China–U.S. Young Maker Online Showcase
About Event
Join us for an online evening of startup demos, founder stories, and emerging ideas shaping the future.
We’re bringing together founders, builders, researchers, students, startup operators, mentors, and ecosystem partners from across the U.S. and beyond to showcase early-stage projects tackling meaningful problems in AI, health, sustainability, education, robotics, climate, consumer technology, and more.
Selected teams from this online showcase may be invited to advance to the U.S. Regional Finals of the 2026 China–U.S. Young Maker Competition. Outstanding teams may receive fully sponsored opportunities to attend the international finals in Shanghai this July, including flights, accommodation, and official innovation visits.
Come for the demos. Stay for the people.
What Makes This Different?
🚀 Founder-first, not conference-style
Real builders sharing what they are actively working on — including lessons, pivots, challenges, and honest insights.
🌎 Cross-border innovation opportunity
Selected teams may gain access to international exposure, startup ecosystem connections, and collaboration opportunities across the U.S. and China.
🧠 High-signal online community
Meet founders, researchers, students, operators, mentors, and ecosystem builders from different universities, industries, and regions.
🏆 Competition + community
More than a competition — this is a platform for showcasing ideas, receiving feedback, and connecting with mentors, judges, and peers.
💻 Accessible from anywhere
Join online, pitch online, meet other builders online — no travel required for the showcase stage.
About the Competition
The China–U.S. Young Maker Competition is a long-running innovation competition launched in 2014 and officially supported by China’s Ministry of Education.
The competition empowers young builders to create impactful solutions for the future of society and technology. Key themes include:
AI
Public health
Climate and clean energy
Sustainability
Education
Robotics
Smart cities
Social impact
Consumer and enterprise technology
Through regional showcases, mentorship, judging, and international finals, the competition connects young innovators with founders, innovation hubs, investors, universities, and industry partners.
Pitch Application
Interested founders and teams can apply to pitch here:
Applications are open to early-stage startups, student teams, research commercialization projects, and side projects with strong innovation potential.
Selected teams will be invited to present during the online showcase and may be considered for advancement to the U.S. Regional Finals.
Who Should Join?
Founders & Builders
For anyone working on a startup, side project, research commercialization effort, product prototype, or early-stage venture.
Students & Researchers
For those curious about entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, innovation competitions, and startup ecosystems.
Investors, Mentors & Ecosystem Builders
For people interested in meeting high-potential early-stage talent, new ideas, and ambitious builders.
Anyone Startup-Curious
For anyone who wants to meet interesting people, see what others are building, and become part of a thoughtful founder community.
Event Format
The online showcase will include:
Founder and team introductions
Startup and project demos
Short pitch presentations
Feedback from mentors and judges
Community networking
Information session for the China–U.S. Young Maker Competition
This is designed to be lightweight, high-signal, and founder-friendly — focused on real projects, real feedback, and real connections.