The 10th China (Shenzhen) Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition, hosted by the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, is open for entries until 31 August 2026. Now in its tenth edition, it is one of China's most established international startup competitions, with overseas divisions in twelve cities including London.
Format: The UK Division takes place in London in late September 2026. Division winners and top projects in each industry track advance to the Industry Finals (late November) and Grand Final (early December) in Shenzhen, with travel costs covered for core members of shortlisted projects invited to Shenzhen. Presentations are in English (8-minute pitch plus 7-minute Q&A).
Industry tracks: New-Generation Electronic Information; Digital and Fashion; High-End Equipment Manufacturing; Green and Low-Carbon; New Materials; Biological Medicine and Health; and Marine Economy.
Awards and support: The total bonus pool is RMB 9.42 million (approx. £1 million), with individual winners eligible for up to RMB 750,000 (~£82,000). Projects that establish in Shenzhen may additionally access start-up subsidies of up to RMB 1 million (~£109,000), incubator access, rent support and talent programmes. Over 50 venture capital institutions participate, forming a combined RMB 5 billion (~£540 million) fund pool for investment in outstanding projects.
Eligibility: Overseas entrepreneurial teams or individuals with innovative achievements and a business plan, who have not registered a business entity in Shenzhen and intend to establish there or connect with Shenzhen industries. Projects must own their IP outright. Additional criteria apply to teams including Chinese members with overseas study backgrounds — see the official Competing Manual.
Registration is via the official competition website at www.itcsz.cn (the only valid registration channel) before 31 August 2026. Cambridge-based NPZ Technology Ltd is supporting promotion of the UK Division within the Cambridge innovation ecosystem; enquiries are welcome at [email protected] |
This competition is organised by its Organising Committee under the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government; content in this article is based on the official Competing Manual and promotional materials. NPZ Technology Ltd assists with promotion only. All rules, awards, eligibility and arrangements are subject to official announcements at www.itcsz.cn, and the final right of interpretation rests with the Organising Committee.
