Industry finals of intl. innovation contest conclude in Guangming

Participants of the new materials industry finals pose for a photo. Courtesy of the event organizer

The 8th China (Shenzhen) Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition recently wrapped up two of its industry finals in Guangming District, showcasing the pinnacle of innovation in the biomedicine and health, as well as new materials sectors.

A total of 52 international projects from 12 countries and 13 regions gathered at Guangming Science City, presenting groundbreaking advancements in fields such as new drug development, smart medical devices, advanced composite materials, and environmentally friendly solutions.

Following intense competitions, 12 projects emerged victorious in their respective categories, securing top honors amidst a backdrop of diverse integration and collaborative innovation.

Biomedicine and health industry finals

The biomedicine and health industry finals, held Nov. 26 at Weiguang Life Science Park, saw six standout projects recognized for their contributions. Among them, the "Cellinfinity Bio" project from Boston, the United States, claimed the coveted first prize for its innovative approach to improving biological characteristics in cellular therapies for tumors.

The award ceremony of first prize of the biomedicine and health industry finals.

Academician Wang Yutian from the Royal Society of Canada and dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology commended the event for its role in fostering cross-border collaborations and promoting the region as a hub for scientific advancement and entrepreneurial endeavors.

“This is a platform to introduce new projects, promote new drug and equipment development, letting everyone know that Guangming is a place where people can pursue their scientific dreams,” Wang said.

Award-winning participants lauded the competition for not only its fierce competition but also the networking opportunities that sparked discussions on potential future collaborations within the industry.

New material industry finals

The award ceremony of the first prize of the new material industry finals.

In parallel, the new material industry finals Nov. 27 highlighted advancements in nanotechnology, biodegradable plastics, and more. The competition showcased six standout projects, with "Fire Killer,” a highly efficient, ultra-thin bio-based environmentally friendly fire retardant coating solution, from Barcelona, Spain, clinching the top accolade for its technical prowess and innovation potential.

Zhang Chao, deputy dean of the School of Biomedical Engineering at Sun Yat-sen University, lauded the competition for its role in pushing the boundaries of innovation and propelling Guangming District towards a limitless future in the new materials industry. “The event not only underscored the region's commitment to innovation but also the collaborative spirit driving advancements in science and technology,” he said.

Innovative collaboration opportunities explored

During the competition, Guangming District Government showcased its commitment to fostering innovative cooperation by setting up specialized project negotiation rooms at the industry finals venue. A collaborative effort involving various governmental bodies alongside prominent investment and financing institutions and key industrial parks marked a strategic move towards understanding real-time project demands. Their seamless coordination aimed to link participants with essential district resources like funding, industrial space, research, and talent, offering tailored solutions to support the needs of overseas talents.

The triumphant project team from the biomedicine and health industry final revealed their pre-existing online engagement with Blue Ocean Capital, setting the stage for fruitful discussions in the project negotiation room. Mutual intentions for investment and financing were solidified, with plans to advance collaboration discussions further.

Meanwhile, competitors had the opportunity to visit and engage at the Guangming Biomedical Innovation Center, where they were led on a journey through cutting-edge achievements in biomedical solutions. Participants lauded the dual functionality of being able to negotiate projects while getting an in-depth understanding of Guangming's startup landscape in the same building. This innovative approach not only streamlined the cooperation process but also effectively facilitated project landing by connecting key resources within the district.

Since its involvement in hosting the international entrepreneurship competition in 2022, Guangming District has intensified efforts toward talent and project recruitment. Implementing comprehensive mechanisms for project and talent landing services, the district now offers a full life cycle support system encompassing investment attraction, project cultivation, and utilization for premium projects globally.

Already boasting successful landings of 5 high-caliber projects from the contest, Guangming District envisions further enhancing the competition into an international platform for talent aggregation, enterprise attraction, and global collaboration.