The HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and Entrepreneurship Competition were established to serve the needs of entrepreneurs. The aim is to cultivate a multi-faceted and diverse international entrepreneurial ecosystem, by attracting high-potential startups from across the globe and providing a platform for business growth and expansion in Beijing. The 2023 HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Competition will feature 7 major registration zones worldwide, with 140 awards for grabs, totaling a prize pool of USD 10 million (CNY 70 million).
Unlocking the Opportunities: Your One-Stop FAQ Resource for the HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Competition.
As you prepare to participate in the HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Competition, you may have questions about the registration process, awards, and other important details. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that startup founders often have. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for additional support
Which group should you choose when signing up?
There are 2 groups in this competition, namely the Overseas Group and the Domestic Group. If the individual participant or team members have studied, worked, or started a business outside of China for more than 1 year, and the time returning to China (or coming to China) does not exceed 10 years and meets all the other requirements, he/she/they can apply to the Overseas Group. If the individual participant or team members do not meet the above conditions, he/she/ they can only apply to the Domestic Group.
How to define the project in the Maker Stage or Growth Stage?
Maker Stage startup refers to a startup that has not yet registered a company in Beijing or a startup that registers a company in Beijing after Jan 1st, 2023. Growth Stage startups refer to a startup that has been registered in Beijing between Jan 1st, 2013 to Dec.31st, 2022.
If any member of the team has studied/worked/started a business outside of China for less than one year, or has returned/come to China for more than 10 years, can the team still sign up to the Overseas Group?
No. Each member of the team shall have at least one year’s overseas study/work/entrepreneurial experience, and the time of returning/coming to China shall not exceed 10 years. The date of returning/coming back to China shall be subject to the entry-exit record.
Is there any limitation on the number of startups a participant can take part in?
Yes, each participant can only sign up for one startup.
How to select the group when the registration conditions of the Overseas Group and Local Group are met at the same time?
Startups from Overseas Group and Domestic Group will compete respectively. A quota for promotion and award-winning places is generated in each group. The award-winning places are allocated between the Overseas Group and Local Group in the proportion of 5:2, that is, there are 100 award-winning places in the Overseas Group and 40 award-winning places in the Domestic Group. You can choose any group according to your own circumstances.
Can one startup sign up for multiple tech verticals in the competition at the same time?
No. Each startup can only select one vertical.
Ready to participate?
Apply today to be a part of this exciting opportunity and take the first step toward growing your business.
