HICOOL 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Competition

Back to events

Secure Your Place and Register Now!

20 Days

05 Hours

06 Min

32 Sec

StartingDate: 26 January 2026

Deadline: 10 April 2026

Click Here

HICOOL 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Competition is officially open, calling global technology founders, innovators, researchers, and high-growth startups to expand into Beijing, China, one of the world’s most influential innovation and capital hubs.

More than a competition, HICOOL is a government-backed global innovation platform designed to help startups secure funding, enter the China market, and scale internationally with long-term institutional support.

With USD 22.8 million (CNY 160 million) in prizes and grants, HICOOL 2026 offers a rare opportunity for founders at every stage, from idea validation to international scale-up, to accelerate growth with real resources, not just exposure.

🌍Why HICOOL?

HICOOL connects global innovation with China’s deep ecosystem of capital, policy incentives, talent, manufacturing, and market access. Selected startups gain direct access to Beijing’s innovation districts, venture capital networks, industrial partners, and government-backed support systems.

This is a strategic expansion gateway for startups planning long-term growth in China, Asia, and global markets.

💰 What Selected Startups Receive

🏆 Massive Funding & Grants:

USD 22.8M (CNY 160M) total prize pool
200 winning teams across multiple categories
Non-dilutive funding opportunities

🏢 Beijing Business Enablement:

Free office space in designated innovation zones
Direct linkage to VCs, corporate partners & government agencies

🛂 Relocation & Policy Support:

Visa facilitation & residency assistance
Tax incentives & regulatory guidance
Company setup and compliance support

🏠 Soft-Landing Services:

Housing assistance
Schooling support for children
Access to medical and social services

🎯 Professional Acceleration Support:

One-on-one mentoring from global & China-based experts
Pitch deck optimization & demo day preparation
Strategic guidance by Global Innovation & Technology Platform (GITP)
(Even non-winning participants benefit from post-competition guidance, China market advisory, and ASEAN expansion support.)

🏗️ Key Technology Sectors

HICOOL 2026 focuses on high-impact, future-defining industries, including:

Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Computing
HealthTech, BioTech & Medical Devices
Clean Energy, New Materials & Sustainability
Aerospace, New Mobility & Advanced Transportation
Semiconductors, Quantum & Core Technologies
IoT, Smart Hardware & Robotics
Digital Infrastructure & Computing
Advanced Manufacturing & AgriTech

👥 Who Should Apply?

✔ Startup founders & co-founders (global applicants welcome)
✔ Idea-stage innovators (18 years and above)
✔ Scale-ups planning China or Asia market entry
✔ Researchers & technologists with registered or protected IP
(📌 Note: Startups should not already be registered or publicly listed in Beijing.)

📝 Application Requirements

Teams (up to 3 members) must meet at least one of the following criteria: