Startup Starts Here

第十四届朝阳国际人才创业大会

The 14th Chaoyang International Talent Entrepreneurship Conference

Apply for ITEC 2026

Submit your project and enter the service pathway.

Become an Innovation Scout

Recommend high-quality projects and help connect founders with Chaoyang.

Partner With ITEC

As an investor, industry partner, ecosystem organization, or media partner.

What Is ITEC?

A Platform Built Over 13 Years – The International Talent Entrepreneurship Conference, known as ITEC, is Chaoyang District’s core international platform for global innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners.

The 14th edition will showcase a comprehensive program of competitions, exchange initiatives, incubation activities, and summit events. Designed to support founders at every stage, ITEC guides participants from recruitment and selection to establishing and growing their ventures in Beijing, while providing seamless access to Chaoyang’s industry, investment, innovation, and talent networks.

Cumulative since 2013

Entrepreneurs participated across 12 years of ITEC.

0 +

Projects landed through the platform and related support system.

0 +

Investment leveraged across the ITEC ecosystem.

RMB 0 Billion

As of 2025

Projects attracted by ITEC.

Overseas projects attracted by ITEC.

Countries and regions represented by participating projects.

Why Chaoyang?

Chaoyang is one of Beijing’s most international and commercially connected districts. It is home to over 99% of foreign embassies in China, around 80% of international organizations and chambers of commerce, and approximately 70% of regional headquarters of multinational corporations in Beijing. Around 50% of Beijing’s expatriate population lives and works in Chaoyang.

For overseas entrepreneurs, this means access to a dense concentration of international networks, corporate partners, innovation spaces, policy resources, investors, and globally connected talent. ITEC 2026 uses this Chaoyang advantage as the foundation for a competition-and-service model that helps projects move from market interest to practical local development.

Who Can Join?

ITEC 2026 is open to global entrepreneurs at different stages of development.

The competition welcomes projects with innovation capability, market potential, and a genuine interest in developing in Chaoyang.

Open to startups at any growth stage, the Industry Track welcomes tech startups from around the world with validated products, proven technologies, and clear business models.

Artificial Intelligence

Advanced computing, AI algorithms and models, intelligent agents, multimodal and vertical AI, human-computer interaction, full-stack agent development, data security, ethics, and AI governance.

Metaverse (Internet 3.0)

AI-powered virtual interaction, XR immersive technologies, digital twins, AIGC, blockchain, digital assets, digital human applications, industrial simulation, virtual healthcare, and remote operations.

Digital Healthcare & Smart Eldercare

AI-assisted diagnosis, intelligent imaging, robotic surgery, wearable devices, digital therapeutics, contactless health monitoring, smart eldercare systems, cognitive screening, home and community care, and integrated healthcare management.

Smart Hardware

Edge AI chips, sensors, communication modules, wearable devices, AI computing platforms, smart home systems, robotics, and mobility hardware.

Embodied Intelligence

Robotics sensors and actuators, AI algorithms, humanoid and quadruped robots, exoskeletons, industrial and medical robotics, and home and commercial service robots.

Industrial AI

Industrial AI models, computer vision, intelligent algorithms, sensors, control systems, industrial platforms, smart manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and scenario-based AI applications.

Data Elements

Enterprise and industrial data applications, urban data governance, cross-border data collaboration, smart city operations, analytics, storage, secure data management, and sustainable development.

Digital Culture

Digital audiovisual innovation, immersive experiences, digital publishing, gaming and esports, cultural technology, IP incubation, interactive entertainment, and digital art creation.

Aerospace

Commercial aerospace, rockets and satellites, advanced aviation materials, aero-engines, smart civil aviation, anti-drone systems, avionics hardware and software, and satellite operations.

Future Industries

6G and quantum information, optoelectronics, cell and gene therapy, brain-computer interfaces, bio-manufacturing, hydrogen and new energy storage, fusion energy, and advanced materials.

Targeting early-stage entrepreneurs up to Series A, with focused support for young innovators in key sectors.

One Person Company

Individual entrepreneurs with creative ideas and AI skills can compete solo or in small teams (2–5). Teams passing preliminary evaluation advance to a 2 days in-person hackathon final in Chaoyang, judged on live pitching, product testing, and Q&A.

University PhD Competition

For current PhD students, postdocs, and recent doctoral graduates (within 2 years).

GRAND PRIZE

¥ 5,000,000

$ 735,155.00

NUMBER OF WINNERS

1 First Prize

¥ 2,000,000

$ 294,062.00

NUMBER OF WINNERS

5 SECOND Prize

¥ 1,500,000

$ 220,546.00

NUMBER OF WINNERS

10 THIRD Prize

¥ 1,000,000

$ 147,030.00

NUMBER OF WINNERS

15 Rising Star Award

¥ 300,000

$ 44,109.00

NUMBER OF WINNERS

20 Innovation Recognition Award

¥ 100,000

$ 14,703.00

NUMBER OF WINNERS

35

For Third Prize and above, 40% of the prize is paid in the first year, and 60% is paid in the second year based on development in Chaoyang. Projects with good progress may receive an additional 10% incentive of the total prize.
Rising Star and Innovation Recognition Awards are paid in a lump sum.
The Global Finals awards include Grand, First, Second, Third, and Rising Star awards.
Innovation Recognition Awards are given to quality projects in sub-tracks including talent, industry, and special sessions.
Awarded talents and projects should generally have legally operating entities in Chaoyang to enjoy rewards and services.
Final award numbers will be adjusted based on actual participant quality. All awards follow the principle of awarding the highest level without duplication.

After submitting an application, a project enters the ITEC 2026 service system. The process is designed to move from application to screening, pitching, service matchmaking, finals consideration, and long-term landing support.

STEP 1

Online application

Submit project information and supporting materials through the official application portal.

STEP 2

Initial screening and track matching

Startup Alliance assesses the project’s attributes, team background, development stage, and landing potential, then recommends the most suitable participation path.

STEP 3

Pitch invitation

Selected projects receive pitch invitations for the relevant track or special session.

STEP 4

Monthly pitching

Starting July 2026, at least one pitch session is held each month. The standard format is 5 minutes of project presentation, 5 minutes of judge Q&A, and 5 minutes of founder reverse Q&A.

STEP 5

Service matching within 48 hours

After pitching, Startup Alliance initiates policy, mentor, investor, incubation, enterprise cooperation, and registration support matching within 48 hours.

STEP 6

Global Finals and awards

Outstanding projects may enter the candidate pool for the ITEC 2026 Global Finals in November 2026 after review by Startup Alliance and the organizing committee.

STEP 7

Continuous landing support

After the Global Finals, projects continue to receive tracking support for registration, financing, industrial cooperation, and scenario validation.

Pitching is the service entry point. ITEC 2026 does not wait until the Global Finals to begin helping projects. Support starts after the pitch, allowing founders to connect with Chaoyang resources earlier in the process.

Key timeline

The application window remains open on a rolling basis. The earlier a project submits, the earlier it can enter the service system (schedule subject to change).

May 20, 2026

Applications officially open

Late October 2026

ITEC 2026 Global Finals

July–October 2026

Monthly pitch sessions begin, with service matchmaking initiated within 48 hours after each pitch

November 2026

Due Diligence & Inspection

Early 2027

ITEC Innovation Summit & Announcing ITEC 26 Winners

ITEC 2026 provides selected founders with practical post-competition support. Through Startup Alliance and the Chaoyang innovation ecosystem, founders can receive help with policy access, landing preparation, fundraising connections, incubation resources, and industry scenario matching.

Policy matching

Eligible high-quality young sci-tech talent entrepreneurship projects can be directly included in the “Chaoyang Youth Entrepreneurship 15 Measures” policy support scope. Core founders of projects winning Third Prize or above can be prioritized into Chaoyang’s “Phoenix Plan” high-level talent service system, enjoying exclusive “1+8” services including health management, transportation, and housing support. Participants can also be recommended for the Phoenix Plan.

Institutions and individuals can register as Innovation Scouts. They earn fixed rewards for each recommended talent or project that wins an award and establishes stable operations in Chaoyang. Rewards are cumulative and uncapped.

Incentive

Level

Standard

For successfully recommending Mainland China–based projects that win Third Prize or above.

Recommend
3 or more projects

500,000 RMB

Paid in two installments: 40% in year one and 60% in year two.

Recommend
2 projects

300,000 RMB

Recommend
1 project

150,000 RMB

For successfully recommending overseas projects that win awards.

Paid in two installments: 40% in year one and 60% in year two.

Grand Prize

500,000 RMB

First Prize

200,000 RMB

Second Prize

150,000 RMB

Third Prize

100,000 RMB

For successfully recommending projects that receive the Rising Star Award or Innovation Recognition Award, rewards are paid in a single installment.

—

20,000 RMB

For recommending projects that win Third Prize or above and maintain operations in Chaoyang for two consecutive years, rewards are paid in a single installment.

—

100,000 RMB

Notes:

Rewards for the same scout across different talents and projects are cumulative and uncapped.
Awarded scouts must pay taxes according to national policies; funds must comply with laws and regulations.
Each participating entity can have only one Innovation Scout, based on the recommendation info provided at registration; if none, the registration link is used for reference. Scouts assignments are confirmed with startups during the inspection and due dilligence.
The Innovation Scout cannot be a participant, team member, or related institution of the project.
Government agencies, public institutions, and financially supported personnel are not eligible; if overlapping with the Chaoyang Foreign Investment Cooperation Partner Plan, the higher reward applies.

FAQ

What Is ITEC?

One of the largest annual startup competitions in Beijing, attracting thousands of startups from around the world to compete for prizes of up to $700,000 + office space, mentorship, policy support, and a powerful network of investors and industry partners.

Who Can Join?

Founder’s from all over the world

Startups founded after January 1, 2016

Early-stage projects (pre-Series A) can go straight into the Talent Track.

Founding members should at-least retain 30% shares of the company.

What are the tracks in ITEC ？

ITEC features three tracks:

Talent Track: For young founders with early-stage startups.

Industry Tracks: For more mature startups, offering larger prizes.

Special Tracks: Co-organized with industry partners and focused on specific sectors or challenges.

(Deep R&D, university-backed projects with extra policy & funding support)

Can I Apply for More Than One Track?

No. Founders may only apply for either Talent Track or one Industry Track.

Can returning participants apply again?

If you haven’t won before, you are welcome to apply. If you have won ITEC or OTEC in the past, you can still apply, but you will receive the prize only if you achieve a higher result than last time

What’s the pitching format?

Startups may choose to pitch online. Each session includes a 5-minute presentation, 5 minutes of Q&A from the judges, and an additional 5 minutes for startups to ask questions, as our judges are mainly founders, investors, and industry experts.

What are the judging criteria? Who are the judges?

Expert judges from tech, industry, and investment sectors evaluate projects.

Talent Track: Assessed on innovation, growth potential, and cross-disciplinary strengths.

Industry/Special Tracks: Judged on market prospects, team, value, management, and industry fit.

What is an Innovation Scout? Do I need to compete?

Innovation Scouts help identify and refer top founders and startups to ITEC.

Scouts do not compete themselves but must register online and support their referrals’ success in Chaoyang.

Successful scouts can earn cash rewards and the “Chaoyang Talent

Partner” title.

Can I work with ITEC in other ways?

Reach out to us at contact@exploreitec.com to explore other cooperation opportunities, such as co-hosting events, organizing matchmaking sessions, or recommending judges.

THE Organizer of the ITEC 2026 Overseas Track

Building China’s Most Supportive Startup Ecosystem

Launched in November 2025, the Alliance is an international startup ecosystem built for founders. It manages the Beijing Chaoyang International Talent Entrepreneurship Park and serves as a gateway to China’s innovation landscape, connecting startups with policy support, workspace, capital, industry resources, university networks, experienced mentors, and a vibrant community—turning these resources into practical support for building and scaling in China.