Recently, the HICOOL 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Competition officially kicked off, opening its registration portal at the same time. The deadline for registration is April 15.

The HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition is a comprehensive international talent event centered on the competition. Upholding the "entrepreneur-centered" principle, HICOOL actively seeks high-potential startup projects worldwide and connects them with essential resources in Beijing, including funding, policy and industrial support. It is dedicated to building a multi-layered, multi-dimensional, and diversified international entrepreneurship service model. Over the past six years, the competition has attracted 34,000 startup projects and 45,000 entrepreneurs from 167 countries and regions.

The competition focuses on the future industries with strong growth potential and innovation capabilities, setting up 12 "verticals" covering key areas, such as "AI/Robot", "5G/6G/IoT/Smart City", and "Biotechnology/Health Services".

A total of 200 winning projects will receive prizes. These include: 12 First Prizes, each worth 2 million yuan; 36 Second Prizes, each worth 1 million yuan; 68 Third Prizes, each worth 500,000 yuan; and 84 Winner Prizes, each worth 200,000 yuan.

The competition comprises four advancement stages: Online Assessment (late April), Regional Matches (May to June), Semi-Final (July), and Final (August).

This year, the competition will pilot an "award + investment" mechanism, in which winning projects will be prioritized for follow-up investment from HICOOL's partner investment platforms when securing their first round of financing. Additionally, a Talent Scout Bonus will be given to any individual who successfully recommends a project.

The competition will provide winners with comprehensive support for development in Beijing, including household/residency registration, healthcare insurance, and exit/entry facilitation. It will also offer enterprise services, incubation training, and product display opportunities, among others, ensuring full-cycle support from start-up through growth.

(Source: Beijing Shunyi)