A total of 241 contestants representing 172 projects from around the world will gather in Shenzhen today for the finals of the 8th China (Shenzhen) Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition. These finalists earned their spots by excelling in regional contests held in 12 countries between mid-September and the end of October.
Finals for seven industries — next-generation electronic information, high-end equipment manufacturing, green and low carbon, new materials, biopharmaceuticals and health, digital and fashion, and the marine economy — will be simultaneously held in Bao’an, Longgang, Longhua and Guangming districts today and tomorrow.
Contestants will compete for awards and spots in the championship round through exciting project pitches and Q&A sessions with the judges. The top three finishers in each of the finals will advance to the championship round, which will be held at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen on Friday.
At the same time, more than 20 ancillary events are planned, including the Fly with Shenzhen International Talent Week. Through city exploration activities, international innovators will experience Shenzhen’s unique blend of technological innovation, natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights.
Since its launch in July, the competition has attracted a record 3,518 innovative projects and 4,261 participants. Notably, over 60% of participants hold doctoral degrees, and more than 60% are foreign nationals. Additionally, 531 of the projects have received patents.
The event has also assembled a prestigious panel of 91 judges, including academicians from prestigious international universities, distinguished scholars, and influential investors.
With a prize pool of 9.42 million yuan (US$1.31 million), the competition’s first-place winner will receive up to 1.75 million yuan in prize money and start-up subsidies.
In addition, a venture capital pool of 25 billion yuan has been set up by over 50 investment institutions to encourage outstanding projects to settle in the city.