The competition has generated excitement globally since kicking off, attracting top maker talent to events across innovation hubs worldwide. After an overseas-led recruitment and screening process, 12 semifinalists were selected from Germany, Finland, Denmark and Hong Kong.

The teams pitched their projects in 8-minute presentations followed by 4 minutes of judge feedback. Judges from IDG Capital, SoftBank China Capital and Viva engaged with the teams, highlighting Shanghai’s strengths as an innovation center and inviting standout overseas projects to launch in the city.

Shanghai aims to strengthen its innovation engine by integrating into global networks. The competition creates a platform to converge resources and unearth cutting-edge global projects ready to launch in Shanghai, positioning the city as a preferred global tech incubator.

“The diversity and creativity proves that innovation can come from anywhere,” said from competition organizer,"By accelerating high-quality overseas innovation here, we’re helping Shanghai become a hub for the best ideas worldwide".The finals will showcase global maker talent and connect them into China’s vast innovation ecosystem.