The 12th "Chuang Qingchun" Shanghai Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Contest has opened for applications.

The contest offers a vibrant platform for young entrepreneurs worldwide to present their projects, receive professional training and guidance, and gain access to valuable entrepreneurial resources.

Below are the details on competition tracks, eligibility, application procedures, rewards, and other requirements.

Competition tracks

1. Science and Technology Innovation Track

This track focuses on forward-looking and strategic projects, including future industries such as brain-computer interfaces, embodied intelligence, and new energy storage.

Key areas include artificial intelligence, quantum information, integrated circuits, life sciences, brain science, biomanufacturing, aerospace, and deep earth and sea technologies.

2. Digital Economy Track

This track encourages projects that integrate digital and real economies, transforming and upgrading traditional sectors with digital economy means.

Key areas include the internet, big data, cloud computing, blockchain, and metaverse.

3. Youth Economy Track

This track targets new consumption formats aimed at young consumers, covering retail, food and beverage, cultural and sports entertainment, and lifestyle services that enhance urban vitality and meet evolving consumer demands.

Key areas include fashion boutiques, trendy cultural shops, themed bookstores, beverage outlets, wellness spaces, creative design, immersive theaters, VR experiences, art workshops, and pet services.

4. Overseas Talent Track

This track is open to overseas talent and young professionals with educational, professional, or entrepreneurial experience, providing a platform for project showcasing, technical exchange, and startup collaboration.

Eligibility:

• Chinese citizens aged 40 or under (born on or after Sept 1, 1985).
• Team projects should have no more than five members, with an average age of up to 40. The team leader must meet the age requirement. Exceptions may be made for outstanding candidates.
• Previous winners are not eligible to reapply.

Project requirements

• Must comply with national laws, regulations, and industrial policies.
• Must not infringe on others' intellectual property rights.
• Should demonstrate social and economic benefits with proper operations and credibility.
• Should possess unique products, technologies, or business models with high investment potential.
• Product prototypes or service models should be developed, with mature core technologies and business plan.

Application details

• Projects must be registered enterprises established within the past five years (on or after Sept 1, 2020).
• The primary applicant must be the legal representative and hold equity.
• Projects based outside Shanghai but planning to develop in the city are also welcome.
• Required documents include a business license, tax registration certificate, bank account permit, relevant qualification or certification documents, an introduction to the project's background or production process, and materials of the project development concept and the current progress and outcomes.
• Projects in restricted industries or sectors must provide qualification documents.
• Each project may participate only one track.

Awards

Each track grant first, second, and third prizes. Winning projects will receive cash rewards and policy support from the organizers.

Contact

Zhou

Tel: 021-6169-0143

Email: tswtjllb@163.com

Scan the QR code below to apply.

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area at "shlgguanweihui"