Hungary Preliminary Round of China Overseas Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Held Successfully

June 25, 2024

On June 25, 2024, the Hungary Preliminary Round of the China Overseas Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition was held in Budapest. Organized by the Central and Eastern Europe-China Science and Technology Exchange Association (CEECSTE), the event aimed to provide a platform for global innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their achievements. It also sought to deepen Sino-European cooperation in science and technology and facilitate international exchanges and the integration of innovation resources.

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Opening Ceremony Highlights

Prominent speakers included:

• Liu Yunhu, President of the United Nations Institute for Sustainable Development Management (UNISDM),
• Han Dongsheng, Education Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Hungary,
• Chen Rui, Deputy Director of the China International Science and Technology Exchange Centre (CISETEC).

They emphasized the competition’s role in advancing scientific innovation and fostering international cooperation.

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Competition Results

• Out of 35 entries, 10 projects were selected to advance to the Grand Final in Nanning, China.
• During the finals, the selected projects showcased cutting-edge innovations, with two of them earning top rankings in innovation and entrepreneurship.

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Key Achievements

Since its inception in 2016, the competition has:

• Been held for nine consecutive years,
• Attracted over 7,400 innovation and entrepreneurship projects,
• Become a vital platform for overseas talent to connect with China’s development opportunities.

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Post-Competition Activities

After the competition, shortlisted project teams participated in the Featured Track Final Round in Jinan, which included:

• A roadshow featuring 37 projects, of which six stood out.
• On-site docking with industry stakeholders and visits to industrial parks, providing opportunities for projects to gain resources and establish a foothold in China.

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Outstanding Results for CEECSTE Projects

The association’s efforts led to:

• One second prize and two third prizes for participating projects.
• Practical support for projects to take root in China through tailored guidance and resource alignment.

This competition continues to serve as a bridge for global innovation talent, promoting mutual growth and collaborative success between China and the world.