well-designed. While aesthetics are important, it is equally essential to evaluate a product’s usability, functionality, and quality from the standpoint of customer experience. Our offerings focus on green energy and smart, innovative building materials, designed to help users experience the true convenience that technology can bring.

How would you describe your leadership style, and what principles or strategies guide you in your role as a leader?

At the company level, I believe in creating dreams, building them together, and turning them into reality, leading by example alongside the team. For colleagues, I emphasize mutual respect and value each individual’s ideas. I encourage employees to take initiative and explore their potential through hands-on experience, fostering both personal growth and collective progress.

What are the key qualities that you prioritize when evaluating fresh candidates for your team?

Embrace failure as part of the journey, and have the courage to think creatively and pursue ambitious goals. A strong candidate is someone who shares the company’s vision and is committed to growing alongside the team, driven by shared values and a passion for continuous innovation.

How do you stay informed about evolving industry trends to effectively guide your organization into the future?

Our primary focus is understanding customer needs, staying attuned to market trends, and keeping a close eye on global policies. We stay updated on industry developments through discussions with upstream and downstream partners, insights from market research agencies, and the latest advancements in industrial technology. By continuously monitoring these areas, we ensure our strategies are aligned with both current and future market dynamics, allowing us to remain at the forefront of innovation and customer satisfaction.

What is the long-term vision or goal you are working towards?

ESG is the global trend shaping the future, and the energy-saving memory window film we’ve developed represents a technological green energy building material designed with this vision in mind. We are committed to steadily introducing our innovative products to the international market, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable planet and improve the quality of human life.

Drawing from your vast experience in the industry, what advice would you offer to aspiring leaders in this field?

Innovating new products is a significant challenge, especially for startups lacking the backing of large corporations. Leaders must possess strong willpower, the courage to overcome setbacks, and the adaptability to make constant adjustments. With limited resources, they must efficiently allocate them to meet various demands and keep the innovation process moving forward.

Anthony Lu, Founder & Principal Engineer, Seeing Display Technology

Born in 1971 in a small town in Taiwan, Anthony Lu’s journey from his family’s grocery store to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur is marked by dedication and innovation. With a solid educational foundation, including a PhD in Optoelectronics, Lu has held pivotal roles, including R&D Manager at Kangdexin Optoelectronics. In 2021, he founded Seeing Display Technology, focusing on developing groundbreaking memory energy-saving building materials, contributing to the future of sustainable technology.