The 14th Chaoyang International Talent Entrepreneurship Conference · Where Southeast Asia's boldest founders meet China's most connected innovation district.
About ITEC
- 14 Years. One Mission: Launch Global Founders.
- The Numbers Behind the Platform
- Why Chaoyang? The World's Most Connected District.
- Southeast Asia: A Region Ready to Scale
- Organiser & Ecosystem
14 Years.
One Mission: Launch Global Founders.
ITEC is Chaoyang District's flagship international platform
— 14th edition, 2026.
14 Years. One Mission: Launch Global Founders.
The Platform
ITEC is Chaoyang District's flagship international platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners — built over 13 years and now in its 14th edition.
Full Ecosystem
Competitions, incubation, summits, and exchange programs — all in one integrated innovation ecosystem for global founders.
End-to-End Journey
Guides founders from recruitment and selection all the way to establishing ventures in Beijing with full ecosystem access.
The Numbers Behind the Platform
Global Founders
Participated since the inaugural edition in 2013
Countries & Regions
Represented across all ITEC editions worldwide
Projects Landed
Successfully established in Chaoyang District
Investment Matched
¥48B total investment matched through the ITEC platform
Why Chaoyang? The World's Most Connected District.
Dense concentration of capital, policy, talent, and corporate networks — all directly accessible to ITEC participants.
99%
of foreign embassies in China are in Chaoyang
80%
of international organisations and chambers of commerce in Beijing
70%
of multinational corporation regional HQs in Beijing
Southeast Asia: A Region Ready to Scale
Dedicated SEA Edition
ITEC SEA 2026 is the dedicated Southeast Asia edition — ASEAN Regional Finals held in Malaysia, September 2026.
Direct Bridge to Beijing
Connects SEA's fastest-growing startup ecosystems directly to Beijing's Chaoyang innovation infrastructure, capital, and policy.
Organised by
Startup Alliance with My Lives Global Business Platform as SEA Organising Partner.
Organiser & Ecosystem
Startup Alliance
Launched in November 2025, Startup Alliance is an international startup ecosystem built for founders. It manages the Beijing Chaoyang International Talent Entrepreneurship Park and serves as the gateway to China's innovation landscape.
Investment Consortium
Backed by a broad ecosystem of partners and an investment consortium of leading Chinese VC and PE firms.
SEA Organising Partner
My Lives Global Capital is the partner that brought ITEC to Southeast Asia — anchoring ITEC SEA 2026 across the region's leading startup communities. Based in Malaysia, My Lives specialises in cross-border business connections between Malaysia/SEA and China.
Beijing Business Trips
Renowned for their exclusive Beijing Business Trip series, connecting SEA leaders directly to China's capital.
Cross-Border Bridge
Connects chambers of commerce, technology industries, and companies across Malaysia and SEA to China's business ecosystem.
Competition Tracks & Prizes
- Two Tracks. Every Stage of the Founder Journey.
- Industry Track: 10 High-Growth Sectors
- Talent Track: Built for Early-Stage Founders
- Up to ¥5,000,000 in Cash Prizes
- Beyond the Prize: What Winners Actually Get
- Who Can Join?
- The Pitching Format
- 48-Hour Service Matching
Two Tracks. Every Stage of the Founder Journey.
Industry Track
Open to growth-stage startups with validated products, proven technology, and clear business models. Covers 10 high-growth sectors from AI to aerospace.
Talent Track
Targets early-stage founders (pre-Series A), including a Solo Entrepreneur Hackathon and a University PhD Competition for doctoral talent.
Industry Track: 10 High-Growth Sectors (1/2)
Artificial Intelligence
Advanced computing, AI algorithms & models, intelligent agents, multimodal & vertical AI, human-computer interaction, full-stack agent development, data security, ethics & AI governance
Metaverse (Internet 3.0)
AI-powered virtual interaction, XR immersive technologies, digital twins, AIGC, blockchain, digital assets, digital human applications, industrial simulation, virtual healthcare & remote operations
Digital Healthcare & Smart Eldercare
AI-assisted diagnosis, intelligent imaging, robotic surgery, wearable devices, digital therapeutics, contactless health monitoring, smart eldercare, cognitive screening & integrated healthcare management
Smart Hardware
Edge AI chips, sensors, communication modules, wearable devices, AI computing platforms, smart home systems, robotics & mobility hardware
Embodied Intelligence
Robotics sensors & actuators, AI algorithms, humanoid & quadruped robots, exoskeletons, industrial & medical robotics, home and commercial service robots
Industry Track: 10 High-Growth Sectors (2/2)
Industrial AI
Industrial AI models, computer vision, intelligent algorithms, sensors, control systems, industrial platforms, smart manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and scenario-based AI applications.
Data Elements
Enterprise and industrial data applications, urban data governance, cross-border data collaboration, smart city operations, analytics, storage, secure data management, and sustainable development.
Digital Culture
Digital audiovisual innovation, immersive experiences, digital publishing, gaming and esports, cultural technology, IP incubation, interactive entertainment, and digital art creation.
Aerospace
Commercial aerospace, rockets and satellites, advanced aviation materials, aero-engines, smart civil aviation, anti-drone systems, avionics hardware and software, and satellite operations.
Future Industries
6G and quantum information, optoelectronics, cell and gene therapy, brain-computer interfaces, bio-manufacturing, hydrogen and new energy storage, fusion energy, and advanced materials.
Talent Track: Built for Early-Stage Founders
Solo Entrepreneur Track
Individuals or small teams (2–5 members) competing on creative ideas and AI skills. Teams passing preliminary evaluation advance to a 2-day in-person hackathon final in Chaoyang, judged on live pitching, product testing, and Q&A.
University PhD Competition
Open to current PhD students, postdocs, and recent doctoral graduates (within 2 years of completion).
Focused on commercialising research-backed technologies with direct access to Chaoyang's talent policy system.
Up to ¥5,000,000 in Cash Prizes
Prize Breakdown
- Grand Prize: ¥5,000,000 (~USD 735K) — 1 winner
- First Prize: ¥2,000,000 (~USD 294K) — 5 winners
- Second Prize: ¥1,500,000 (~USD 221K) — 10 winners
- Third Prize: ¥1,000,000 (~USD 147K) — 15 winners
- Rising Star: ¥300,000 (~USD 44K) — 20 winners
- Innovation Recognition: ¥100,000 (~USD 15K) — 35 winners
The Grand Prize dwarfs all other awards — a true high-stakes competition for the region's boldest founders.
Beyond the Prize: What Winners Actually Get
Policy Matching
Eligible projects enter Chaoyang's "Youth Entrepreneurship 15 Measures". Top winners (Third Prize and above) are fast-tracked into the "Phoenix Plan" high-level talent system.
Incubation & Workspace
Introductions to innovation parks, coworking spaces, and the International Talent Entrepreneurship Park — your physical base in Chaoyang.
Investor & Mentor Connections
Fundraising preparation, China-market entry strategy, and commercialisation planning — matched within 48 hours of your pitch.
Who Can Join?
Global Founders
Any country; entity established after January 1, 2016
Shareholding
Founding team must hold ≥30% of original shares; entity cannot be a listed company
IP & Intent
Must have legal IP rights, innovation potential, and genuine intent to develop in Chaoyang
Track Stage
Talent Track: pre-Series A only · Industry Track: any growth stage
The Pitching Format
Monthly Sessions
Online pitch sessions run from August through October 2026 — apply early to enter the cycle sooner.
Expert Judges
Judges from tech, industry, and investment sectors evaluate innovation, market prospects, team quality, and sector fit.
Mentor Matching
Industry expert and mentorship matchmaking where it matters — policy, mentors, investors, incubators.
Matching Mentoring & Support - We Lead Right at the Pitch
ITEC does not wait for the Global Finals — support begins immediately after your pitch is complete.
Pitch Day
Expert judges, mentors and VCs evaluate your project; feedback delivered in real time
Diagnosis & Recommendations
Policy consultation, mentor matching, business strategy and insightful recommendations.
Post-Finals
Continuous landing support: financing, industrial cooperation, and scenario validation in Chaoyang where you pitch against the world's best startups from continents around the world.
Timeline & Key Dates
- ITEC SEA 2026 — Key Timeline
- July 2026: Applications Open
- July–October 2026: Mentoring and Pitching Sessions
- September 2026: ASEAN Regional Finals, Malaysia
- Late October 2026: Global Finals, Beijing
- Early 2027: ITEC Innovation Summit & Winner Announcements
ITEC SEA 2026 — Key Timeline
July 20, 2026
Applications officially open at itecsea.com
July – October 2026
Monthly pitch sessions; 48-hour service matchmaking after each pitch
September 2026
ASEAN Regional Finals — Malaysia
Late October 2026
ITEC 2026 Global Finals — Beijing, Chaoyang
Early 2027
ITEC Innovation Summit & official winner announcements
The Earlier You Apply, the Earlier You're Supported
Don't Wait for the Finals
Applications open May 20, 2026. Submit early to enter the 48-hour service system sooner — policy consultation, investor introductions, and mentor matching begin from your very first pitch.
Track matching begins immediately after initial screening. There is no waiting period to access Chaoyang's resources.
Apply Now
- Website: itecsea.com
- WhatsApp: +60 12-476 8766
Sponsorship Opportunities
- From Passive Visibility to Measurable Value
- Four Tiers: Ecosystem Co-Creators, Innovation Catalysts, Growth Enablers, Ecosystem Supporters
- Tier 1: RM 80K–120K · Limited to 2 partners
- Tier 2: RM 45K–60K · Limited to 5 partners
- Tier 3: RM 20K–25K · Open
- Tier 4: RM 8K–12K · Open
- Sponsorship Tier Comparison & Targeted Activations
A 14-year platform. A region ready to scale.
Partnership & Sponsorship · 2026
This is the ecosystem your brand is aligning with.
Countries / Regions
Global Founders
Projects Landed in Chaoyang
≈ USD 7.09B · Total Investment Matched
Cumulative since 2013 across all ITEC editions. Sponsors align with the largest pan-Asia founder network in this category — not a single-city meetup.
From passive visibility to measurable value.
Sophisticated sponsors no longer buy logo placement.
What Visibility-Only Sponsorship Offered
Logo placement on collateral and stand banners
Recognition on sponsor roll-up banners
A single delegate pass for the entire investment
No structured path to leads, meetings, or content
What ITEC SEA 2026 Delivers
Attributed, named-account lead generation
Curated 1-on-1 matchmaking with startups, investors, buyers
Thought leadership: co-created content, panels, keynotes
Exclusive access: private dinners, VIP lounges, closed-door deal rooms
Four tiers. Built for co-creation, not visibility.
A geometric structure that protects premium exclusivity.
TIER 1
Ecosystem Co-Creators
RM 80,000–120,000 ≈ USD 19.5K–29.3K
Limited to 2 partners
TIER 2
Innovation Catalysts
RM 45,000–60,000 ≈ USD 11.0K–14.6K
Limited to 5 partners
TIER 3
Growth Enablers
RM 20,000–25,000 ≈ USD 4.9K–6.1K
Open
TIER 4
Ecosystem Supporters
RM 8,000–12,000 ≈ USD 2.0K–2.9K
Open
Value Architecture — Tier 1 & Tier 2
TIER 1 · Ecosystem Co-Creators
RM 80,000–120,000 ≈ USD 19.5K–29.3K · Limited to 2 partners
- Featured speech on Finals Day stage
- Tabletop display at ASEAN Regional Finals
- Exclusive filmed interview on ITEC SEA social media & website
- Priority social media callouts — Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp
- Direct connections to competition winners & ecosystem participants
- Co-branded press releases, blog articles & email newsletters
TIER 2 · Innovation Catalysts
RM 45,000–60,000 ≈ USD 11.0K–14.6K · Limited to 5 partners
- Panel or short address at ASEAN Regional Finals
- Tabletop display at Finals venue
- Filmed interview on ITEC SEA social media & website
- Social media callouts — Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp
- Introduced to winners & ecosystem participants post-Finals
- Named in blog articles & email newsletters
Value Architecture — Tier 3 & Tier 4
TIER 3 · Growth Enablers
RM 20,000–25,000 ≈ USD 4.9K–6.1K · Open
- Social media callouts — posts & stories across Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp
- Named in ITEC SEA blog articles and email newsletters
- Introduced to competition winners post-Finals
- Logo on ITEC SEA website and digital communications
TIER 4 · Ecosystem Supporters
RM 8,000–12,000 ≈ USD 2.0K–2.9K · Open
- Logo on ITEC SEA website, social media profiles, and digital event materials
- Included in sponsor acknowledgement posts across Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook
- Listed as an ITEC SEA 2026 Ecosystem Supporter across all official communications
What justifies the new architecture.
Social Media Reach
Every tier gets tagged, amplified, and featured across ITEC SEA's Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp broadcast — reaching founders, investors, and ecosystem players across Southeast Asia and China.
Content & Credibility
Sponsors are featured in co-branded articles, press releases, and newsletters — building association with a 14-year platform trusted by governments, corporates, and VCs across 141 countries.
Winner & Ecosystem Access
Sponsors are directly connected to competition winners and ITEC ecosystem participants, with the opportunity to support and engage them beyond the event.
Built for organisations that need the region, not just the room.
VC & Private Equity Firms
AI Infrastructure Providers
Banks & Financial Institutions
SaaS & Enterprise Software
Universities & Education Groups
Enterprise Service Providers
Government Agencies
Industrial Parks & Economic Zones
Each tier is matched to a different stage of engagement — from deal-flow access at Tier 1 to brand presence at Tier 4.
Startup Starts Here.
Co-create with ITEC SEA 2026.
🌐 itecsea.com
💬 WhatsApp: wa.me/60124768766
📧 event@itecsea.com
Organised by ITEC Committee · Chaoyang District, Beijing · SEA Edition led by MyLives · Overseas track by Startup Alliance
From Visibility to Value: The New Sponsorship Standard
The Old Model
Logo placement on collateral and banners
A single delegate pass for the entire investment
No structured path to leads, meetings, or content
The ITEC SEA 2026 Model
Named-Account Lead Generation
Post-event ROI reports with full attribution
Curated Matchmaking
Concierge or AI-driven scheduling to the right founders
Thought Leadership
Keynotes, panels, masterclasses, and co-created content
Exclusive Access
Deal rooms, VIP lounges, and private investor dinners
Tier 1 — Ecosystem Co-Creators
Featured Speech on Finals Day
Dedicated speaking slot on stage at the ITEC SEA 2026 ASEAN Regional Finals in Malaysia.
Tabletop Display at Finals
Branded tabletop display at the Finals venue, visible to all founders, judges, and guests.
Exclusive Interview Feature
Filmed interview published across ITEC SEA's official social media channels and website.
Priority Social Media Callouts
Dedicated posts, stories, and articles across Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp broadcast — tagged and amplified.
Winner & Ecosystem Connections
Directly introduced to competition winners and ecosystem participants; invited to support winners' journey post-Finals.
Co-branded Content & Articles
Named in ITEC SEA press releases, blog articles, and email newsletters to the full registered audience.
Tier 2 — Innovation Catalysts
Speaking Slot at Finals
Panel participation or short address on stage at the ASEAN Regional Finals in Malaysia.
Tabletop Display at Finals
Branded tabletop display at the Finals venue for visibility with founders, judges, and guests.
Interview Feature
Filmed interview published on ITEC SEA's official social media channels and website.
Social Media Callouts
Featured in posts, stories, and articles across Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp broadcast — tagged and amplified.
Winner & Ecosystem Connections
Introduced to competition winners and ecosystem participants; invited to support winners post-Finals.
Co-branded Articles & Newsletters
Named in ITEC SEA blog articles and email newsletters sent to the full registered audience.
Tier 3 — Growth Enablers
Social Media Callouts
Featured in posts and stories across ITEC SEA's Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp broadcast — tagged and amplified.
Co-branded Articles
Named in ITEC SEA blog articles and email newsletters sent to the full registered audience.
Winner Connections
Introduced to competition winners and invited to support their journey post-Finals.
Logo on Digital Platforms
Brand logo featured on ITEC SEA website, event materials, and digital communications.
Tier 4 — Ecosystem Supporters
Logo on Digital Platforms
Brand logo on ITEC SEA website, social media profiles, and digital event materials.
Social Media Mention
Included in sponsor acknowledgement posts across ITEC SEA's Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Ecosystem Listing
Listed as an ITEC SEA 2026 Ecosystem Supporter across all official communications.
Sponsorship Tier Comparison at a Glance
Targeted Activations — À La Carte
For partners who want a specific, high-visibility touchpoint rather than a full sponsorship tier.
Lanyard Sponsor
Logo on every attendee lanyard — the single most-worn brand touchpoint at the entire event. Maximum impressions, zero competition.
Coffee Cart Sponsor
Branded activation at the highest-dwell-time networking zone. Every coffee break is your brand moment.
App Sponsor
Presence inside the official event app used for scheduling and matchmaking — the tool every attendee uses throughout the conference.
What Makes ITEC SEA Sponsorship Different
Matchmaking Protocol
Concierge or AI-driven scheduling connects each partner to the startups, investors, or buyers most relevant to their mandate — not general foot traffic.
Data Architecture
Post-event ROI reporting with named-account lead attribution, delivered in a format your finance and marketing teams can act on immediately.
Ecosystem Integration
Judging panels, mentorship clinics, and co-created content place partners inside the startup journey — not beside it.
Who Should Sponsor ITEC SEA 2026?
VC & Private Equity Firms
Deal-flow access to 80,000+ global founders across 10 high-growth sectors
Banks & Financial Institutions
Connect with high-growth startups across SEA and China at a single platform
AI Infrastructure & SaaS Providers
Showcase solutions to a captive audience of tech founders actively building
Universities & Education Groups
Recruit top talent and build research partnerships with global doctoral founders
Government Agencies & Industrial Parks
Attract foreign investment, innovation projects, and high-value talent to your jurisdiction
Partnership Opportunities
- Why Partner with ITEC SEA 2026?
- Partnership Models: Investor, Industry, Ecosystem Organisation, Media, University, Government
- Investor Partners — Deal Flow at Scale
- Industry Partners — Shape the Innovation Agenda
- Ecosystem Organisation Partners
- Media Partners — Amplify the Story
- University & Academic Partners
- Government & Policy Partners
Why Partner with ITEC SEA 2026?
The Largest Pan-Asia Founder Network
Access 80,000+ founders across 141 countries — not a single-city meetup, but the region's most comprehensive innovation platform.
Direct Bridge to Beijing
Connect Southeast Asia's innovation ecosystem directly to Chaoyang's policy frameworks, capital networks, and market access infrastructure.
14 Years of Credibility
Co-brand with a platform trusted across government, corporate, and startup communities in 141 countries for over a decade.
Partnership Models We Welcome
Investor Partner
Priority deal-flow access, co-host investor sessions, join the investment consortium
Industry Partner
Co-create competition tracks, provide judging expertise, run masterclasses in your sector
Ecosystem Organisation
Incubators, accelerators, chambers of commerce, and innovation hubs co-hosting events and matchmaking sessions
Media Partner
Amplify ITEC SEA across your channels in exchange for co-branding and exclusive event access
Investor Partners — Deal Flow at Scale
- Priority access to a curated startup pipeline across 10 high-growth sectors
- Co-host private investor dinners and closed-door deal rooms alongside Tier 1 sponsors
- Join the ITEC Investment Consortium — a network of leading Chinese VC and PE firms already engaged
- Named in post-event ROI reports; matched to projects aligned with your specific investment thesis
Industry Partners — Shape the Innovation Agenda
Co-Create Competition Tracks
Design special competition tracks directly aligned with your sector's priorities and strategic agenda.
Place Your Experts Inside the Process
Provide judges and mentors — your team evaluates the most innovative startups in your domain before anyone else sees them.
Run Branded Masterclasses
Deliver workshops and masterclasses for founders building in your space — thought leadership at scale.
Pilot & Validate with Startups
Engage shortlisted startups for pilot cooperation, product testing, proof-of-concept discussions, and technology application scenarios.
Ecosystem Organisation Partners
Incubators & Accelerators
Receive warm introductions to ITEC-vetted startups who are actively seeking programs — a high-quality, pre-screened pipeline for your cohorts.
Chambers of Commerce & Trade Bodies
Co-host networking events and business matching sessions specifically for your members, under the ITEC SEA brand umbrella.
Innovation Parks & Economic Zones
Attract high-potential projects seeking landing space in SEA or China — position your zone as the destination of choice.
All ecosystem organisation partners receive co-branding across all ITEC SEA 2026 communications and event materials.
Media Partners — Amplify the Story
Co-Brand Across Channels
ITEC SEA 2026 branding integrated across your print, digital, and broadcast coverage throughout the event cycle.
Exclusive Access
Priority interview access to founders, judges, and keynote speakers at both the ASEAN Regional Finals and Global Finals.
Featured in All Communications
Your brand featured in ITEC SEA press releases, social media, and official event communications.
Complimentary Media Passes
Dedicated press area and media passes at all major ITEC SEA 2026 events.
University & Academic Partners
Co-Host the PhD Competition
Partner on the University PhD Competition track and recruit top doctoral talent directly from the competition pipeline.
Commercialise Research
Connect your research labs with Chaoyang's commercialisation infrastructure, investor networks, and enterprise partners.
Pathways for Students
Offer your students and postdocs a direct pathway to China's most internationally connected innovation district.
Co-Branding & Outreach
Your institution co-branded across ITEC SEA academic communications, student recruitment campaigns, and conference materials.
Government & Policy Partners
Attract. Align. Showcase.
- Attract foreign startups and talent to your jurisdiction through ITEC SEA's global founder network of 80,000+ across 141 countries
- Co-host policy briefings and landing support sessions for founders actively considering your region
- Align your innovation agenda with Chaoyang's "Phoenix Plan" and "Youth Entrepreneurship 15 Measures" policy frameworks
- Showcase your economic zone or industrial park to global founders and their investors at scale
What Partners Receive
Co-Branding
Logo and name across all ITEC SEA 2026 event materials, digital platforms, and communications
Curated Introductions
Matched to startups, investors, or ecosystem players relevant to your specific mandate
Content Opportunities
Panels, masterclasses, workshops, and co-created programming throughout the conference
Event Access
Passes to ASEAN Regional Finals (Malaysia) and Global Finals (Beijing, Chaoyang)
Post-Event Reporting
Engagement metrics and named-account introductions made on your behalf — actionable for finance and marketing teams
The Ecosystem You're Joining
Years of Trust
Built across governments, corporates, VCs, and startup communities in 141 countries
Investment Matched
¥48B total investment matched through the ITEC platform since 2013
Projects Landed
Successfully established in Chaoyang — a proven track record of real outcomes
A growing SEA ecosystem anchored by My Lives Global Business Platform and Startup Alliance — with you at the centre of it.
Get Involved
- Three Ways to Engage with ITEC SEA 2026
- Apply as a Founder — itecsea.com, open May 20, 2026
- Become a Sponsor — 4 tiers from RM 8K–120K
- Become a Partner — 6 partner types
- Sponsorship & Partnership Enquiries
- Contact: event@itecsea.com · WhatsApp +60 12-476 8766
Three Ways to Engage with ITEC SEA 2026
Apply as a Founder
Submit your project at itecsea.com. Applications open May 20, 2026. Industry Track or Talent Track — apply to the one that fits your stage.
Become a Sponsor
Choose from 4 tiers (RM 8K–120K) or a targeted à la carte activation. Contact us to reserve your slot — Tier 1 is limited to 2 partners.
Become a Partner
Investor, industry, ecosystem, media, university, or government. Submit the partner form at itecsea.com to open a conversation.
Sponsorship & Partnership Enquiries
🌐 Website
itecsea.com
event@itecsea.com
+60 12-476 8766
Our Ecosystem Partners
Backed by a growing network of innovation partners across China and Southeast Asia.
Investment Consortium
Backed by leading Chinese VC and PE firms — giving ITEC founders direct access to capital at scale.
Co-Create the ASEAN Innovation Ecosystem
ITEC SEA 2026 is more than a competition — it is the bridge between Southeast Asia's most ambitious founders and the world's most connected innovation district.
Join us as a sponsor, partner, or founder. Together, we build the platform that launches the next generation of global innovators from Southeast Asia.
🌐 itecsea.com
📧 event@itecsea.com
💬 +60 12-476 8766
ITEC SEA 2026 — Southeast Asia Edition