The Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone recently launched the 2025 "Chuangxiang China" Anhui Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition to accelerate the convergence of global talent and cutting-edge resources. The event targets breakthrough technologies, business models, products, and ventures that will fuel emerging industries and sectors in Anhui province.

With a total prize pool of 15 million yuan ($2 million), the competition features five stages — registration screening, preliminary rounds, semifinals, project vetting and due diligence, and grand finals. 

The competition's Anhui section encompasses four specialized tracks: new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, next-generation IT and AI, aerospace technology, as well as advanced materials and low-carbon energy. 

The out-provincial section covers the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Chengdu-Chongqing clusters, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, featuring a dedicated biomanufacturing challenge.

Complementary activities include scenario-matching sessions for project-resource alignment, university roadshows, and institutional pitch events to facilitate commercialization.

Since its 2017 inception, the competition has received entries from nearly 130,000 global projects, successfully attracting 109 overseas and 104 domestic projects to settle in Anhui, catalyzing the development of the province's new quality productive forces.

Registration is now open at www.ahcxcyds.com until Aug. 10.