Jinan innovation contest draws global projects

The final of the eighth China (Jinan) New Growth Drivers Innovation and Entrepreneurship Contest took place from Nov 6 to 8 at the China Xueye Lake International Conference Center in Jinan, capital of Shandong province.

The event brought together over 4,950 projects from more than 50 countries, spanning 15 competition areas – 10 domestic, including cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, and five international, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand.

The competition featured five core fields, electronic information and high-end software, high-end equipment and intelligent manufacturing, modern medicine and biomanufacturing, advanced materials and new energy equipment, and modern agriculture and environmental protection.

A series of matchmaking sessions focusing on talent attraction, urban development, industry, and policy introduction facilitated engagement and communication.

To support project implementation, the city provided a fast-track system to streamline procedures. Since July, 53 projects have been implemented, with more than 40 others currently under negotiation.

At the award ceremony on Nov 8, the Haiyou talent fund signed agreements with 10 participating projects, while 14 others reached agreements with districts and counties across the city. Outstanding projects were showcased in a roadshow, alongside presentations of Jinan's talent policies and favorable innovation environment.

The contest recognized outstanding achievements with 20 first prizes, 30 second prizes, 50 third prizes, and three awards for breakthrough technologies.

Since its inception in 2018, the contest has introduced 29 academician teams, implemented 586 projects, and attracted a cohort of high-level talent. By pooling innovation resources from home and abroad, the contest has injected fresh momentum into Jinan's development.