2024 HPC Taiwan Animation Challenge Winners Announced

The winners of the "2024 HPC Taiwan Animation Challenge" were announced today (October 29.) This year, the original assessment categories—3D Animation, 2D Animation, and Innovative Media—were replaced with new specific awards: Best Narrative, Best Character Design, Best Movement Design, Best Editing, and Best Visual Effects. All finalists will receive access to NCHC's rendering resources for one year, courtesy of the National Center for High-performance Computing (NCHC) under the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs). NCHC aims to inspire animators to leverage high-performance computing technology in digital creation, blending technology and creativity seamlessly.

The judging panel conducted in-depth discussions to select the most outstanding works based on technical excellence and creativity. "Wave Back" from Ming Chuan University won Best Narrative for its psychedelic style that unveils the darker sides of society, leaving a profound emotional impact. “Odyssey Express” from Tainan University of Technologyearned Best Character Design with its imaginative multiverse setting, capturing the uncertainties and explorations of youth. “SprAY” from National Taiwan University of Arts' won Best Movement Design, for delivering a compelling message on women's safety through smooth, rhythmic animation. "Homing," another NTUA entry, secured Best Editing for its skillful storytelling in a heartwarming family narrative. Finally, “LOVER” from China University of Technology received Best Visual Effects for its impressive use of 3D technology and visual effects.

To further encourage the participation of young creators, NCHC added two special awards this year. The first was the “Future Award,” specifically designed for students in their junior year of college or younger,which encouraged high school teams to compete this year, indicating a growing passion for animation production among younger generations. The recipients of the “Future Award” were “Let’s Film Monster Fight” from Lunghwa University of Science and Technology, “Rebirth” and “1/9” from Taipei National University of the Arts, and “THE SNOWY NIGHT” from Taipei Municipal Songshan High School of Commerce and Home Economics. The second new addition, the “Lucky Star Award,” was given to a randomly selected finalist that did not receive any other awards, as a way to recognize their efforts and encourage them to keep pursuing their dreams in animation. Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology received this award for their work “Road of Lux.”

In addition, the Taiwan Character Brand Licensing Association (TCBLA) selected three outstanding entries for the Character Licensing Award based on their potential for character development and licensing. The winners were TUT’s “Odyssey Express,” Shih Chien University’s “MOULDY ORANGE”, and NTUA’s “SprAY.”

The “2024 HPC Taiwan Animation Challenge” was co-advised by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and the Ministry of Culture, co-organized by NCHC and the Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB), with support from TCBLA. As a driving force in Taiwan’s animation industry, the competition, organized by NCHC for the 13th time, has attracted over 1,141 teams and nearly 5,000 participants since its inception.

NCHC Division Director Chia-Chen Kuo, also Chief Convener of the competition, emphasized that the HPC Taiwan Animation Challenge, now in its 13th edition, remains dedicated to the motto “Nurturing Talents through the Competition.” This year, the introduction of the "Future Award" is a step toward fostering young animators and unlocking their future potential. NCHC Director General Chau-Lyan Chang noted that since the launch of the NCHC Render Farm in 2011, NCHC has continuously integrated technology, arts, and cultural resources across Taiwan. Through this competition, they have promoted industry-university collaboration and talent cultivation, fueling innovation in Taiwan’s digital creative sector and driving industry advancements. Looking forward, NCHC plans to further integrate diverse resources, breathing new life into the cultural and creative industries, fueling limitless creativity.

Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab Executive Director Hsueh Tsui-Yu emphasized NCHC’s long-standing efforts in advancing technology R&D, interdisciplinary applications in culture and arts, and nurturing creative talent. Since 2022, NCHC has provided technical support for the establishment of the Creative Base for Animators. By offering value-added services and facilitating industry transformation, Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab aims to develop innovative exhibition and performance models, establishing Taiwan as a cradle for next-generation interdisciplinary talent in technology and culture.

2024 HPC NCHC Animation Challenge Winners

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