On February 19, the semifinals of the 2024 9th Yangpu Global Startups Competition kicked off. With the theme "Capital Empowers Talent, New Quality Drives Development", this year's event attracted an unprecedented wave of interest, with a record-breaking 1,247 exceptional entries from every corner of the world vying for recognition.

Innovation sparks new frontiers, unleashing diverse vitality across Yangpu

In contrast to the previous eight editions, this year's Startup Competition features numerous refinements alongside three revolutionary advancements, designed to further kindle the innovative vitality of Yangpu - a genuine "city for the people".

Fresh frontiers have been carved out, injecting the competition with a vibrant, youthful spirit. In an unprecedented move, the competition has broadened its scope to embrace leading internet content creators, collaborating with Bilibili to establish a dedicated sub-venue centered on cultural and creative endeavors. According to a head of the organizer, this initiative highlights Yangpu's dedication to fostering a multifaceted talent ecosystem. By harnessing the power of prominent online platforms such as Douyin and Bilibili, the district seeks to create a nurturing environment for content creators, enabling their innovative concepts to germinate and thrive. "Our district's ethos is to welcome talents without constraints."

As a transformative leap, this year's competition has dramatically expanded its global footprint, projecting Yangpu's innovative vision across more pivotal regions in North America, Europe, and Asia. A new international network has taken shape, catalyzing unprecedented cross-border partnerships. Beyond geographical expansion, the event has forged stronger bonds between universities, science parks and local communities through its "campus-park-community" integration initiative. In the run-up to the event, outreach programs were conducted at universities in Yangpu, such as Fudan University, the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. These programs were designed to introduce the competition to more students in Yangpu and inspire them to join it.

The creation of a multi-tiered tech innovation service system that provides comprehensive support for entrepreneurs hinges on nurturing a new ecosystem and strengthening the twin engines of policy incentives and capital infusion - a strategy that has become Yangpu's optimal solution. This year's competition takes this approach to new heights, with exceptional projects gaining access to a comprehensive suite of benefits under Yangpu's "3310" Talent Program, encompassing more than ten policy measures ranging from office space subsidies to talent relocation support. Furthermore, participants will tap into valuable resources through flagship events such as the Shanghai Global Talents Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition and the “Chunhui Cup” Oversea Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. The introduction of market-driven direct investment funds will forge a formidable alliance between policies and capital. "This is crucial to us. We are immensely grateful for the platform and the extensive policy backing the competition offers," said a project leader in excitement.

The new competition system unveils fresh dynamism, highlighting professionalism and inclusiveness

The "new" is evident not just in the frontiers but in the competition itself. The semifinals leverages a hybrid "online + offline" approach, with contestants categorized by seed, angel, and growth stages. The format - featuring an "8-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A" - allows contestants to fully showcase their project strengths. Contestants range from university students and emerging entrepreneurs to industry leaders, all vying intensely across dimensions like technological innovation, market potential, and intellectual property. This setup highlights their project strengths and entrepreneurial spirit.

65 judges, assessing entries from multiple dimensions such as business models, technological barriers and financial health, ensure the competition's quality and growth potential. A panel of 65 leading experts from universities, enterprises, and investment institutions conducts comprehensive assessments, offering strategic guidance. Besides, the competition coordinates with incubators and venture platforms, smoothing the path for high-quality projects to transition from concept to market.

Talent convergence forges new heights, empowering the future of tech innovation

Centered on the philosophy of "Global Vision, Yangpu Practice", this year's competition aims to create an international talent hub and a springboard for tech innovation. Innovative measures and format upgrades create a stage for entrepreneurs to shine while fueling Shanghai's drive to become a top-tier talent destination.

The three-day semifinals will feature 332 projects aligned with Yangpu's industrial focus. These entries target cutting-edge fields like future intelligence, high-end equipment manufacturing, information technology, life health, cultural creativity, and green low-carbon solutions. Through captivating presentations and Q&A sessions, contestants will highlight the innovation, feasibility, and market potential of their projects, competing for coveted spots in the final round.