In an extraordinary display of innovation and entrepreneurship, the Shenzhen division of the Innovation Nanshan 2024 Entrepreneurs Star Contest emerged victorious, securing eight national awards among 1,750 participating projects.

Nanshan District, in particular, excelled with a 75% winning rate, clinching the championship and runner-up titles, along with six additional awards, underscoring the district’s formidable innovation strength and competitive edge.

As the competition concluded, the eight national-winning projects from the Shenzhen division garnered nearly 60 million yuan (US$8.29 million) in financing. Twelve top-tier technology projects have now found a home in Nanshan, embedding themselves in innovative landmarks such as the “Model Camp” AI Ecosystem Community and the Ouryao Biomedical Incubator.

These projects span diverse fields, including three in biopharmaceuticals, two in new materials, one in high-end equipment manufacturing, one in next-generation information technology, and four in artificial intelligence.

In a pioneering move, the 2024 edition of the contest introduced the “Rent-free Acceleration Camp” model. The Nanshan District Talent Bureau and Nanshan District Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau, in collaboration with 13 national-level incubators, offered 20,000 square meters of rent-free space to help startups overcome cash flow issues through innovative rent solutions. To date, 54 enterprises have taken up residence.

Looking ahead, Nanshan will bolster investment and financing support by adopting a “government funds + private funds” model. This approach aims to provide a continuous stream of capital for enterprise development, aiding their rapid rise in the market.

In 2025, Nanshan will launch an international global competition, starting with its first game industry competition. The initiative seeks to discover and nurture technology projects with innovative spirit and growth potential, injecting fresh momentum into the industrial upgrading of Nanshan.