More than 1,000 innovators compete in the preliminary round of HICOOL

The HICOOL 2021 Global Entrepreneurship Competition (Qualifying Round) is launched on June 10.

A total of 1,237 startups shortlisted for the preliminary round are competing offline in Beijing and online in a global context in six major industries: new generation information technology, cultural creativity, medicine and health, high-end equipment, artificial intelligence/fintech as well as new energy/new materials/energy saving and environmental protection.

Themed "Connect Startups Worldwide, Innovate Beijing Together," HICOOL 2021, is hosted by the Beijing Overseas Talents Association (BOTA).

In all, 4,018 startups from 84 countries and regions worldwide applied during the enrollment period. Upon online preliminary evaluation, a total of 1,237 startups were successfully shortlisted for the preliminary round.

Organized in the model of "7+3" roadshow, the candidates demonstrate their entrepreneurial projects through a seven-minute presentation and the judging mentors take three minutes to raise questions and comment on the candidates in terms of project background, operation status, development prospects, technical advantages and more.

There are 715 overseas startups that qualified for the preliminary round, accounting for 57.8 percent of the total, while there are 522 domestic startups, accounting for 42.2 percent. Among them, 975 startups are from the Asia Pacific, 133 startups are from the Europe and 105 startups are from the Americas.

Focusing on the industrial layout of the 14th Five-Year Plan of Beijing, the competition gathers top-tier global innovation and entrepreneurship elements to empower the industry’s booming development.