The Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone organized the 2025 "Seed Future Lin-gang" talent plan special event from Sept 27 to 28.

Thirty international students from countries including the US, Russia, and Belgium, studying at Fudan University, University of Science and Technology of China, East China University of Science and Technology, New York University Shanghai, Soochow University, and Shanghai Polytechnic University, gathered in Lin-gang for an immersive journey exploring innovation and entrepreneurship.

Participants visited smart exhibition halls, digital communities, an astronomy museum, and chip labs, gaining firsthand insights into Lin-gang's forward-looking and innovative spirit through the two-day immersive exploration.

On the first evening, the students checked into the Lin-gang Yunhuiyuan International Talent Apartment, appreciating its livable environment, with lake views from the windows and scenic surroundings at their doorstep.

Georgia Sutjiadi from New York University Shanghai said that the apartment didn't feel like temporary accommodation, but more like a creative incubation hub, with the balcony view particularly inspiring.

At the Dishui Cloud Hall planning exhibition center, Clairine Ivana Franetty Yong from Fudan University was impressed by Lin-gang's top-level design, noting that the design went beyond standard urban planning, looking to the future and inspiring them to be potential "code editors."

By Dishui Lake, the students participated in an urban exploration titled "When Immigrants Meet Nomads". The students and several digital nomads rooted in Lin-gang used their smartphones to explore the area at the BTU Digital Nomad Community. Bat-Erdene Erdenechuluun from USTC exclaimed that the freedom of the community completely reshaped his perception of office work.

During a visit to the overseas talent innovation and entrepreneurship park, the students explored the life sciences exhibition hall and medical device center. Luan, an AI company founder, encouraged the future talent by sharing his insights based on his entrepreneurship journey: "Make a decision and stay aware of your surroundings so you don't miss an opportunity. Trust the process; you don't have to be afraid of the unknown."

Participants also visited the science and innovation center, experiencing the vibrant development of cutting-edge industries, such as integrated circuits, robotics and chips. A representative from Haiker Space, an innovation and entrepreneurship park designated for international students, outlined the incubator's cultivation system for the participants, introducing the full-cycle services provided for overseas talent, from startup to growth.

The event featured a full English policy briefing on the one-stop, full-cycle services for international entrepreneurs. It covered visa facilitation, residency support, and startup incubation, offering feasible landing paths for future entrepreneurs.

International startup seed representative Nakahara Kosumosu shared her entrepreneurial story in Lin-gang with the students: After graduation, she had no idea how to register a company. Lin-gang staff guided her step by step via WeChat.

Nakahara also praised the advantageous living costs in the area: talent apartment prices are only one-third of those downtown, yet the quality is even better. For young entrepreneurs, the saved living and office costs can be invested into the practical business.

A roundtable forum at the end of the event brought the atmosphere to a climax. Divided into groups, the students role-played as "interim CEOs," proposing various innovative suggestions for Lin-gang's international development. Drawing on their observations during the visits, they innovative startup ideas focused on youth and culture.

Looking forward, Lin-gang Special Area is set to upgrade the program with diverse themes, inclusive platforms, and premium services, establishing itself as an internationally influential hub for young talent.

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Lin-gang Special Area Talent Hub at "shlghr"