Hangzhou Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition 2024
Back to events
Hurry up and apply now!
20 Days
05 Hours
06 Min
32 Sec
StartingDate: 1 August 2024
Deadline: 31 January 2025
About HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Competition
The HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Competition was born for Entrepreneurs. It aims to build a multi-level, multi-dimensional and diversified international entrepreneurial model, seeking for high-quality startups worldwide, facilitating entrepreneurs to grow and expand their business in Beijing. The competition invites top investors, famous mentors and leading entrepreneurs to provide all-round entrepreneurial guidance and acceleration, to continuously empower entrepreneurs in Beijing by providing a full range of “Beijing Services” such as talent settlement, children’s education, healthcare, designated apartments, etc. The Competition will set up 7 major registration areas worldwide. There are 140 winning seats for the startups and 28 winning seats for talent scouts awards with a total amount of CNY 100 million bonus.
Why Participate?
- Inclusivity at Its Best: We welcome all innovators aged 21 and above, regardless of whether you have an established company or are just starting with a brilliant idea. Your innovation matters, and we want to help you bring it to the global stage.
- Completely Free of Charge: Participation in the competition is 100% free. Simply fill out the online application form and attach your project introduction in either PPT or PDF format (minimum 10 pages, maximum file size 100MB).
- Global Recognition and Opportunities: The competition is supported by the Beijing government and offers a platform to connect with top investors, renowned mentors, and leading entrepreneurs. It’s your chance to receive all-around entrepreneurial guidance and acceleration, helping you grow and scale your business in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
What’s in It for You?
- Massive Prize Pool: Compete for one of the 200 winning seats, with a total prize pool of CNY 160 million. Winners will not only receive monetary rewards but also benefit from a range of “Beijing Services” including talent settlement, children’s education, healthcare, and designated apartments.
- Global Reach: The competition will feature 7 major registration areas worldwide, attracting the best and brightest from across the globe.
- Focus on Cutting-Edge Technologies: The competition highlights startups within 7 tech verticals: AI/Virtual Reality/Fintech, Medical Health, Information Technology, High-end Equipment, New Energy/Energy Conservation & Environmental Protection, Cultural Creativity, and Agricultural & Food Technology.
Why Beijing?
Beijing is not just a city; it’s a global hub for technology and innovation. With a vibrant economy, a thriving startup scene, and a supportive government, Beijing offers an unparalleled environment for startups to grow and succeed. The city boasts a vast pool of talent, world-class universities, leading venture capital firms, and an innovative ecosystem that fosters collaboration and growth. It’s strategically positioned for startups looking to expand in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
How to Join:
To register, simply visit our official sign-up link: https://gitp.asia/events/6th-global-entrepreneurship-competition/ and complete the application form by January 31st, 2025. Attach your project introduction (PPT or PDF, not less than 10 pages, and under 100MB) and you’re all set!
We believe your startup has the potential to make a significant impact in the tech industry, and we are excited to see what you bring to the competition. This is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to network, exchange ideas, and open doors to new opportunities for growth.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What is the Hangzhou Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Talents 2024?
A global competition aimed at attracting overseas startups and innovators to launch and grow their businesses in Hangzhou, focusing on digital economy and smart technology.
Who can apply for the competition?
Overseas talents under the age of 55, with a minimum of a bachelor's degree for international participants or a master's degree for Chinese participants, prior experience in technological innovation or startups, and a focus on acquiring new technologies or developing products with wide market prospects.
What are the prizes for the competition?
Prizes include one First Prize (200,000 RMB), four Second Prizes (100,000 RMB), seven Third Prizes (50,000 RMB), and several Winning Prizes (20,000 RMB).
What additional benefits do winners receive?
Beyond cash prizes, winners receive venture capital connections, business networking opportunities, startup mentorship, and significant sponsorship if they register their business in Hangzhou within one or two years after the competition.
Are there any sponsorship amounts for startups that relocate to Hangzhou?
Yes, sponsorship varies from 5,000,000 RMB for First Prize winners to 200,000 RMB for startups entering the Semi-Finals, based on their competition stage and timely business registration in Hangzhou.
What are the eligibility criteria for participation?
Participants must be under 55 years old, have a team of at least 3 members, obtained some external funding, hold the required educational qualifications, have relevant experience, and their startups must be engaged in new or emerging technologies.
What is the competition's timeline?
The competition runs from February 2024 to November 2024, with project submission closing on May 31, preliminaries in July-August, finals in early November, and the Grand Final during the Hangzhou International Human Resource Exchanges and Cooperation Conference in November.
How can one apply to the competition?
Applicants need to fill in an application form, provide a project introduction in PowerPoint or PDF format, send a scanned copy of their highest degree certificate, and optionally, a project description video of more than 120 seconds.
What are the project requirements for contestants?
Contestants must submit a unique project that belongs to a high-tech or strategic emerging industry, is technologically advanced, and where the core member owns or is authorized to use the intellectual property rights.
What should the business plan include?
A detailed plan including technology application, market prospects, business strategies, funding request, team member descriptions, and a clear future development plan with business models.
Can both individuals and teams participate?
Yes, both individuals and teams with a maximum of four members are allowed to apply, but only one project submission is permitted per contestant.
What kind of projects are eligible for the competition?
Projects that are self-developed or licensed inventions, patented technologies, or concepts likely to be materialized in high-tech or strategic emerging industries.
What follow-up services are offered to winners?
Services include regular visits to understand project operation, assistance in funding applications, entrepreneurial mentorship, and customized entrepreneurship training courses.
What are the preferential policies for projects registered in Hangzhou?
Eligible projects enjoy tax cuts, housing subsidies, financial guarantees, and discount loans from the industrial park where they are located.
Can startups entering the Semi-Finals receive any benefits without winning?
Yes, these startups can enjoy various local policies without evaluation if they register in Hangzhou Oversea Talent landing program. May refer to GITP team member for more info.
What makes Hangzhou an attractive city for startups?
Known as "the Silicon Valley of China," Hangzhou offers a livable environment, favorable legal and economic conditions, and is home to tech giants like Alibaba, Geely, and NetEase.
What distinguishes this competition from others?
Its focus on digital economy and smart technology, inclusive platform co-managed by city authorities and stakeholders, and comprehensive support for overseas talents to start and grow in Hangzhou.
What support does GITP offer to startups that don't win the competition?
GITP facilitates connections to markets and industries globally through its platform, offering an acceleration program, bootcamps, and support for participation in overseas events and programs like Sushi-Tech Tokyo 2024, Startup Village 2024, and CISMEF 2024.
How can GITP help ensure my idea or technology project is protected?
GITP provides intellectual property filing services for various countries, especially in Asia, including filing with the USPTO and PCT, ensuring your innovations are protected legally across borders.
Can tech SMEs seek GITP's help for global market entry without participating in the competition?
Yes, GITP supports business landing, showcases, and promotions in many countries, offering professional services for globalization and commercialization. Interested parties can contact GITP for more information and potential partnership discussions.
For startups entering the Semi-Finals without winning, are there any specific benefits they can enjoy?
Startups reaching the Semi-Finals can benefit from various local policies under the Oversea Talent landing program without needing to win the competition. For detailed benefits, contacting a GITP team member is recommended.
How does GITP support startups in connecting to global markets?
GITP opens avenues for startups to connect with any country or market linked via their platform, facilitating business expansion and entry into new markets through their comprehensive support and services.
What kind of events and programs does GITP co-organize or support for startups?
GITP is involved in co-organizing and supporting various overseas events and programs aimed at startup growth and exposure, including but not limited to Sushi-Tech Tokyo 2024, Startup Village 2024, and CISMEF 2024.
What is the advantage of the GITP acceleration program and bootcamp?
The GITP acceleration program and bootcamp are designed to fast-track startup growth through intensive training, mentorship, and exposure to investors and markets, offering a solid foundation for startups to scale up.
How can I get in touch with GITP for more information or to discuss potential collaborations?
Startups and innovators interested in GITP's services can directly contact their team for detailed information, consultation, and discussions on potential partnerships and collaborations to leverage global market opportunities.
Is there a possibility of re-evaluation for projects that didn't win but have significant potential?
Yes, GITP provides avenues for re-evaluation and support for projects with significant potential, facilitating their access to necessary resources and markets for growth and success.
How can GITP assist in the intellectual property filing process for startups?
GITP offers comprehensive assistance in the intellectual property filing process, guiding startups through legal requirements and procedures to secure their innovations in targeted countries, especially across Asia.
×
Sign up now
×
Order successfully sent
Our manager will contact you as soon as possible
