Wang Jingli

wangjingli0715@163.com

PONTOSENSE, a winning project from Canada’s Toronto regional contest, secured the top prize after outperforming 20 other rivals in the finals of the 8th China (Shenzhen) Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition.

The finals concluded Friday at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen in Longgang District.

Pontosense provides a revolutionary solution that harnesses the power of AI and cutting-edge sensors to monitor and wirelessly measure patients’ vital signs.

The 21 teams’ projects spanned seven industries, including next-generation electronic information, high-end equipment manufacturing, green and low carbon, new materials, biopharmaceuticals and health, digital and fashion, and the marine economy. These projects were selected from 172 finalists across the seven industries.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity. Our project combines wind, wave, and solar to provide a stable energy source,” said Swedish participant Jan G. Skjoldhammer, who is responsible for the NoviOcean project.

Skjoldhammer noted that Guangdong’s coastal areas have established large-scale offshore wind power, offering significant potential for their project. They are keen to explore clean energy opportunities in Shenzhen.

“I think Shenzhen has everything, from financing and industries to innovative people. We want to grow fast and be launched here,” Skjoldhammer added.

Lola Woetzel, one of the finals judges and former director of the McKinsey Global Institute, emphasized the competition’s importance for innovation and international exchange. Woetzel hopes it will help gather resources for the implementation of innovative projects.

At the same time, the Shenzhen Federation of Overseas Chinese High-Tech Park — New Quality Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurship Circle was officially opened Friday before the finals.

This alliance, which consists of 48 overseas Chinese entrepreneurship parks within the city, aims to foster cooperation, facilitate exchanges, and encourage resource sharing among its members. It is also dedicated to empowering overseas talent to innovate and embark on entrepreneurial ventures in Shenzhen.

The competition, launched in July, has attracted a record 3,518 innovative projects and 4,261 participants, according to organizers.

Since its inception in 2017, the competition has attracted over 15,000 international teams consisting of more than 21,000 individuals. Over 100 overseas high-end participants have realized their entrepreneurial dreams in Shenzhen. Out of the 551 projects presented in Shenzhen at the competition, 78 have led to the establishment of registered companies in Shenzhen and eight have become national high-tech firms.