About InnoSTARS
There is a strong interest between companies and investors on either side of the Pacific to engage in business with each other and in turn bring innovative products and services to the market. However, limited information on consumer demand and market opportunities, fragmented investment resources, and challenging language and cultural barriers can make the cross-border process complex and difficult. InnoSTARS is here to help overcome these obstacles. The InnoSTARS Competition was launched in 2017 to help innovative US technology companies link up with Chinese resources, enter the Chinese market and connect U.S. innovative technologies and products to Chinese enterprises and institutions. InnoSTARS is not just another pitch competition, it is a China-readiness competition + coaching + community. By participating in InnoSTARS, U.S. entrepreneurs can gain valuable China-ready coaching from mentors, advisors and connections with other kindred spirits in the InnoSTARS community, as well as access to high-caliber Chinese talent, partners and investors. It is an excellent platform for technology companies to leverage significant resources from China to accelerate their growth and to expand their market potential.
Program Modules
PITCH
Showcase your business to high-caliber strategic partners, investors and industry executives
MATCH
Get matched with the right partners and investors; enjoy online/onsite matchmaking meetings that lead to deeper collaboration
COACH
Gain valuable coaching from experienced mentors and advisors to expand your business
COMMUNITY
Join the InnoSTARS community to make connections with other kindred spirits and share experiences
Industries of Focus
Biopharma, Medical Device, Digital Health and diagnosis
Information and Communication Technology
Advanced Manufacturing
Green Innovation (Energy, Materials, Environmental Technology )
Application Criteria
- The Applicant must be a representative of a registered U.S. company with innovative technologies or products that have been or can be commercialized.
- Products, technologies, patents, and control of IP or exclusive licensing rights must be owned by the Applicant, or his/her company, and must not have any potential or outstanding IP ownership disputes.
- Revenue generation and profitability are preferred but not required.
- Application must feature a technology that falls under one or more of the focus industries and is not controlled under U.S. Export Control laws.
- The Applicant must have an interest to seek Chinese investment and/or explore the Chinese market.
- The Applicant is committed to continuing the development of products and technologies with the intent to further commercialize these assets in the foreseeable future.
How to Apply
- Register online with required information and document at this link: https://2020.innostars.org/register
- Selected applicants will be invited to present at InnoSTARS Preliminaries in different U.S. cities.
- Winners from Preliminaries will be invited to compete in industry finals in China on a sponsored trip in the fall of 2020.
- The top 3 contestants from each industry final will compete in grand final in China.
Testimonials
I have pitched at dozens and dozens of competitions throughout the United States and have found the InnoStars Organization to be the most professional, highest level , best run event of them all. I highly recommend that all startups become involved and participate.
InnoSTARS provided key outreach for Emerging Technology Ventures in understanding the China market that we would not have achieved alone. We have continuing discussions with companies and economic development entities as we plan our China expansion.
The InnoSTARS Roadshow was a great introduction to the Chinese Life Science industry and the landscape of potential investors in China. I learned a lot about what Chinese investors want and how my product might best enter the Chinese market.
The InnoSTARS experience in China was unique and transformative for Guppy because it enabled us to have conversations and learn about both the realities and opportunities of the massive Chinese market. The access to people and resources helped us accelerate our thinking and make a quantum leap in terms of exposure.
We know the China market is essential to our company and that the timing to enter this market is just perfect. Nevertheless, we have no prior experience doing business in China so the InnoSTARS program was most helpful understanding the ‘big picture’ and the ‘rules of the game’.
An epic journey into the heart of the largest market in the world, InnoSTARS is harnessing the human spirit of entrepreneurship to bridge innovation between the U.S and China. A must for any aspiring founder looking to go global.
It was a tremendous experience to learn and network with various components in the Chinese business ecosystem as well as other start-ups looking to enter the Chinese market.
The InnoSTARS judges were very engaged and knowledgeable, and gave valuable feedback for any company considering the Chinese market.
There is much to be gained for any US innovative startup by participating in an InnoSTARS pitch competition.
Do yourself the biggest favor and prepare well then go pitch!
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