ZGC Forum 2026 in Beijing: Announcement published for the selection of SMEs, Startups and Spinoffs interested in exploring the Chinese market

SPICI – Society for Innovation, Cooperation and Internationalisation, along with the International Technology Transfer Network (ITTN) and the ZGC Enterprise Service Representative Office in Italy, in collaboration with InnovUp, Italy-China Council Foundation, and Fabbrica Italiana dell’Innovazione, publishes the Notice for participation in the 9th Zhongguancun International Advanced Technology Competition, as part of the ZGC Forum 2026, which will be held in Beijing in April 2026.

What is the ZGC Forum

The ZGC Forum is one of the world's most prestigious events in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation. It takes place annually in the Zhongguancun district, known as the “Chinese Silicon Valley”. Promoted by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST) and the Ministry of Industry and IT of China (MIIT), the programme brings together every year government representatives, large tech companies, universities, research institutes, and innovation hubs from all over the world, to discuss technological development, international cooperation, innovation policies, and create new business opportunities between China and the rest of the world in technology-intensive sectors.

The Competition 2026

Within the framework of the ZGC Forum 2026, the 9th Zhongguancun International Advanced Technology Competition (Beijing, April 2026) aims to reward and promote internationally the ten most innovative startups with high potential for business development and international expansion. The winner companies – presenting themselves to a qualified audience of Chinese and international experts – will have access to cash prizes, matchmaking services, investment support, and intellectual property, privileged access to programmes for attracting talent and foreign companies and incubation spaces in China.

Recipients and innovation themes

The Notice is addressed to SMEs, startups, and spinoffs with projects or innovative technologies in the following areas:

1. Foundational AI Technologies

2. AI-driven Applications and Solutions

3. Innovative Drugs

4. Medical Devices

5. New Materials

6. Innovative Cultural and Creative Industries

7. FinTech

Opportunities for companies

Selected companies will have the opportunity to:

• Present themselves to a qualified audience of Chinese and international experts;

• Expand their network of international contacts to enter the Chinese market;

• Participate in targeted matchmaking meetings;

• Access investment and industrialisation opportunities;

• Gain extensive media visibility in the Chinese market;

• Access incubation opportunities and talent and enterprise attraction programmes;

• Participate for free in the ZGC Forum in case of access to the Finale.

The winner companies can have access to cash prizes, matchmaking services, investment and intellectual property support, privileged access to programmes for attracting talent and foreign companies, and incubation spaces in China.

Methods of participation

Participation is free and requires:

1. Filling out in English the registration form at the following link: https://forms.gle/AK9Rt1BJc6DZpgmb7

2. Notification of the application to the address startup@spici.eu, indicating in the subject line
   “ZGC Forum 2026, [Organisation Name], Registration Notification” and enclosing the following documentation:

• Company Registry Extract (preferably in English);

• Copy of the Legal Representative's ID;

• Business Plan/Pitch in English, outlining the following aspects: main activities, technologies used, patents and IP, market positioning, and growth prospects, third-party tests and certifications, awards, and recognitions, etc.

Deadlines

Applications must be submitted by 30 November 2025.

Support and information

Throughout the open period of the Notice, the SPICI team will be available to participants for support and information. For info contact Carmine Russo – Project Manager, Internationalisation – at the following email addresses: startup@spici.eu – russo@spici.eu