BEIJING, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- An innovation and entrepreneurship competition will be held in Hefei, the capital city of east China's Anhui Province, from May to September 2026, aiming to accelerate the introduction of global sci-tech talents and high-quality innovation and entrepreneurship projects to the Grand Union of Innovation (GUi), the province's innovation hub.
Themed "Go with Dream", the 2026 Global Tech Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is soliciting sci-tech innovation projects mainly from overseas and out-of-province sci-tech talents and research teams from now till July 31. The preliminary round of competition will begin in August, and the finals in September.
Designed in line with the industrial development plan of Hefei, the competition features three tracks: leading industries, emerging industries and future industries. Projects to be submitted should represent original innovation achievements of participating teams with big market potential, while aligning with the city's industrial development priorities.
The three tracks cover a wide range of cutting-edge sectors, including intelligent connected new energy vehicles, new-generation information technology, new energy, high-end equipment manufacturing, artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, commercial aerospace, quantum technology, deep space exploration, nuclear fusion energy and hydrogen energy, and 6G technology.
Jointly organized by GUiTEK Service Platform (Anhui Province) Co., Ltd. and the Global Alumni Affairs of USTC Innovation Valley, the competition will award first, second, and third prizes and honorable mentions for each track, with a total prize pool of 4.2 million yuan. Winning teams that register their projects and carry out substantial operation in the GUi within nine months after receiving the award will be eligible to claim the prize money.
In addition, the organizers will offer a "Dream Fund" incentive system worth 100 million yuan to provide all-round support for the outstanding projects. Eligible award-winning projects will enjoy preferred access to dedicated support from the GUi, free short-term accommodation and up to six months of rent reduction or exemption for workspace, roadshow matchmaking services with venture capital and private equity funds, start-up loan support, and scenario-based matchmaking with local leading enterprises.
Through the competition, the organizers aim to explore a new talent introduction model featuring "competition experience -- short-term transition -- long-term settlement", attracting more sci-tech talents to settle in Hefei while accelerating the concentration of more high-quality sci-tech innovation resources in the GUi.
Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/350666.html
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Xinhua Silk Road: Anhui launches innovation and entrepreneurship contest to attract global sci-tech talents
HONG KONG, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The America Hotel Owners Charitable Association (AHOCA), a US-based association representing wide range of hospitality related industry leaders across the United States, will host its Asia Chapter launch event, powered by CSTS Enterprises and Connexus Travel (a CSTS company), in Hong Kong on May 26th, marking its first major step toward building structured collaborations with industry leaders including hotel owners and hospitality investors in Asia.
The invitation-only event, to be held at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui, will bring together senior hotel owners, principals of family-backed hospitality groups, and industry leaders from United States, Hong Kong, Macau and the wider region for a closed-door dialogue on cross‑border collaboration, long‑term hotel ownership, and capital partnership opportunities.
Founded in the United States, AHOCA represents a network of top-tier industry players including hotel owners, hospitality investment and financiers, construction, real estate and other related verticals, with deep operational experience and long-term ownership perspectives. Its Asia expansion reflects growing interest among US-based industry players in establishing closer ties with the Hong Kong and regional hospitality ecosystem.
"Hong Kong remains one of the most important bridges between global capital and operating expertise," said Abel Zhao, AHOCA Asia President and Executive Director. "This launch is not about transactions, but about building trusted relationships between owners and professionals who share a long-term view of hospitality."
Discussion topics at the event will include:
- Hong Kong's Success Story and Expansion into the U.S. Market, Tale of CSTS Enterprises
- Preparing Tourism and Hospitality Talents for the Experience Economy
- Evolving Brand Value in a Changing Hospitality Industry
- Hong Kong - your springboard to success in Asia & beyond
- Chinese Brands Going Global
- Real Estate Development in US
The event is expected to be attended by leaders from across Hong Kong's hotel, property, and investment communities, with participation by invitation only to facilitate open and candid discussion.
AHOCA plans to use the Hong Kong launch as a foundation for ongoing Asia-based initiatives, including knowledge exchange, working groups, and future closed-door forums.
The event was blessed and supported by a number of industry leaders including Hon. Stephen T. Chan, New York State Senator; Hon Ron Kim, New York State Assembly Member; Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, Member of Legislative Council (Hong Kong); and Hon Vivian Kong Man-Wai, SBS, MH, Legislative Council Member (Hong Kong), among many others.
About AHOCA USA
The America Hotel Owners Charitable Association (AHOCA) is a US-based organisation representing top-tier hotel owners and hospitality professionals across the United States. It promotes collaboration, education, charitable initiatives, and long-term stewardship within the hospitality industry.
For more information, visit us at https://www.ahocaasia.org/ or follow us on LinkedIn.
About AHOCA Asia
AHOCA Asia is a dynamic platform that unites visionary leaders in hospitality, business, and social impact across the Asia region. As the first regional branch of the America Hotel Owners Charitable Association (AHOCA), we serve as a catalyst for collaboration, cultural exchange, and industry advancement. With strong support from our U.S. headquarters, we foster knowledge sharing between East and West, promote sustainable business growth, and champion initiatives that benefit communities. Our network also emphasizes corporate governance as a cornerstone for long-term success and responsible leadership.
About CSTS Enterprises
CSTS Enterprises is a content and IP-driven integrated media, entertainment, sports, and travel technology group. At its core, the company creates unique, high-impact content and leverages world-class intellectual properties to connect global opportunities with local and regional audiences. CSTS partners with leading international IPs and premier sporting and entertainment events, including FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 to deliver authentic, compelling experiences.
CSTS brings together experiential tourism, integrated marketing, data and technology to create connected, end-to-end experiences. By combining industry expertise with smart digital capabilities, the company helps simplify travel, improve efficiency and deliver brand impact. With a collaborative and forward-looking approach, CSTS supports clients in navigating an increasingly dynamic global business landscape, turning complex challenges into seamless, scalable solutions.
For more information, visit us at csts-enterprises.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
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The American Hotel Owners Charitable Association (AHOCA) Officially Launches Its Asia Chapter in Hong Kong, Creating a Unified Platform to Connect Industry Leaders in the US and Asia
