Startups looking to expand into China can now qualify to receive up to USD $285,000 by participating in the upcoming 6th Global Entrepreneurship Competition (GEC).
The competition, hosted by the Beijing government, HICOOL, and GITP Asia, aims to discover startups from all over the world and support them with their expansion plans into China.
Over $22 Million to be Allocated to 200 Startups
For 2025, the 6th HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Competition will allocate over $22.8 million (CNY 160 million) in cash rewards to a total of 200 startups across 12 verticals.
Startups will go through a multi-stage qualification process where the top performers will receive cash prizes, as well as unparalleled exposure and market entry support.
Cash prizes for qualifying startups are as follows:
1st Prize: $285,000 USD (12 startups)
2nd Prize: $143,000 USD (36 startups)
3rd Prize: $71,500 USD (68 startups)
4th Prize: $28,500 USD (84 startups)
Qualifying startups will also receive extensive exposure and market expansion support, including:
Company incorporation and establishment in Beijing
Visas and Immigration support
Support for Children's education
Medical and Healthcare services
Social security and insurance benefits
Entry for Scientific Research / IP protection
Valuable connections to investors, government representatives, and local clients
HICOOL Eligibility Requirements
HICOOL welcomes startups and SMEs from all backgrounds, with a focus on the following key categories:
Integrated Circuits / Quantum Information
Blockchain / Financial Technology
Software and Information Services / Technology Services
5G / 6G / Internet of Things / Smart City
High-End Instrumentation and Equipment / General Key Components
AI / Robotics
Biotech / Health Services
Intelligent Equipment / New Energy Smart Vehicles
Medicine and Healthcare Medical Devices
New Materials, New Energy / Energy Conservation & Environmental Protection
Cultural Creativity
Modern Agriculture / Food Technology
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to participate:
Companies must be established outside of China for at least 1 year.
Applicants must have obtained their education outside of China.
Applicants must be the founder(s) or part of the founding team, with a minimum shareholding of 30% or greater.
Each participant can only apply to join the competition once.
HICOOL welcomes startups building innovative solutions for the world.
Applications Closing February 28, 2025
With the global economy rapidly evolving, HICOOL presents a phenomenal opportunity for startups to enter the lucrative Chinese market and benefit from government incentives for tech-driven projects.
Participation is completely free-of-charge, and the closing date for applications is February 28, 2025.
Preliminary qualifications will take place from March 2025 (online), followed by the semi-finals from May - June (online), and the finals from July - August (in-person, depending on prevailing conditions).
Additional Incentives for Startups
Investment Opportunities: GITP Asia will engage in investment negotiations with the top 1-3 prize winners to facilitate their growth and expansion in Asian markets.
Office Space Incentive: GITP Asia will provide free office space in Beijing (up to 500 square feet for two years) for the top 1-3 prize-winning startups.
Support for Additional Competitions: GITP Asia will connect startups with other free tech competitions to enhance exposure and market access.
Interested individuals/teams can apply to participate in HICOOL by filling out the following application form (a representative will be in contact after submission).
GITP Asia
