Students in Central Asia have gained access to the global HICOOL 2026 startup competition.

In 2026, HICOOL Global Entrepreneurship Competition launches the Youth Entrepreneurship Dream Plan — a separate track for students at all levels (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, college) and graduates who completed their studies no earlier than August 2024.

The key feature of the Youth Entrepreneurship Dream Plan is that it is not merely student participation in the general competition, but a separate submission and evaluation format. The program includes a special selection track and distinct evaluation criteria tailored specifically for student and early-stage entrepreneurial initiatives.

Which projects are eligible

Youth Entrepreneurship Dream Plan focuses on technological areas that are currently at the forefront of development:

1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Biomedicine
3. Information Technology
4. New Energy and Materials
5. High-Tech Equipment
6. Consumer-Tech

What winners receive

Financial Support:

— Dream Supernovae: 10 projects. Selected startups demonstrate high innovation levels and development potential. 50,000 RMB per project.

— Dream Stars: 40 projects. Selected startups demonstrate high innovation levels and development potential. 10,000 RMB per project.

Infrastructure and Resources:

— Free registered legal address
— Assistance with company registration
— Four workspaces for one year.

Market Access and Visibility:

— Free booth and pitch opportunity at the HICOOL Summit in September
— Promotion through HICOOL’s media channels
— Direct access to next year’s regional stages.

Participation in the Dream Acceleration Camp includes training on fundraising, meetings with investors, lectures on operational management, visits to technology parks and leading companies, and networking with ecosystem participants. The format emphasizes practical engagement rather than just theoretical learning.

Additionally, internships at companies and research centers in Beijing are provided, along with the opportunity to directly advance to next year’s regional stages without re-selection.

Key HICOOL 2026 Deadlines:

1. Registration for the Youth Entrepreneurship Dream Plan is open until April 15, 2026, which is the main application deadline.
2. Pitch sessions in April.
3. Award ceremony in September 2026 in Beijing at the HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit.

Role of Khan Tengri Innovation Hub

Khan Tengri Innovation Hub acts as a partner for working with startups from Central Eurasia within the HICOOL ecosystem, ensuring their preparation and compliance with competition requirements and the Chinese market.

Khan Tengri Innovation Hub in Shanghai is an international platform based in Shanghai that connects startups, investors, and institutions from Central Eurasia with China’s technological ecosystem. The hub focuses on building sustainable partnerships, technology transfer, and creating practical channels for market entry into China through collaboration with technology parks, corporations, and investment structures.