The 9th ATECH Competition Invites Global Innovators

Over 500K USD in Prizes Up for Grabs!

Wide shot of the **Grand Final and Awards Ceremony** of the *8th Zhongguancun International Advanced Technology Competition* held in 2025 in Beijing. The stage features a large blue backdrop with event titles in Chinese and English, while an audience of at

About

The Advanced Technology Competition (ATECH) is a premier showcase and catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in the science and technology sectors. Hosted in Beijing's Zhongguancun, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of China," this annual competition is an integral component of the esteemed Zhongguancun Forum.

At its 9th edition this year, the competition has successfully attracted over 18,000 startups and teams from around the globe since its inception in 2017, contributing to the creation of 61 unicorns, 19 listed companies, and facilitating more than 150 billion RMB in financing.

The event features a diverse range of activities including competitions, conferences and exhibitions, all aimed at enhancing visibility and providing funding opportunities for emerging enterprises by connecting them with potential investors and industry leaders. This forum not only highlights technological advancements but also supports the entrepreneurial spirit by offering a platform where innovators can network with peers and showcase their breakthroughs to a global audience.

The forum and competition collectively promote the sharing of future-oriented technologies and display significant scientific achievements to stimulate international and cross-industry cooperation.

Join us for the upcoming edition to connect with leading investors, network with international peers, and showcase your innovations on a world stage. Whether you're an overseas Chinese innovator or an international entrepreneur, we've got a spot for you.

The best part? It is completely FREE to participate!

Apply Now

Opportunity Benefits

Infographic titled “ATECH Competition 2025” showing prize tiers: 1st ¥1,000,000, 2nd ¥500,000, 3rd ¥300,000, 7× Excellence Awards ¥150,000, and 7× 1st Place in each Vertical ¥100,000, over a mountain background.

Additional Benefits

The top 10 startups in each vertical will receive the title “Zhongguancun Frontier Science and Technology TOP10”.

The top 3 enterprises in each vertical (meeting policy support requirements) can receive up to RMB 300,000 in R&D funding as Science & Technology SMEs.

According to the participating company (or team)’s ranking and award level, winners will receive innovation service packages of corresponding value, including:

Free office space
Industry resource matchmaking
Investment and financing services
Intellectual property services
Exhibition opportunities at national-level innovation platforms‍

Apply Now

Eligibility & Tech Verticals

General Eligibility Requirements

Open to startups and teams from all sectors of science and technology.
Public companies and past winners in the same competition are not eligible.

Tech Verticals

Cultural Creativity

Financial Technology

Materials Science

Artificial Intelligence

Health & BioTech

Selection Criteria

The judging panel consists of investors, industry experts, technical experts, and representatives from relevant industrial associations.

Innovation: Evaluate the startup's uniqueness and creativity, including any competitive patents.
Market Potential: Assess the market size and viability for the startup's offering.
Team Capability: Consider the skills and experience of the startup's team.
Traction: Examine the startup's progress and interest from users, customers and investors.
Scalability: Can the business grow rapidly and efficiently?
Financial Viability: Determine if the business is financially sustainable and attractive to potential investors.
Application Quality: Evaluate the quality of the application, including the pitch deck and clarity of responses.

‍

Apply Now

Timeline

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1/ Is there a fee to participate?

No, participation in the competition is completely free.

2/ Is the event virtual or in-person? Is travel required?

Participation can be remote, but in-person attendance is encouraged. If you are selected into the final, we strongly encourage you to pitch on-site in Beijing. Round trip flight tickets and accommodations will be covered by the competition organizer for all finalists.

3/ Can I participate without a registered company? What stages are eligible?

Yes, startups at any stage (except publicly listed companies) can apply.

4/ Can I apply without a presence or an immediate plan for China?

Yes, startups worldwide are welcome. The competition is open to those without immediate plans for China, offering cash prizes and exposure to investors globally.

ATECH also provides significant media exposure for winners.

5/ What language should I apply in?

Applications are accepted in English and Chinese. Non-Chinese nationals should apply in English.

6/ Are there cash prizes?

Yes, various equity-free cash prizes are available. Please check above Benefits section for more details.

7/ What’s the application process?

Submit your application before the deadline mentioned in the above Timeline section. After submission, your entry will undergo a review, and you will be notified via email regarding the outcome at each stage, according to the timeline listed above.

In each field, the Zhongguancun Frontier Science and Technology TOP10 will be selected. After the first screening and preliminary round, the top six teams in each field — 42 teams in total — advance to the semi-finals, held as public pitching sessions.

The finals and award ceremony take place during the Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference, where the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners, along with seven Excellence Award recipients, are announced.