The 13th Chaoyang International Talent Entrepreneurship Conference (ITEC 2025) is now open for applications, calling on startups, scale-ups, and established enterprises from around the world. For over a decade, ITEC has served as a premier global platform where entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders come together to showcase innovation, drive collaboration, and shape the future of enterprise.
Why Apply?
Winning projects at ITEC 2025 will compete for a chance to secure up to $7 million in funding, along with access to office space, investor networks, and global visibility. With participation from 86 countries, 60,000+ entrepreneurs, and thousands of innovative projects, ITEC has become a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation ecosystem. It offers entrepreneurs an unmatched opportunity to gain international recognition and propel their ventures to new heights.
Organizers & Sponsors
The challenge is hosted by Future Land Center (FLC) in Beijing, one of the city’s largest innovation hubs and industrial investment institutions. FLC manages over 200,000 sqm of industrial parks, supporting hundreds of high-tech companies and hosting numerous forums, salons, and competitions.
Additionally, the C-S Internet 3.0 Incubator, based in Zhongguancun Internet 3.0 Industry Park, serves as a cross-border fast track for scientific and technological transformation. Anchored in AI, cybersecurity, and digital-intelligence industries, it provides one-stop international incubation services.
Tracks & Eligibility
ITEC 2025 offers two participation tracks:
- Industry Track Deadline: 31 August 2025
- Talent Track Deadline: 15 August 2025
Eligibility requirements include:
- Companies must be established after January 1, 2015.
- Projects in the Talent Track must be pre-Series A (early stage only).
- Founders and core team must hold at least 30% equity.
- Applicants must hold valid IP rights or usage authorizations.
- Award recipients must establish or operate a compliant entity in the Chaoyang District within one year.
Challenge Process
- Round One – Preliminary Evaluation: Submit business plans/pitch decks by 31 August 2025. Up to 30 projects advance.
- Round Two – Semifinals: Live presentations in early October (online or offline in Singapore). Up to 15 projects selected.
- Final Round – Global Finals: Oral presentations before a final jury. Winners announced at the closing ceremony.
Projects are judged based on innovation, relevance, feasibility, impact, clarity, and presentation performance.
Prizes
Winners of ITEC 2025 will share significant funding awards:
- Grand Prize (1 winner): ~$670,000 (RMB 5M)
- First Prize (6 winners): ~$270,000 each (RMB 2M)
- Second Prize (10 winners): ~$200,000 each (RMB 1.5M)
- Third Prize (16 winners): ~$135,000 each (RMB 1M)
- Talent Awards (30 winners): ~$30,000 each (RMB 200K)
Winners not yet established in Chaoyang District must register a compliant local entity (R&D, office, or operations) within one year of receiving their award.
The 13th ITEC 2025 presents a rare opportunity for startups and innovators to showcase their ideas on a global stage and secure transformative funding. With millions in funding available, international exposure, and access to leading investors and policymakers, the event continues its legacy as one of the world’s premier entrepreneurship competitions.