From June to November 2025, the 4th edition of the China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition invites visionary young entrepreneurs for international collaboration, cultural exchange, and the promotion of China-Africa economic development.

The competition is jointly hosted by the China Science and Technology Exchange Center and the Department of Science and Technology of Hubei Province.

Theme and content

With the theme "Creating Shared Opportunities, Building a China-Africa Future Together", the 2025 competition aims to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship among Chinese and African youth while expanding cooperation opportunities. Key focus areas are: digital economy, artificial intelligence, life sciences and healthcare, modern agriculture, green and low-carbon technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

Competition format

1. Entry requirements

The competition is open to projects across China and African nations.

As the Shanghai division organizer, Tongji University is responsible for project submissions from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong provinces and Shanghai. Overseas projects are welcome.

Eligible participants should download and complete the official registration form. The form must be sent to the designated email address before Sept 30, 2025.

Dual registration across divisions is not permitted, with violations resulting in disqualification.

Project categories

(1)    Projects currently operating or planned for African countries.

(2)    Projects currently operating or planned in China, led by citizens or teams including citizens of African countries.

Additional eligibility

(1)    The participating projects should be developed by small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises registered in China or Africa after Jan 1, 2020, or by individuals or teams preparing to establish a start-up. The projects should be inventions, patented technologies, conceptual products, or services realized through relevant research and development.

(2)    The participating projects should demonstrate technological innovation, market potential, and economic feasibility. Participants must have full ownership of intellectual property, with no disputes involving third parties.

Participant criteria

(1)    Citizens of China or African countries under the age of 40, who abide by the rules of the competition as well as the laws and regulations of China.

(2)    Competition languages: Chinese or English (bilingual preferred).

(3)    Participation can be individual or in teams; one project per participant or team; no dual participation allowed.

Teams should consist of three to six members, with cross-institutional and cross-national participation allowed, but each team may represent only one country.

2. Preliminary contest: October 2025, Shanghai division

Eligible applicants should download and fill out the registration form and send it to the designated email address: Tongji2023Africa@163.com before Sept 30, 2025.

Submit project posters, roadshow PowerPoints, roadshow videos (up to eight minutes), and roadshow manuscripts (in Chinese or English) before Sept 30, 2025.

The participating projects will be reviewed by experts and academics based on topic relevance (25 percent), innovation (25 percent), feasibility (25 percent), and promotability (25 percent).

Winners from the Shanghai division will advance to the final in Wuhan at the end of October.

3. Final competition

The final competition will be held in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, in November.

Awards

1. Preliminary contest

First prize: five

Second prize:10

Third prize: 15

Excellence awards: Several

The semifinals also include special awards, such as the Best Organization Award, the Outstanding Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mentor, and the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Exclusive awards from Tongji University:

Priority access to Belt and Road innovation program grants.

Recognized as a Category B international competition for postgraduate recommendations.

2. Final

One first prize

Two second prizes

Three third prizes

The finals also include special awards such as the Best Creativity Awards and Excellence Awards.

Contact

Office phone: 021-6598-7003

Mr Zhang, mobile: 136-3633-5531 (WeChat, WhatsApp)

Miss Zhu, mobile: 159-2114-5093 (WeChat)

Miss Li, mobile: +27-792534559 WhatsApp: 0792534559

E-mail: Tongji2023Africa@163.com

 

Source: Official WeChat account of SHU College of International Education at "StudyatSHU"