2026 Nantong AI Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition

Background

Nantong New Innovation District is seeking:

1. To Find: HK start-ups and expert judges for an AI themed innovation competition (w/c 22nd June), covering the following areas: AI + integrated circuits; AI + chip design; AI + equipment / materials / components; AI + intelligent manufacturing; AI + smart applications; AI + life & medical sci. The winners receive cash prizes, AND preferential access to 2m RMB local grant funding + government support. Please see further information in the booklet attached.
2. To Explore: strategic alignments with HKUST, based on your outstanding record in AI and entrepreneurship.

Competition Overview: Six AI + IC Tracks

Six High-Impact Tracks Targeting the Most Commercially Valuable AI + IC Frontiers

1. AI + Integrated Circuit Fabrication & Manufacturing — Advanced process technologies, yield optimization, smart fab systems
2. AI + EDA & Chip Design — Electronic Design Automation, AI-accelerated chip architecture, IP cores
3. AI + Equipment, Materials & Key Components — Semiconductor equipment, specialty materials, critical component innovation
4. AI + Intelligent Manufacturing & Industrial Internet — Smart factory systems, IoT platforms, digital twin technologies
5. AI + Smart Applications & Integrated Solutions — End-to-end AI deployment, edge computing, enterprise AI integration
6. AI + Life & Medical Technologies / Digital Health — AI diagnostics, digital therapeutics, health data platforms

All tracks are open to university teams, research institutes, and early-stage startups

Competition Prizes & Support: Real Capital, Real Commitment
Up to RMB 100,000 in Cash Prizes — Plus Access to Millions in Government Grants

Prize Structure

Note: Cash prizes awarded upon company landing/establishment in Nantong

Beyond the Prize

• Priority access to industry funds & partners
• Full-cycle support: → incubation → scaling
• Intro to local government grants ~ RMB 2 Million
• 2-day site visit to 4-5 leading organizations in Nantong

Bringing the Competition to Hong Kong
A Curated Platform for Serious Innovators

Event Format

• Date: June 20-30, 2026 (exact date confirmed by May 15th)
• Format: In-person roadshow event in Hong Kong
• Scale: 50 attendees total
  • 15 offline project team roadshow presentations
  • 4-5 expert judges from industry and academia
  • 30 audience members (investors, partners, ecosystem players)

What to Expect

• Live pitch presentations to a panel of expert judges
• Direct networking with Nantong government representatives and industry partners
• On-site signing ceremonies with Nantong Innovation New District
• Pathway to the Grand Final held in Nantong, Jiangsu

Who Should Apply

• University research teams (all disciplines relevant to AI/IC/Medtech)
• Deep-tech startups at seed to Series A stage
• Technology transfer offices seeking commercialization pathways in China

Click the following link for more details:

2026 Hong Kong Nantong AI Innovation&Entrepreneurship Competition Information