On November 5 (local time), the Sydney final of the 9th China (Shenzhen) International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition concluded, marking the end of the event's overseas preliminary rounds. Hosted by the Shenzhen Municipal Government and organized by the city's Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, this globally influential competition has become a key platform for international talent and technology exchange between Shenzhen and the world.
Since mid-October, innovation elites from 11 overseas hubs—Barcelona, Boston, Eindhoven, London, Munich, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, and Zurich—have competed fiercely. After multiple rounds, 154 projects advanced to seven industry finals, with winners set to vie for top honors in Shenzhen on December 2. As the finale nears, global attention turns to Shenzhen, anticipating more tech and industrial breakthroughs.
Global Innovation Network Expands with Diverse Talent
The competition featured seven sectors: next-gen electronic info, digital/fashion, high-end equipment, green/low-carbon, new materials, biomedicine/health, and marine economy. Nearly 3,000 projects and 3,000 overseas talents participated, with nearly half holding PhDs and 761 patents collectively. These numbers highlight the event's rising global influence and its leading role in innovation.
Industry experts judged all divisions, selecting 154 projects for the industry finals. These will compete this week for 21 spots in the grand finale.
Beyond Competition: Fostering Global Collaboration
The event bridges international innovation and industry. Overseas teams gain insights into Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. As a core engine of the region, Shenzhen has hosted nine editions, linking global innovation supply chains with China's industrial development and offering overseas projects efficient market access.
A Shenzhen official emphasized the city's strategic, policy, and resource advantages as an innovative global hub. The competition aims to connect global projects with Shenzhen's industrial ecosystem and market.
The leader of Vrai AI from Paris said, "This isn't just a contest—it's a bridge to innovation resources. Engaging with Shenzhen's ecosystem made me value 'participation as integration.'"
The UK's "KenBridge AI" project developed a voice-based medical record system that improves doctor efficiency and hospital compliance. Post-competition, it launched in Shenzhen's Nanshan District and is integrating into China's market. Australia's "Smart Electric Surfboard" project will partner with a Shenzhen firm to establish an Australian subsidiary, with team members now in China for discussions.
Finale Approaches: Shenzhen Welcomes Global Innovators
Themed "Foster global connections, Embrace innovative prospects," the competition links global resources with China's market for mutual benefit.
On November 28, overseas finalists will visit Shenzhen for industrial research, policy briefings, and networking. The December 2 finale will see 21 finalists compete for prizes.
The competition offers over eight million yuan in prizes and a 25 billion yuan investment pool from more than 50 venture firms. A comprehensive support system covers recruitment, coaching, incubation, and local partnerships, aiding project localization.
Since 2016, the event has drawn over 17,000 overseas teams and 24,000 participants. As global innovation converges in Shenzhen, more success stories of tech and industry collaboration are expected.
Editor | Cai Minling, Li Ding, Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
Photo | Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality
