ITEC 2026

Startup Starts Here - 向新 · 向智 · 向朝阳

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.

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.
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Projects landed through the platform and related support system.
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Investment leveraged across the ITEC ecosystem.
RMB 0 Billion
As of 2025
Projects attracted by ITEC.
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Overseas projects attracted by ITEC.
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Countries and regions represented by participating projects.
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As of Singapore Special Track
Projects attracted by ITEC Singapore Special Track
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Countries and regions represented by participating projects.
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Singapore Special Track advancement rate.
0 %+

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.

Industry Truck

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.

Talent Track

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).

Cash Prizes

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.

Participation Path

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

Singapore Special Track Judging Panel 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

Offline/Online pitching

In late September, the Singapore Special Track Semi-Finals will be held in a hybrid online-offline format, with outstanding projects advancing directly to the Global Finals.

STEP 5

Service matching within 48 hours

After pitching, FutureLand Center 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 FutureLand Center 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-August 31, 2026

Applications officially open

Late October 2026

ITEC 2026 Global Finals

Late September 2026

ITEC 2026 Singapore Special Track

November 2026

Due Diligence & Inspection

Early 2027

ITEC Innovation Summit & Announcing ITEC 26 Winners

WHAT FOUNDERS RECEIVE BEYOND CASH PRIZES

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

Singapore Special Track Startup Support Package

Workspace Solutions

Up to 500 m² of office space at Zhongguancun Internet 3.0 Industrial Park (FLC), with tiered support for up to three years.

Industry Enablement

Policy consultation, application support, and industry networking to promote business collaboration and brand growth.

Application Scenario Enablement

Connecting emerging technologies with commercial, cultural, tourism, and urban application scenarios through the Internet 3.0 Application Scenario Institute.

Financial Services

Supported by Chaoyang District’s Technology Finance Service Network, together with resident financial institutions such as ICBC and CICC, providing credit financing, equity financing, industrial investment, and fundraising advisory services.

Talent Development Services

Providing comprehensive support, including guidance on the “Chaoyang Youth Entrepreneurship 15 Measures”, talent recruitment, networking events, university-industry collaboration, and international talent services.

Global Expansion Services

Access to global government, academic, investment, and industry resources through the Park’s Singapore and Hong Kong platforms.

Innovation & Incubation Services

Priority access to the China–Singapore Center, Beijing–Hong Kong Center, Future Land AI Incubator, OPC Entrepreneur Community, and other incubation resources.

Shared Technology Platforms

Access to shared technology platforms including light-field acquisition, motion capture, AI data governance, and computing power scheduling.

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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

THE Organizer of the ITEC 2026 SINGAPORE SPECIAL TRACK

Building a Global Innovation Hub for AI and Internet 3.0

Rooted in Beijing Chaoyang and connected to the global innovation network, Future Land Center is a next-generation technology industry platform dedicated to AI, Internet 3.0 and digital economy. With integrated capabilities in industrial space, startup incubation, policy support, capital connection, scenario empowerment and global expansion, the Center brings together high-growth technology companies, international innovation resources, industry partners and public-sector support systems.
As a strategic gateway for emerging technology companies to grow in China and expand globally, Future Land Center is building a collaborative innovation ecosystem where technology, capital, talent, markets and industrial scenarios converge — turning urban innovation resources into practical momentum for enterprise growth and industrial upgrading.

Ecosystems Partners

Investment Consortium

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Requirements

1

The participating entity must have been established within the last 10 years(i.e., after January1,2016). Talent competition projects must be early-stage(Series A or earlier)and meet specific field requirements.

2

Applicants and respondents should generally be the main founders of the project. The main founder and founding team should hold no less than 30% of original shares(after penetration and consolidation).

3

The participating entity cannot be a listed company

4

All members must comply with the Constitution and laws of the PRC, have no major dishonesty records, be of good character, and possess good professional ethics.

5

The entity must have legal intellectual property rights or usage rights, with certain innovation and commercialization potential.

6

The applying entity must be consistent with the award redemption entity; projects with entities in Chaoyang must use the Chaoyang entity. Entities outside Chaoyang must have a genuine intention and plans to develop in Chaoyang.

7

7. Previous ITEC(formerly OTEC)award winners may participate but cannot receive the same or lower-level awards.

8

Entrepreneurs and enterprises recognized as Chaoyang" Phoenix Plan" high-level or high-end business talents may participate but are not eligible for awards.

If conditions are not met, the organizer reserves the right to terminate the competition process upon discovery.