The Yangtze Delta "Join" Sci-tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is now inviting innovators worldwide to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and entrepreneurial capabilities.

The competition aims to foster high-impact innovations, connect innovators with resources and investors, and drive the growth of technology enterprises across the region.

Groups

The competition is divided into two groups:

1. Angel group

This group is open to companies established within a year or those that have raised funding up to angel round (inclusive), with innovative technologies and dedicated research teams. Priority will be given to professors, researchers from scientific institutions, student entrepreneurial projects, and technology transfer initiatives from research organizations.

2. Growth group

This group is designed for companies that have completed their business registration, raised funding up to Series B (inclusive), have at least 20 percent of their workforce engaged in research and development, and own exclusive core patents (including those in the application process). Additional points may be awarded if the enterprise holds national key scientific research project certifications.

Tracks

Participants can submit innovations across six key tracks:

• Artificial intelligence and information technology
• Semiconductors and integrated circuits
• High-end equipment and intelligent manufacturing
• Biomedicine and life sciences
• New energy and smart transportation
• New materials and green technologies

Other technology applications and incubation projects with core intellectual property are also encouraged to apply.

Rewards

The total reward pool for the competition exceeds 10 million yuan ($1.38 million), including 3.18 million yuan in cash prizes, 4 million yuan in international business school scholarships and 3 million yuan in ecosystem services to empower participating companies.

Additional benefits

• Capital connection: Engage directly with a network of over 100 leading investors and venture capital firms through roadshows and investment matchmaking sessions.
• Expert guidance: Benefit from the support of a think tank of more than 50 top experts, including unicorn founders, industry pioneers and dual business mentors.
• Management empowerment: Join specialized training programs — including a champions' boot camp, a sci-tech entrepreneurs' camp and a leadership academy — designed to accelerate business growth.
• Ecosystem expansion: Access a network of more than 50 partners and 30 cities across the Yangtze River Delta, establishing direct links with government industrial parks and industry leaders.
• Brand promotion: Gain extensive media exposure worth over 10 million yuan, including coverage by key state media, promotions across a multi-channel media network and display on landmark screens.

Schedule

Application

Registration is now open through the competition's official website and will close at 10 pm, on June 20, 2025.

Participants must submit their business plans, essential team information and intellectual property documents.

Contact

For registration inquiries, please contact Zhang at 173-4978-9423 or Chen at 152-0188-0091.

For collaboration inquiries, please reach Guo at 181-1630-8815 or Li at 134-8207-3715.

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Yangpu District News Center at "shanghai-yangpu"