China (Wuxi) Taihu Cup International Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition

2025 Taihu Cup Startup Competition

Win Up to ¥100,000 grant + exclusive funds and support

About

The 2025 China (Wuxi) Taihu Cup International Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition is a prestigious event aimed at attracting global talents and innovative projects to Wuxi. This competition is designed to provide a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and gain access to substantial financial support and resources.

Participants will have the opportunity to compete for up to ¥100,000 in cash prizes, along with various support services to help establish their businesses in Wuxi. The competition is open to both team and enterprise groups, encouraging collaboration and innovation across diverse sectors.

The competition is organized by the Wuxi Municipal Government and supported by various local institutions, including the Wuxi Science and Technology Bureau. Wuxi is known for its vibrant innovation ecosystem, making it an ideal location for startups to thrive.

With a focus on fostering talent and innovation, the Taihu Cup aims to stimulate economic growth and attract high-level talent to the region.

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Opportunity Benefits

2025 Taihu Cup cash prizes: 1st prize 100,000 RMB, 2nd prize 50,000 RMB (3 winners), 3rd prize 10,000 RMB (11 winners).

Additional Benefits

Apart from cash prize, participants in the Taihu Cup will benefit from:

Fast-track to Taihu Talent Plan
Prize winners gain direct access to 2026 Tier B support; 1st & 2nd prize winners can apply for Tier A.
Wuxi Tech Research Fund
Eligible winners included in the “Taihu Light” project; up to ¥300,000 support for enterprises registered within 10 years.
Preferential Tech Finance
Priority for loans like Wuxi Science Loan / Talent Loan — up to ¥10 million credit at favorable rates.

Complementary Services

Expert guidance on funding, policies, and high-tech certifications.
Priority recommendations to incubators/co-working offices, with rent subsidies or waivers.
Support for accessing angel investment funds.
Opportunities for investor matching, industrial exchanges, and promotion activities.

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Eligibility & Tech Verticals

General Eligibility Requirements

Teams must not have registered enterprises in Wuxi before January 1, 2025.
Projects should be innovative and have good market potential.
Intellectual property rights must belong to the participating team.

Tech Verticals

Information Technology

Health & BioTech

Advanced Equipment Manufacturing

Materials Science

Green Energy & Environmental Protection

Artificial Intelligence

Quantum Science and Technology

Deep-Sea Equipment

Semiconductors

Metaverse

Selection Criteria

The judging panel consists of investors, academics, 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.

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Procedure & Timeline

2025 Taihu Cup timeline: Registration deadline July 14, 2025 (6:00 PM GMT+8); Preliminary Review in July-August; Semi-final (online pitch) in September-October; Global Final & Awards (in person) in November. Finalists get a sponsored trip to Wuxi.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The competition is virtual up to the Semi-Final. Finalists are expected to attend the Final in Wuxi (late October/early November) to pitch in person, with travel expenses covered by the organizer.

In rare cases, online pitching at the Final is possible.

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

All startup stages from ideation to pre-IPO are eligible, including teams without a registered entity.

Post-IPO companies are not eligible.

3/ Are there cash prizes?

Yes. The International Team Track offers: 100,000 RMB (~US$13,955) for 1st prize, 50,000 RMB (~US$6,977) for 2nd prize (3 teams), and 10,000 RMB (~US$1,395) for 3rd prize (11 teams).

All amounts are per startup.

4/ Can I participate without a presence in China?

Yes. Startups worldwide can join, with or without a presence in China.

The event offers strong networking opportunities with leading VC funds and investors for those interested in the China market.

5/ What’s the application process?

Apply by the deadline. Entries are reviewed, and you’ll be notified by email at each stage.

30 international startups will advance to the Final.

6/ What language should I apply in?

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

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Previous Editions

Organizers & Partners‍

Organizer:

Wuxi Municipal Government

Co-organizers:

Wuxi Science and Technology Bureau, Wuxi Municipal Talent Office

Partners & Supporting Organizations:

Bank of Communications, Bank of Jiangsu

Wuxi Industrial Innovation Research Institute

Wuxi Science and Technology Enterprise Incubator Association

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