Shanghai's Baoshan district has launched its sixth innovation and entrepreneurship competition, inviting innovators and entrepreneurs seeking to connect with start-up resources and build valuable partnerships.

Explore this guide for full details and join the initiative to unlock your journey of scientific discovery and innovation in Shanghai.

Competition background

Since 2021, the Baoshan District "Science and Innovation Cup" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition has been held for five consecutive years. The competition has gathered a total of 3,288 enterprises and 265 teams. In 2026, the competition focuses on the district's key industrial directions, broadens its global tracks, aiming to attract more high-quality domestic and international projects and outstanding talent to settle in Baoshan.

Competition period:

January to September 2026

Competition structure

Tracks:

1. Advanced new materials, cruise economy, and green and low-carbon track

This track covers, but is not limited to:

- Advanced metal materials, carbon-based new materials, electronic information materials, superconducting materials, super-carbon materials, super-silicon materials, and high-performance membrane materials.

- Cruise services, cruise operations, cruise culture and tourism leisure, smart cruise ships, cruise supplies and ship maintenance, ship design, and ship management.

- Green energy, green manufacturing, green transportation, green buildings, circular economy, and green services.

2. Robotics and future intelligence track

This track covers, but is not limited to:

- Industrial robots, service robots, humanoid robots, embodied intelligence, CNC machine tools, other automation equipment, and high-end equipment.

- Industrial internet, 3D printing, smart grids, smart transportation, smart vehicles, smart finance, smart healthcare, smart buildings, smart security, smart logistics, smart homes, and smart commerce.

3. Digital economy and modern services track

This track covers, but is not limited to:

- New-generation information technology, human resources services, advertising, and professional services.

- Digital health, digital retail, digital finance, digital content, digital trade, and digital security, with data elements as the core.

- Internet of Things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and large models, cloud-native and intelligent computing, high-speed data transmission technology, new-generation networks, and software and algorithms, with new-generation information technology as the core.

- Application scenarios such as bulk commodity trading service platforms, industrial product e-commerce service platforms, and professional service platforms in key areas, including steel, non-ferrous metals, and chemicals.

4. Life sciences, biomedicine, and synthetic biology track

This track covers, but is not limited to:

- Spatial multi-omics, regenerative medicine, and autoimmunity.

- Recombinant drugs, cell and gene therapy, modern traditional Chinese medicine, and high-end formulations.

- Ophthalmic optometry, precision diagnosis and treatment equipment, high-value consumables, organoids, and biomedical materials.

- Senior care technology, AI-powered biomedicine, pharmaceutical R&D services, digital healthcare, and chronic disease management.

- Microbiota transplantation, bioreactors, and biomanufacturing technologies.

Eligibility

1. Domestic competition for Baoshan and Xiamen Divisions:

Enterprises with innovation capabilities and high growth potential, meeting the following criteria:

(1) Standardized operations, strong social reputation, no records of major dishonesty or criminal offenses.

(2) Projects must be forward-looking, innovative, and have strong development potential. Participants must possess independent intellectual property or a patent for invention, with no IP disputes. They should have a rational business model, clear development goals, a complete core team structure, and strong comprehensive strength.

(3) Participants must be project leaders or core team members. Candidates with a master's degree or above, or an associate senior title or above, are preferred.

(4) At the time of application, the enterprise has not been registered in Baoshan and are intend to settle and develop in the district. Each enterprise can submit only one project.

2. Overseas competition for Overseas Division:

Global innovation teams, or projects with high growth potential and cutting-edge technological achievements, must meet the following criteria:

(1) Participants or team members have overseas study or work experience.

(2) Projects must possess undisputed independent intellectual property or core technologies. These technologies, products, or solutions should demonstrate significant innovation and commercial value.

Key competition dates

January to April: Project submission

May: Preliminary rounds

June: Semi-finals in Baoshan district in Shanghai, Xiamen, and Overseas Divisions

August: Finals

September: Awards ceremony

Awards

One grand prize: 1.5 million yuan (about $215,450)

Three first prizes: 250,000 yuan each

Eight second prizes: 150,000 yuan each

Twelve third prizes: 100,000 yuan each

After the finals, winning projects will be publicized. Following the publicity period, 20 percent of the prize money will be awarded immediately, with the remaining 80 percent granted once the winning project establishes operations in Baoshan and meets specified conditions.

Note: The competition committee reserves the final right to interpret all matters, including award adjustments and prize distribution.

Supporting policies

Based on local policies for technology enterprises and high-end talent, the competition committee offers policy incentives in the following areas:

1. Rental support:

Eligible enterprises that establish operations in Baoshan and demonstrate strong growth potential may receive appropriate rental reductions.

2. Talent policy support:

Enterprises based in Baoshan will receive preferential access when applying for district-level talent policies such as housing allowances, key talent incentives, and rental subsidies. Eligible candidates may also be recommended for municipal-level talent programs.

3. Talent settlement support:

Urgently needed talent will receive timely personalized settlement planning and categorized application guidance.

Supporting services

1. Investment and financing services:

Tailored financing solutions to address funding challenges and support rapid enterprise growth.

2. Industry matchmaking services:

The competition committee will organize industry matchmaking events to facilitate networking and integrate upstream and downstream supply chains.

3. Competition advancement services:

Priority recommendation to high-level innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, such as Shanghai's "Shanghai Talent+".

4. Talent development services:

High-quality platforms for talent cultivation and exchange to enhance comprehensive capabilities in enterprise management and technology commercialization.

5. Policy promotion services:

Policy interpretation on Baoshan's business and investment environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and development in the district.

How to apply

Enterprises or teams can log in to the official website for the sixth Baoshan District "Sci-Tech Cup" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, or scan the QR code below to register. Complete all relevant information accurately, and upload the required materials as instructed.

Source: Official WeChat account of Baoshan Talent (ID: "gh_84b38936591c")