摘要：The “Startup in Shanghai” International Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, rooted in Shanghai, China, is a global stage an
Overview of Call for Participation in the 2025 "Startup in Shanghai"
International Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition
The “Startup in Shanghai” International Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, rooted in Shanghai, China, is a global stage and carnival for innovators and entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2012, the competition has attracted more than 70,000 startup participants from around the world.
The 2025 edition officially kicked off on May 20 and is now welcoming outstanding projects from innovation-driven teams and enterprises worldwide. Further details are as follows:
1. Competition Process
1.1 Application
(1) Application Requirements:
Applications are open to startup teams and companies. The applicant must have a core team comprising no fewer than three members and be primarily engaged in the research, development, or services of high-tech products, possess unique and innovative technologies, and have no intellectual property disputes.
(2) Application Portal:
For international applicants: may register through the WeStart TOP100 website (http://www.westartglobal.com/English-Westart).
For domestic applicants: may register via the official competition website (http://www.startup-sh.cn).
The application period runs from May to July. Please refer to the above websites for specific deadlines and detailed instructions.
(3) Sectors Selection:
New-generation Information Technology, Biomedicine, High-end Equipment Manufacturing, New Energy, New Materials, Resources & Environment, and New Energy Vehicles. For sub-sector information, please refer to the dropdown menu on the registration details page.
(4) Qualification Confirmation:
Teams and companies that meet the participation criteria and submit all required application materials will undergo an eligibility review by the Competition Organizing Committee Office through the Registration Information System. The deadline for qualification confirmation is July 31, 2025.
1.2 Preliminary Round
(1) Organization & Implementation:
The preliminary round will be conducted either in-person or online and will consist of a pitch session. Each participating team or company will deliver an 8-minute PowerPoint presentation, followed by a 7-minute Q&A session.
(2) Advancement Quota:
Based on expert evaluations, a total of 200 participants will be selected for the semifinals.
(3) Implementation Time:
July to August 2025.
1.3 Semifinals
The semifinal round will be conducted through in-person pitch sessions. Each participating team or company will deliver an 8-minute PowerPoint presentation, followed by a 7-minute Q&A session.
Based on expert evaluations, a total of 100 participants will be honored with the Team Excellence Award. Among the 100 recipients of the Team Excellence Award, the top 20 projects will advance to the Finals to compete for First, Second, and Third Prizes.
September 20–22, 2025
1.4 Finals
The Final Round will be conducted through in-person pitch sessions. Each finalist will deliver an 8-minute PowerPoint presentation, followed by a 7-minute Q&A session.
(2) Implementation Time:
Mid-November 2025
(3) Awards Allocation:
Among the 20 finalists, the following awards will be granted: First Prizes (in total 2), Second Prizes (in total 6), and Third Prizes (in total 12). The Special Grand Prize may be awarded by the Organizing Committee to first-prize winners demonstrating exceptional innovation and growth potential, upon approval by at least two-thirds of the expert committee.
2. Policy Support
2.1 Funding Support
Funding support will be provided according to the award level received—namely the Excellence Awards, Third Prizes, Second Prizes, First Prizes, and the Special Grand Prize. Each awardee will be eligible for funding based on the highest award level attained which shall not be granted more than once.
For startup team awardees, the qualification for funding support may be retained for up to two years following the award. If the team establishes a registered company in Shanghai within this period and secures an angel investment of RMB 5 million or more, the award funds can be granted.
2.2 Incubation Services
During the two-year qualification period, startup team awardees will have access to a range of services, including 3-6 months of soft-landing incubation space provided by qualified incubators in Shanghai, one-on-one tailored coaching by experienced mentors, pitching opportunities with multiple investors and matchmaking services connecting to potential application scenarios and business partners.
2.3 Additional Support
Upon registering a company in Shanghai, award recipients may access exclusive services offered by designated partner banks. They will also receive priority access to fast-track channels for a variety of technology and entrepreneurship loan programs. Furthermore, eligible participants may be recommended for exposure and engagement opportunities at high-profile activities such as the Pujiang Innovation Forum (PIF), Shanghai Science and Technology Festival (SSTF), China International Import Expo (CIIE), China International Industry Fair (CIIF), and the WeStart Global Entrepreneurial Investment Conference (WeStart).
Email: service@westartglobal.com
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