2026 WeStart TOP100 Competition (London)
2026 WeStart Top100 Competition (London)
The 2026 WeStart Top100 Competition (London) is officially open!
Are you a Founder interested in expanding to the China Market?
Kick-start your market entry by:
· Expanding your network and unlocking new opportunities
· Attracting new customers and investors
· Exploring leading technology hubs
· Forging connections with manufacturers and suppliers
· Winning funding and more
Join the WeStart Top100 Competition (London) to start your expansion journey!
As the host of the UK qualifying round, Sinnobator extends a warm invitation to founders in Europe and the UK to join us and step onto Shanghai's global innovation stage, explore the Chinese market, and unlock top-tier venture capital resources, industry networks, and policy support.
🏆 What is WeStart TOP100?
WeStart Top100 Global Startup Competition is the flagship international track of the "Startup in Shanghai" International Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition. Designed to discover high-potential deep-tech ventures worldwide, WeStart serves as a bridge connecting international startups with Shanghai's capital ecosystem, fostering cross-border innovation and entrepreneurship. It is the gateway for global innovators to enter the Chinese market and plug into Shanghai's dynamic innovation landscape.
At the London Competition:
10 shortlisted startups will pitch live
Each pitch will be followed by expert Q&A and feedback
Judges from both the UK and China will evaluate ventures on:
Market potential
Business model viability
Technological innovation
Team strength and global scalability
· Top 2 companies will be selected for:
1. Travel sponsorship for 2–3 team members to attend the semi-finals roadshow in Shanghai in September. If successful, the final will take place in Shanghai in October.
2. Funding support – Winning projects at the international final are eligible for approximately £110,000, £88,000, or £66,000 (based on RMB 1 million, 800,000, and 600,000); and outstanding projects may receive Shanghai SME Technology Innovation Fund grants.
3. Exclusive tech ecosystem tours – Visits to leading tech parks in China.
4. VIP networking events – Connect with key industry stakeholders.
5. Full-chain startup support – Rent-free workspaces, mentorship, policy guidance, business registration, talent and IP one-stop services – accelerating incubation and brand growth.
6. Publicity & social media exposure – Broad media promotion.
Competition Eligibility
· The competition is open to UK and European innovation teams with high-growth potential and cutting-edge technological achievements. The contestant must be a core leader of the team and familiar with industry practices.
· The participating project must possess independent intellectual property rights or core technologies and be free from any intellectual property disputes.
· Patents acquired through purchase, merger, acquisition, or similar means will not be counted toward the competition results.
· To enter, you must submit a complete pitch deck, and specify your China Market entry needs and expansion plan.
Apply
Apply to the competition here: https://forms.gle/kKUn1E2X5rRd8xgz7
Deadline: 6pm, May 27th 2026. Decisions by 6pm, May 28th 2026.
Event Details
Date: 8 June 2026
Location:
x+why Fivefields, 8-10 Grosvenor Gardens, London
Time: 17:30 – 20:30
17:30 – Arrivals & Sign In
17:50 – Welcome Speeches
18:15 – Pitching Begins
20:00 – Judges Deliberation & Networking
20:20 – Winners Announced
Don’t want to pitch? No problem. Come join us just for the event!