On October 16th, the specialists in green, low-carbon, and high-quality development gathered in Weihai for the launch of the “China·Shandong PhD (Postdoctoral) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition” for the Weihai region. Nearly a hundred domestic and international PhDs and postdocs are vying for top honors in this competition.
The competition features six key tracks: next-generation information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy and materials, biomedicine and health, modern agriculture and food, and marine development and applications. Each track will award two gold, four silver, and eight bronze medals. Specifically, the Weihai region focuses on next-generation information technology and biomedicine and health.
This year, Weihai initiated participation from 84 leading enterprises and institutions that posted 362 project technology needs, drawing in submissions from PhDs and postdocs both domestically and internationally. A total of 200 projects were proposed, with 99 advancing to the finals, fostering opportunities for high-level experts and talented PhDs to innovate and start businesses in Weihai.
At the event, a unique format of “8-minute presentation + 7-minute Q&A” was adopted for the competition. Participants presented on various aspects including project technical collaboration, implementation plans, and business models. Unlike previous competitions, teams were required to demonstrate their innovations in environmental protection and resource utilization.
Additionally, several experts in green technologies were present to evaluate and guide the participating projects. Their insights aimed to help companies create more competitive products and solutions in the marketplace.
Over the two-day event, there will also be a PhD technology service team activity, enabling participants to engage in close discussions with local enterprises regarding talent needs and technology collaborations.
Notably, the competition features significant policy incentives from both Shandong Province and Weihai City. Gold, silver, and bronze medal winners will receive cash prizes of 50,000, 20,000, and 10,000 yuan respectively. Furthermore, gold medal winners will be awarded the “Shandong Talent Card,” while silver and bronze winners will receive the “Weihai Talent Card.” Projects recognized in the entrepreneurial competition that are established within the province will be incorporated into the “Provincial Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial Startup Support Program,” and talent recognition awards will be part of Weihai’s key support initiatives for postdoctoral projects.
Weihai, located at the easternmost tip of the Shandong Peninsula, is one of China’s first coastal open cities. In recent years, the city has nurtured industry clusters in next-generation information technology, new pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and marine biological and health foods, with high-tech industries accounting for 72.7% of the total industrial output value, attracting many high-level experts and talented teams to start their ventures here.
