BOSTON / IRVINE, Calif. —The North American regional selection of the 2026 China Jiangsu Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition recently concluded with in-person events in Boston and Irvine, California. Online presentations and application reviews were also completed as part of the selection process.
The competition brought together innovation and entrepreneurship projects from across North America, connecting overseas technology teams with opportunities in Jiangsu, China. The event included project submissions, presentations, expert evaluations and business and investment networking.
The competition invited university research teams, startups and technology entrepreneurs from across North America to submit projects. Areas of focus included artificial intelligence, next-generation information technology, advanced equipment and intelligent manufacturing, biomedicine and medical devices, new energy, new materials, green technology, future industries and modern services.
Both in-person and online participation were offered, allowing teams from different locations to take part in the competition and explore opportunities to bring their technologies to the Chinese market.
The North American judging panel included experts from the University of California, Irvine, Concordia University Irvine, UCI Health, finance, risk management and marketing. Judges included Ricianne “Chi” Rey of UC Irvine’s entrepreneurship center, Karl W. Hoenecke, dean of the business school at Concordia University Irvine, Dominic Parero, chief marketing officer of UCI Health, Jenn Huynh of UC Irvine’s innovation center, AI and marketing specialist Xiaofei “Fendy” Han, financial risk management expert William “Sanjian” Zhang, and financial data analyst Jiaqi Li.
Projects were evaluated through presentations and question-and-answer sessions. Judges considered technological innovation, team capabilities, market potential in China and overseas markets, business models, financial planning and risk management. Participants also received feedback on business development, industry applications, investment and financing plans, and overseas market strategies.
After several rounds of evaluation, a number of projects were selected as winners and finalists across the competition’s major sectors.
The events also included presentations on Jiangsu’s industrial policies and business environment, as well as investment and financing discussions. Organizers introduced Jiangsu’s industrial resources, innovation infrastructure and support programs for overseas talent and technology companies, including assistance related to research and development, housing, industrial facilities, financing and technology commercialization.
Representatives from North American investment firms, companies and university incubators also met with participating teams. Organizers said several projects reached preliminary cooperation and investment discussions during the events, including potential financing opportunities worth tens of millions of yuan.
According to the organizing committee, winning and outstanding finalist projects will continue to receive support, including business guidance from industry experts, connections with investors and assistance in identifying suitable industrial parks and business resources in Jiangsu.
Organizers said the North American competition is intended to build longer-term connections between North America and Jiangsu in talent, technology, capital and industry. Follow-up work will continue with participating teams as they explore opportunities for technology commercialization and market development in China.
