Hey, Future Shaper!
Pitch your tech.
Power up with China’s innovation engine.
Pitch your solution in Germany – Scale your startup in China
Scope
What it’s all about?
The InnovateX 2025 Global AI Innovation Challenge connects startups from Germany, China and Silicon Valley with leading investors, corporates, and the fast-growing Chinese tech ecosystem. Organized by Plug and Play China, this initiative is backed by the District of Wujin and leading innovation partners.
Scope
Who are we looking for to shape tomorrow’s tech landscape?
We are searching for bold, visionary tech startups ready to scale beyond borders. If you’re building cutting-edge solutions in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Smart Mobility, Intelligent Manufacturing, or Mission-critical Software, this challenge is for you. We welcome early-stage and growth-stage teams that combine deep tech expertise with a valid business model and a drive to make global impact. Additionally you should bring a strong motivation to enter the dynamic Chinese innovation ecosystem and market. Join us if you are ready to pitch your vision, connect internationally, and become part of something bigger.
Ideally, your startup…
- operates in one of the challenge tracks
- has a working prototype or pilot-ready solution
- shows traction or partnerships in mobility, AI or industry
- has a strong interest in expanding towards the Chinese market
- is motivated to access Chinese talent and resources in one of the most vibrant Chinese innovation hubs
Schedule
How does it work?
Apply by October 15th with your startup. We’re scouting tech-driven teams in AI, smart mobility, intelligent manufacturing, and more. Our partners valantic and Fraunhofer IAO will review all applications and select 20–30 startups for the German Semi-Final. All selected semi-finalists will join the Plug and Play ecosystem via Plug and Play China and gain access to Plug and Play resources free of charge funding, partnerships, events, global visibility, and more.
The Semi-Final takes place on October 23th at the Future Work Lab in Stuttgart (hybrid format, personal attendance preferred). Each team will pitch for five minutes, followed by five minutes of jury Q&A.
Winners qualify for the Global Final in Changzhou, China, where they’ll pitch to top corporates and investors. Invitations for the Global Final will directly be provided by Plug and Play China and the Wujin District.
Programm-Highlights
Benefits and Rewards
Finalists of the InnovateX Challenge don’t just compete for placements. They gain access to real opportunities. As a participant in the Global Final, you unlock a range of valuable rewards that support your international growth and visibility.
Financial Support
Direct Access to
Longcheng Talents
AWS Resource
Support
Opportunities to Connect with Corporates
Office Space
Support
Competition
Awards
Winners from the German Semi-Final will advance to the Global Final in Changzhou, where they’ll compete with top startups from China, and the Silicon Valley. At the Final of the InnovateX Global Innovation AI Challenge, a jury of innovation and industry experts will evaluate each pitch based on criteria such as technological potential, business model, and international scalability. The most promising startups will receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards. Award winners will gain access to office space, financial incentives, and the vibrant innovation ecosystem in Changzhou, China
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Host Locations
Regions
From Stuttgart to Silicon Valley, Changzou and beyond, the InnovateX Challenge unfolds across the world’s leading tech hubs. Each region hosts its own semi-final, pairing startups with local mentors, investors and corporate partners. All regional winners then converge in Changzhou, China for a global showdown that crowns the ultimate champion.
China
Germany
Stuttgart
Semi-Final
United States
Silicon Valley
Semi-Final
China
Changzou
Final
Regions
About Changzhou
Changzhou is a city in China’s Wujin District. It houses facilities like the Changzhou Science Park that spans 5 km² and houses a university, five technical colleges, R&D facilities, and over 2,000 high-tech enterprises with more than 10,000 engineers and scientists. Changzhou’s innovation landscape is diverse and rapidly evolving. Currently, the city is home to dynamic industries such as New Energy, Automotive, Smart Manufacturing, and Health. The city provides convenient one-hour (and less) transport links to Shanghai, Nanjing, and Suzhou.
Convinced? Apply now!
Or reach out with any questions. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
We look forward to having you on board!