Kashgar Innovation Competition 2026: 48 Startups Advance to Semifinals

On July 8, 2026, the 13th Xinjiang Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (Kashgar Division) officially launched. Co-hosted by the Kashgar SEZ Management Committee, Shenzhen Xinjiang Aid Front Command, Kashgar Science & Technology Bureau, and Kashgar Science Association, the competition carries the theme "Innovation Connects, New Journey Together" and aims to build Kashgar into a regional innovation hub facing Central Asia.

Competition Scale

• Registered: 150+ enterprises
• Semifinalists: 48 high-quality startups
• Categories: Startup Track + Growth Track
• Industries: 7 strategic emerging sectors — next-gen IT, biomedicine, high-end equipment, new materials, new energy, NEV, energy conservation & environmental protection
• Format: "8+7" live pitch (8-min presentation + 7-min Q&A), 3-day competition

Prizes & Policy Support

Total prize pool: ¥500,000. Growth Track first prize: ¥80,000; Startup Track first prize: ¥50,000. Winners receive:

• Priority access to multi-level innovation support policies (autonomous region, prefecture, SEZ)
• Priority participation in national and regional exhibitions
• Direct matchmaking with leading enterprises and VC institutions

Comprehensive Upgrades

• "Innovation Ecosystem Plan" — Links domestic industry leaders and associations for full-chain support: tech optimization, commercialization, and investment matching
• "Silk Road Maker Camp" — New cross-border track leveraging Kashgar's geography; port experts share Central Asian market intelligence; free cross-border startup consulting
• Post-competition mentorship — "Tech Vice-Presidents" dispatched to enterprises for 1-year on-site service, solving R&D and talent gaps
• Green & low-carbon bonus — Special scoring for energy conservation and environmental protection projects aligned with China's "dual carbon" goals

SME Export Service Alliance

The SME Export Service Alliance Xinjiang Station — Kashgar Workstation was officially inaugurated, alongside a mentor appointment ceremony. This marks Kashgar's progress in building a complete enterprise service ecosystem from innovation incubation to cross-border expansion.