Shanghai is set to select and cultivate a group of creative design talent under 35, to advance its ambition of becoming a world-class design capital. The initiative offers comprehensive support, including promotion through the 2025 World Design Cities Conference, priority recommendations for national and municipal talent programs, and opportunities to compete for prestigious design awards. Selected talent and their companies can also access innovation center nominations and special funding.

Eligibility

Applicants of any nationality or household registration are welcome. Candidates should be under 35 years old and have paid social insurance or personal income tax in Shanghai for at least 12 months within the past two years. For this first edition, the age limit has been relaxed to include those born after Jan 1, 1985.

Applicants should work in fields such as industrial, architectural, fashion, digital, or service design, as well as creative management and related areas.

Application

Nomination

• Organizational recommendation: District-level design industry authorities, industry associations, universities, key parks, and major enterprises are encouraged to organize applications.
• Expert recommendation: Well-known figures in the design industry, university experts, and previously selected top young creative talent may nominate candidates.
• Self-nomination: Young professionals in the creative design industry with notable achievements or contributions at home or abroad may apply independently.

Material submission

Please complete the application form and send it with all required attachments to duch@sheitc.sh.gov.cn by Aug 31, 2025.

Attachments should include:

• ID (passport)
• Summary of representative projects
• Proof of awards and patents
• Published papers or books
• Any other supporting materials

Print the form and attachments double-sided on A4 paper, bind on the left, affix a stamp across the binding, and submit two copies in person to Window No 2, General Service Hall, No 1000 Xueye Road from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, on Sept 1–2, 2025.

Selection criteria

• Overall influence: Industry reputation, contributions to sector growth, professional experience, educational background, and participation in major domestic and international design events.
• Design innovation: Quality of completed projects, design awards, patents, and published papers or books.
• Project and commercialization level: Scale and impact of major projects, market application of design products, and the resulting economic and social benefits.
• Integrity and credibility: Personal conduct and credit record.
• Enterprise and team performance: The applicant's overall management capabilities, current scale, growth potential, and development prospects of their company or team.

Contact

Creative Design Industry Division, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization

Du Chenhui: 021-2311-2645

Xiao Ya: 159-2359-3795

Talent Work Office, CPC Committee of Economy and Informatization Work

Du Yiming: 021-6080-1508

Zhang Hao: 021-2311-9355

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization at "sheitc"