Innovation contest helps big ideas spread their wings
A pair of business starters present their program during the Shanghai leg of the fourth China Innovation Wing competition.
The Shanghai leg of the fourth China Innovation Wing competition concluded on Monday with an integrated circuit company and a precision cancer testing program winning top honors in categories for startups and innovation programs respectively.
Over the past three months, 2,886 innovation and startup programs were submitted by innovators and entrepreneurs, including returned overseas Chinese students, veterans, expats, college students and disabled people; and 40 made it into the final round, according to the Shanghai Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, co-organizer of the event.
The programs cover areas including 5G communication, biomedicine, green energy and artificial intelligence. More than 90 percent of the programs feature innovation in science and technology.
A total of 20 programs won prizes in the final, winning up to 200,000 yuan (US$29,200) in bonuses, guaranteed loans and discounted interest, subsidized training, guidance from experts and other favorable supports for their further development. Organizers will also connect them with more than 80 angel investors and roadshow opportunities in core business districts in the city.
Five programs will be selected to represent Shanghai in the national competition.
