HICOOL 2022 Global Entrepreneur Summit kicks off in Beijing

The HICOOL 2022 Global Entrepreneur Summit held an opening ceremony where final winners of the HICOOL competition were awarded in Beijing, on Friday.

The summit will launch activities including keynote speeches, round-table forums, and exhibitions this weekend, with the theme of "Unite Global Startups, Empower Beijing Innovations".

Industrial leaders will share the world's cutting-edge scientific and technological innovations.

Well-known investment institutions and listed trading companies will exchange ideas face-to-face with entrepreneurs from home and abroad, providing a good chance for them to show their talent and to seek business cooperation.

This year, out of 6,672 applicants the Hicool Global Entrepreneurs Competition has selected a total of 70 prize winners, seven taking first prizes, 21 garnering second prizes, and 42 winning third prizes. It has also chosen several Talent Scout awards.

The total prize money reached up to 100 million yuan ($14.8 million).

The startups will also have access to Hicool’s supporting services, including free office space, enterprise setup assistance, and media resources.

They are eligible to get direct investment from the HICOOL Investment Fund and more than 100 collaborating investment institutions, among many other business opportunities.

Cai Qi, Beijing's Party secretary, together with guests and entrepreneurs, visited the summit’s six exhibition areas including excellent projects, enterprise representatives, accelerated incubation and featured international exhibitions.

On the same day, the Ministry of Education and the Beijing government signed a framework agreement to jointly build a service demonstration zone for returned overseas Chinese talents.

Minister Huai Jinpeng said in his speech that overseas Chinese students are valuable human resources and the country supports Chinese youth’s studying abroad and encourages them to return and contribute to their mother country.

The summit also witnessed the launching of the pilot construction of the National Torch Academy of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ZGC) and its fund.

Established in 2020, HICOOL is an all-in-one startup ecosystem platform managed by the Beijing Overseas Talents Association that facilitates entrepreneurs and startups to base their development in Beijing.