About the Initiative
Your tech.
Our bridge.
Discover how we accelerate global founders into one of the world's most powerful innovation ecosystems.
Backed by Shanghai
The Entrepreneurship Summit is the city's premier initiative to attract visionary founders and researchers. The mission is to transform Shanghai into the world's destination for breakthrough technologies. By combining elite capital, industrial resources, and policy support, the competition serves as a direct fast-track for international startups looking to scale in Asia.
INNO-APAC Bridge
Navigating a new market requires the right partners. As a dedicated talent coordinator and scouting partner for this initiative, INNO-APAC serves as your direct bridge to this powerful ecosystem. We identify high-level international innovators and guide them through the process, culminating in an exclusive, fully-funded China Tech Tour for semi-finalists immediately following the August semi-final pitch rounds.
More than just a pitch
This is not just a competition; it is a comprehensive soft-landing program. We are looking for highly scalable projects across critical sectors that are ready to leverage Shanghai's unparalleled supply chains and deep venture capital networks.
Semi-Finalist Benefits
Awarded to qualified performers following preliminary rounds
01
Elite Networks
Gain guaranteed face time with top-tier VCs, institutional investors.
02
Capital to Scale
Compete for a massive funding pool, with top winners eligible for up to 50 Million RMB in loans.
03
Exclusive Tech Tour
Embark on a fully-funded week curated by INNO-APAC across China for semi-finalists.
Fully Covered
All travel, accommodation & meals are covered for semi-finalists attending in Shanghai.
Industry Alignment
Focus sectors for the Shanghai Entrepreneurship Summit
Artificial Intelligence
- Core AI: Large Language Models (LLMs), machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.
- Next-Gen IT: Software and information services, cloud computing, big data, blockchain, industrial internet, Metaverse/AR/VR, digital twins, and IoT.
- Future Intelligence: Brain-inspired AI, swarm intelligence, and smart scientific instruments/software.
Biomedicine & Health Tech
- Biopharmaceuticals: Innovative drugs, antibody therapeutics, cell and gene therapy, novel vaccines.
- High-End Medical Devices: Advanced imaging, surgical robotics, implantable/interventional devices, life-support systems, and wearable medical tech.
- Digital Health & Services: Smart hospital solutions, precision medicine, in vitro diagnostics (IVD), rehabilitation aids, and health big data.
- Food Tech: Functional foods, nutritional supplements, and food safety/testing technology.
- Future Biotech: Synthetic biology, brain-computer interfaces (BCI), and biological computing.
Integrated Circuits
- Chip Design: High-end processors (CPU/GPU/DPU), memory chips, analog/RF chips, and EDA tools.
- Manufacturing & Packaging: Advanced and specialized processes, advanced packaging, and testing equipment/materials.
- Equipment & Materials: Core equipment (lithography, etching, thin-film deposition) and key materials (silicon wafers, photoresists, electronic specialty gases).
- Future Computing: Quantum computing core devices, photonic chips, and in-memory computing.
Robotics & Systems
- Embodied AI & Humanoids: Next-generation robotic systems integrating large AI models for complex, real-world interactions and tasks.
- Industrial & Precision Automation: High-end manufacturing robotics, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and smart sensing equipment.
- Specialized & Frontier Robotics: Surgical and medical robotics, drone swarms, deep-sea exploration tech, and aerospace mobility.
Advanced Materials
- Electronic & Semiconductor Materials: Critical materials for chip manufacturing, including advanced photoresists, silicon wafers, and electronic specialty gases.
- High-Performance Composites: Structural materials engineered for extreme environments, lightweight aerospace applications, and advanced manufacturing.
- Biomaterials & Clean Tech: Next-generation medical implants, degradable materials, and novel materials for hydrogen, solar, and advanced energy storage.
OPC (One-person company)
- Hyper-Scalable Software & Micro-SaaS: Highly automated platforms, AI-agent-driven services, and lean software tools engineered for global market potential.
- Deep-Tech IP & Research: Solo researchers or scientists holding breakthrough patents, proprietary algorithms, or specialized IP ready for strategic commercialization.
- Advanced Tech Consulting & Prototyping: Specialized technical founders providing tier-1 architectural, engineering, or design solutions directly to major tech.
Eligibility Criteria
Who We're
Looking For
Startup Requirements
Your startup or research project must have been actively operating or in development for at least one year.
We are looking for collaborative, full-time multi-person teams capable of executing a global strategy. If applying as an OPC, the founder must demonstrate a highly automated business model or hold significant, defensible intellectual property.
Formal corporate registration is not strictly required at the application stage. We welcome both registered enterprises and advanced academic spin-offs.
Innovator's Profile
Lead founders must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, though we highly prioritize teams with advanced degrees or researchers spinning out tech from top-tier labs.
Teams that possess an advantage in their specific sector, whether through years of specialized industry experience, published research, or proprietary technical know-how.
Founders who can demonstrate a clear path to commercialization, showing they have the grit to transition from the lab to the market.
Judging Criteria
How submitted applications are evaluated and scored
4
Criteria
Market Traction
Feasible global roadmap, financial health, and strategic partnerships.
Innovation
Breakthrough originality, IP defensibility, and cross-border compliance.
Team Execution
International pedigree and balanced technical/commercial expertise.
Social Impact
Local job creation and alignment with sustainable growth goals.
KEY DATES
INNO-APAC Entrepreneurship Summit 2026
Apr 20
Pitch submissions begin
May 1
First round of preliminary pitches
Jul 10
Pitch submission deadline
August
Shanghai Semifinals + Tech Tour
October
Shanghai Finals