The 10th China·Yantai Global Elite Entrepreneurship Competition Semi-Finals Concluded: 71 High-Quality Projects Advance to Finals

After 11 days of intense competition, the semi-finals of the 10th China·Yantai Global Elite Entrepreneurship Competition concluded at Yeda Science and Technology Park on July 22, 2025. With the conclusion of the final rounds in the two industrial tracks of “New Materials + Low-Altitude Economy” and “Optoelectronics,” 71 high-quality innovative projects have stood out from the 6 industrial tracks and the overseas division, and are set to gather for the finals scheduled for early August. This entrepreneurial event, which has drawn high-level talents and projects from home and abroad, is driving the city’s industrial upgrading with vigorous momentum.   

The last two semi-final rounds were filled with sparks of innovation. On July 21, 21 projects in the “New Materials + Low-Altitude Economy” track showcased cutting-edge breakthroughs during the competition, with 11 projects ultimately advancing. The “Optoelectronics” track held the next day was equally remarkable: 20 projects focusing on optical chips and quantum communication competed on the same stage, some of which engaged in on-site cooperation negotiations with local leading enterprises. In the end, 10 projects secured their spots in the finals.  

Looking back at this year’s semi-finals, the participating projects have demonstrated a notable feature of simultaneous growth in both quantity and quality. Their technical value has hit a new high, and some technologies can fill domestic gaps and break import monopolies. The industrial alignment of the projects has also strengthened; some have formulated clear implementation plans and formed industrial chain complementarity with local leading enterprises. In addition, the “roadshow + matchmaking” integration model adopted in the semi-finals has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of resource matching, with some projects reaching on-site implementation intentions.

With 71 innovation teams now set for the finals, this grand gathering of domestic and international wisdom in innovation and entrepreneurship is approaching its decisive phase, set to inject strong impetus into Yantai’s high-quality development. The competition organizing committee is sparing no effort in preparing for the finals. “The number of advancing projects has increased compared to last year, and more importantly, their level of technological industrialization has risen significantly,” a relevant official from the Yantai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau stated in an interview. “We have launched a ‘Fast-Track Landing Program’ to provide comprehensive support for the final winners, ensuring that seeds of innovation thrive in Yantai’s fertile soil.”

YMG All-Media Reporter: Zhang Sunxiaoyu

Correspondents: Yang Shucheng, Sun Hairong, Song Xudong