Do You Have an Idea That Could Change the World?

Are you looking for a platform to turn your vision into reality?

The opportunity is here.

The 2026 Mcloud Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (UK Region) is now officially open for applications.

We warmly invite innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and alumni across the UK to join this exciting journey of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

Through an online pitching competition, outstanding projects will be selected and directly recommended to the Semi-Finals of the Shanghai Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, providing a unique opportunity to connect with one of China's most dynamic innovation ecosystems and accelerate your entrepreneurial ambitions in Shanghai.

Competition Tracks

The competition focuses on technology-driven innovation and welcomes projects in the following six categories:

1. Integrated Circuits

Advancing semiconductor technologies and next-generation computing architectures.

Areas include:

• Chip design, manufacturing and packaging
• Semiconductor equipment and materials
• Future computing technologies

2. Biomedicine

Driving innovation in healthcare, medical technologies and biotechnology.

Areas include:

• Biopharmaceuticals
• Advanced medical devices
• Healthcare services and digital health
• Food technology
• Future biotechnology

3. Artificial Intelligence

Empowering scientific discovery and industrial transformation through intelligent technologies.

Areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Next-generation information technology
• Intelligent systems and interdisciplinary innovation

4. Green & Low-Carbon Technologies

Supporting sustainable development through breakthroughs in energy, materials and carbon reduction technologies.

Areas include:

• Advanced materials
• Renewable energy and low-carbon solutions
• Future energy technologies

5. Advanced Manufacturing & Equipment

Developing intelligent, autonomous and cutting-edge industrial equipment.

Areas include:

• Smart manufacturing
• Major technical equipment
• Future technologies and advanced exploration systems

6. Fashion & Consumer Innovation

Creating the next generation of consumer brands and experiences through technology and design.

Areas include:

• Fashion and lifestyle products
• Cultural and creative technologies
• New retail and supply chain innovation

Eligibility

Applicants of all nationalities are welcome.

Projects at different stages of development are eligible, provided they demonstrate innovation potential and commercial viability.

• Concept Stage: Projects that have not yet been incorporated as a company.

• Early-Stage Start-ups: Companies established within the past five years.

• Growth-Stage Ventures: Companies established between five and ten years ago.

Awards & Benefits

UK Regional Competition Awards

• First Prize (1 team)  : RMB 7,000
• Second Prize (2 teams)  : RMB 3,500 each
• Third Prize (3 teams)  : RMB 2,000 each

In addition, the UK Regional Competition will recommend 15 outstanding projects to advance directly to the Shanghai Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition Semi-Finals.

Shanghai Competition Awards

• Gold Award: RMB 100,000
• Silver Award: RMB 50,000
• Bronze Award: RMB 30,000
• Excellence Award: RMB 5,000

Additional Support Available

Financial Support

• Up to RMB 100 million in corporate credit loans for eligible award-winning projects.
• Up to RMB 100 million in guarantee support for companies progressing to the Shanghai Semi-Finals.
• Personal low-interest credit loans of up to RMB 1 million for eligible team members.

Industry Support

• Up to 300㎡ of free office space for eligible non-incorporated award winners.
• Priority access to rental subsidies, project support programmes and intellectual property services.

Talent Support

• Eligible participants may be nominated for Shanghai's prestigious talent programmes, including the Magnolia Talent Programme and Oriental Talent Programme.
• Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners, together with up to five core team members, may qualify for fast-track Shanghai residency policies.

Pitching

Dates: 24–25 June 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday)

Format: Online project pitch with offline judging panel (Changning District, Shanghai)

Pitch Structure:

• 7-minute presentation
• 3-minute Q&A and evaluation

Advancement:

The top 15 projects will progress directly to the Shanghai Semi-Finals.

Expert Judging Panel

Projects will be evaluated by a panel comprising leading entrepreneurship professors, experienced investors and industry experts, providing valuable feedback and professional guidance.

Competition Timeline

Application Deadline

10 June 2026

Regional Pitch Competition

24–25 June 2026

Results Announcement

30 June 2026

Announcement of winning teams and projects advancing to the Shanghai Semi-Finals.

Application Process

1. Complete the online registration form and submit your contact details.

2. Upload your Business Plan (BP) / Pitch Deck.

RSVP