Startups aiming to enter China’s market can compete for up to $700,000 (5 million yuan) in the ITEC 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Competition taking place this September 2025.
Hosted by the Beijing government and My Lives Global Business Platform, the competition seeks innovative startups worldwide to drive high-quality development in China's Chaoyang district, supporting their expansion with cash prizes and resources.
Over 17 Million Yuan to be Allocated to 63 Startups
For 2025, the 13th ITEC Global Entrepreneurship Competition will allocate over 17 million yuan (~USD 2.4 million) in cash prizes to 63 winners.
Startups will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process, with top performers receiving cash awards, extensive exposure, and market entry support in Chaoyang District.
Cash prizes for qualifying startups in the ITEC 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Competition are as follows:
- Grand Prize: 5 million yuan (~USD 700,000) (1 startup)
- First Prize: 2 million yuan (~USD 280,000) (6 startups)
- Second Prize: 1.5 million yuan (~USD 210,000) (10 startups)
- Third Prize: 1 million yuan (~USD 140,000) (16 startups)
- Talent Track: 200,000 yuan (~USD 28,000) (30 startups)
Qualifying startups in the ITEC 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Competition will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Company incorporation in Chaoyang District
- Visa and immigration assistance
- Healthcare services access
- Policy and funding support
- Up to 500 square meters of office space
- IP protection and R&D platform access
- Connections to investors, government, and industry partners
ITEC Competition Schedule & Process
- Registration: July 1 – August 26, 2025
- Preliminary Evaluation: Late August 2025 (projects registered before August 1 evaluated in August; others in September)
- Preliminary Top 100: Early September 2025
- Top 50 Qualifiers Semi-Finals: Mid-September 2025 (online)
- SEA Finals: September 24-25, 2025 (hybrid, Kuala Lumpur)
- Pre-China Mentoring & Guidance: Post-SEA Finals
- Global Finals: October 2025 (China, in-person)
- Due Diligence Check-ins: November 2025
- Awards Ceremony: December 2025 (China)
ITEC 2025 Eligibility Requirements
ITEC welcomes startups and SMEs from all backgrounds, with a focus on the following key categories:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI, AIGC, AGI)
- Industrial Internet (automation, IoT, blockchain)
- Digital Security (network, data, AI security)
- Data Elements (data services, governance)
- Metaverse (digital twins, virtual reality)
- Digital Health (AI drug R&D, medical devices)
- Digital Culture (AIGC content, XR production)
- Future Industries (humanoid robots, quantum, 6G)
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Companies established after January 1, 2015 (≤10 years)
- Founders must hold ≥30% shareholding
- Non-listed companies (except New Third/Fourth Board)
- Projects must intend to develop in Chaoyang District
- Each project can apply to one industry track only
Applications Closing August 26, 2025
With China’s innovation ecosystem thriving, ITEC 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Competition offers startups a prime opportunity to access Asia’s largest market with government-backed incentives for tech-driven projects.
Participation is free, with applications closing August 26, 2025.
Interested startups/SMEs can apply via the following link, where a representative will follow up after the submission within 24 - 48 hours.
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