Hongkou District has launched its first "Most Investable" Startups for Overseas Returnees contest, hosting a project roadshow at the North Bund's Henry Lester Institute of Technical Education.
The event, aimed at identifying innovative, high-potential ventures by returning scholars, attracted significant attention from the business and investment community.
At the launch ceremony, key players, including executives from the North Bund Group, highlighted Hongkou’s thriving business environment and its supportive policies for incoming enterprises.
Nie Zhihong, the General Manager of Shanghai Nahong Microsphere Technology Co., who is among the top 60 contestants from Hongkou in the 4th "Global Gathering of Talents" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, shared his entrepreneurial journey and competition experiences.
As a representative of the judges, Yun Wenhua, Managing Director of Plum Ventures, introduced the current state of innovation and entrepreneurship to the contestants.
Since launching the project recruitment in July, the organizers have published solicitation information through WeChat official accounts such as "Shanghai Hongkou" and "Hongkou Talent."
Twenty outstanding enterprises were finally selected to compete after recommendations and screenings by the district's overseas returnees' innovation and entrepreneurship service demonstration bases, incubators, and key business buildings.
They are from various sectors such as AI, new materials, low-carbon technology, healthcare, and creative industries, with founders holding advanced degrees like PhDs and master's from leading institutions.
Evaluators, comprising industry experts and investors, assessed these startups across dimensions like innovation, market potential, and team strength. Focus was placed on small-scale, long-term, hard-tech investments.
Additionally, a “Most Investable Company and Talent Reserve Pool” was set up by the Hongkou Talent Bureau, designed to support businesses through financial, management, and technological advice, as well as facilitating access to government and industry networks.
Participating enterprises will be given priority access to policy projects and opportunities to participate in venture capital exchange activities.
Individual participants may be recommended for city and district-level talent programs and high-level talent training classes.
Selected enterprises will receive a one-time subsidy of 50,000 yuan and a recommendation award of 10,000 yuan per project from the overseas returnees' innovation and entrepreneurship base, along with dedicated butler services, continuous expert training and coaching in areas such as financing, technology, and management.
Outstanding projects will be showcased on the district-level platform and precisely recommended to investment and financing institutions, with priority access to venture capital financing opportunities. Core team members will also have the opportunity to be recommended for the Tsinghua PBCSF "Passing the Torch" training class.
The initiative is seen as part of Hongkou’s broader strategy to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning itself as a hub for talent and high-tech industries.
By leveraging Shanghai's high-level talent programs, the district is looking to incubate high-growth unicorns and accelerate the arrival of top-tier global talent.
Local officials stressed that the district will continue to offer extensive support through networking opportunities and training sessions, ensuring that Hongkou remains an attractive location for innovative startups and global talent.