WeStart 2026 · Munich Qualification Round
Pitch Your Way to Shanghai — 10 Startups, 1 Stage, Global Opportunity
Your Shortcut to China's #1 Innovation Stage
10 Startups. 1 Stage in Munich. The best fly to Shanghai.
🏆 What is WeStart TOP100?
Shanghai doesn't wait for the world to catch up. WeStart TOP100 is where the world comes to Shanghai.
The international track of Shanghai's flagship "Startup in Shanghai" competition, WeStart TOP100 brings together the world's most ambitious deep tech founders to compete across four frontier sectors. Those who make it receive more than recognition: soft-landing support, investor matchmaking, incubation services, and fast-track access to China's innovation ecosystem, flights and hotel included.
In 2025, 1,487 teams applied from around the world. 71 international projects made the cut and took the stage in Shanghai
🎯 Who Should Apply?
This qualification round targets startups at the intersection of deep tech and global ambition, across four frontier sectors:
🔲 Integrated Circuits Covering all segments of the integrated circuit industry, from design and fabrication to testing, assembly, materials, equipment, and end-use applications.
🧬 Biotechnology Covering gene and cell therapy, synthetic biology, and advanced medical devices, with equal emphasis on new drug R&D and precision medicine.
🧠 Artificial Intelligence Covering multimodal large models, edge computing, and AI chips, deployed across smart manufacturing, fintech, and intelligent healthcare.
🚀 Future Industries Covering quantum technology, biomanufacturing, hydrogen and fusion energy, brain–computer interfaces, embodied AI, and 6G.
Early-stage to growth-stage startups welcome. Your team should have at least 3 core members.
📋 How It Works
Apply — Submit your application + pitch deck via the application form
Selection — Our jury reviews all applications and selects 10 finalists
Pitch Day (June 15) — Selected startups pitch live in Munich (5 min pitch + Q&A)
Qualification — Top performers are nominated for the WeStart TOP100 finals in Shanghai (September 2026)
🌏 What Qualifiers Get
→ Fully hosted participation in the WeStart TOP100 Semi-Finals in Shanghai, travel and accommodation covered
→ Direct access to Chinese and international investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem decision-makers
→ Connections to manufacturing infrastructure and strategic business networks in China
→ Access to XNode's cross-border network bridging Europe and China's innovation ecosystem
📎 Application Requirements
To be considered, please submit:
✅ Pitch Deck (PDF)
✅ Brief company description
✅ Team overview (founders + key roles)
✅ What you're looking for in China (market entry, investment, partnerships)
-> in the registration form at checkout
🏢 About the host
XNode is the leading open innovation platform in the Asia-Pacific region, headquartered in Shanghai with presence in Shenzhen, Singapore, Eindhoven, Tokyo and Munich. Founded in 2015, XNode has empowered over 500 technology companies to achieve international market entry, supporting nearly 300 entrepreneurs from 28+ countries and regions. As Shanghai's most international incubator and a featured platform at the World Top-Performing Incubator Forum, XNode operates at the intersection of global startups, Fortune 500 corporates, government institutions, and venture capital.
🔗 WeStart Global: westartglobal.com
🔗 XNode: thexnode.com