Nanshan District has officially opened registration for the 2025 Entrepreneurs Next Star & Million Prize Global Challenge (Nanshan Shenzhen), according to the Nanshan District Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau.

The competition adopts staggered registration timelines: domestic teams may register until July 10, 2025, while international entrants have an extended window from July 1 to August 15, 2025.

The domestic competition comprises five core industry tracks: artificial intelligence + X (encompassing embodied intelligence), biomedical, new materials, high-end equipment, and X Future, alongside a dedicated game industry special competition.

These five sectors are organized into two distinct categories – Growth Enterprise Group and Startup Team Group. Internationally, the competition features three main industry divisions – artificial intelligence + (including embodied intelligence), biomedical, and X Future (spanning games, VR, and metaverse) – alongside two specialized tracks: the North American Biomedical Special Competition and the German AI + Hard Technology Special Competition (focusing on artificial intelligence, green technology, and intelligent hardware).

All winning teams from domestic and international divisions qualify for the global finals.

The global finals will feature two divisions – Growth Enterprise Group and Startup Team Group – with 12 total awards up for grabs, including 1 first prize, 2 second prizes, and 3 third prizes, with prize money up to 3 million yuan (US$418,368). 

Awards are restricted to enterprises headquartered in Nanshan District, though relocation within one year of winning qualifies teams for eligibility. Additionally, a Bole Award, with prize money of up to 300,000 yuan, recognizes exceptional institutional collaborators.

In 2024, the competition secured strategic relocation commitments from 14 high-potential enterprises, while directly mobilizing 50 million yuan in early-stage financing.