2026 Startup World Cup Shenzhen Regional Competition
The Startup World Cup (SWC) is a global entrepreneurship competition launched by Silicon Valley venture capital firm Pegasus Tech Ventures, held annually in over 100 countries and regions, making it one of the largest startup competitions in the world.
In 2026, SWC returns to the innovation hub of Shenzhen for another regional leg. This year's Shenzhen competition is co-organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, together with the Blue Bay Incubator at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and China Prosperity Capital, leveraging the unique cross-border innovation corridor between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The competition aims to build a bridge connecting GBA startups with global capital.
The champion will earn a direct spot at the SWC Grand Finale in Silicon Valley in November 2026, competing against winners from around the world for a US$1 million investment prize.
Registration is now open. We warmly invite outstanding startups, investors, industry partners, and audience members to join us in connecting the Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Silicon Valley innovation network.
Key Information
Event Name: 2026 Startup World Cup Shenzhen Regional Competition
Date: August 14, 2026 (Friday), 9:30 – 12:00
Venue: Shenzhen, China (exact location to be confirmed upon registration)
Language: Pitching and main sessions in English
Format: Offline
Shenzhen Regional Awards
Gold Award: Direct entry to the SWC Grand Finale
Silver Award: Entry to the SWC Asia Regional Finals
Bronze Award: Alternate spot for the Asia Regional Finals
eligible for substitution if the Silver Award winner withdraws.
Key Value Propositions
1. For Startups (pitching)
Global Gateway: Compete for a spot at the Grand Finale and a chance at the US$1M investment prize.
Targeted Capital: Pitch directly to Pegasus Tech Ventures, China Prosperity Capital, and other top-tier VCs specializing in startup investment.
Cross-Border Ecosystem: Gain deep access to HKUST Blue Bay Incubator's research commercialization capabilities and the broader GBA industry network.
2. For Investors & Partners
Vertical Focus: Source curated early and growth-stage startups from Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area.
Research-to-Market: Engage in-depth with the Pegasus and China Prosperity Capital teams, HKUST faculty, and industry experts on frontier technology trends.
Cross-Border Presence: Strengthen your organization's footprint in the Shenzhen–Hong Kong cross-border innovation ecosystem as a judge, partner, or guest.
3. For Audience Members
Cutting-edge Insights: Observe high-caliber pitches and judging firsthand, gaining deep insights into the latest trends in emerging technologies.
Practical Learning: Understand how top startups structure their narratives, build business models, and handle tough investor questions.
High-Value Networking: Connect with founders, VCs, researchers, and industry professionals across the GBA innovation community.
4. For Media & Ecosystem Partners
Exclusive Content: Access high-quality editorial content and interview opportunities focused on cross-border tech innovation.
Platform Bridge: Connect with a Silicon Valley-backed international platform to expand cross-regional partnerships.
Agenda
9:00 - 9:30 Registration
9:30 - 9:50 Opening Remarks
9:50 -11:00 Startup Pitches & Judge Q&A(Per project: 4 mins Pitch + 2 mins Q&A)
11:00-11:30 Judges' Deliberation
11:30-12:00 Awards Ceremony & Networking
About Us: SWC & Pegasus Tech Ventures
The Startup World Cup is a flagship global entrepreneurship platform under Pegasus Tech Ventures, a renowned Silicon Valley venture capital firm dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry resources worldwide.
Pegasus Tech Ventures is a global venture capital firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, managing over 40 funds with assets under management exceeding US$2 billion. Its investment portfolio spans AI, FinTech, BioMed, advanced manufacturing, and more, including iconic companies such as SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, Airbnb, Coinbase, and DoorDash.
What makes this Shenzhen edition special: It features the Blue Bay Incubator at HKUST as a co-organizer, alongside China Prosperity Capital and other leading GBA investment institutions. The competition aims to position Shenzhen as the core gateway connecting global capital with the Shenzhen–Hong Kong innovation ecosystem.
Registration Information
Deadlines
Startups (pitching): August 7, 2026, 12:00 (noon)
Audience: August 13, 2026, 12:00 (noon)
Investors Partners Media: August 7, 2026, 12:00 (noon)
Application Channels
Startups: Submit your application via the official channel (business plan required). Link: [https://tally.so/r/Pdv5LV]. Deadline: August 7, 2026, 12:00 (noon)
Audience: Register directly through this page. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Investors Partners Media: Select the corresponding ticket type on this page or contact the organizer.
Fee: This event is free for all approved startups/ audience members.
Confirmation: After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email with venue details before the event.
Q & A
Q1: What are the requirements?
Startups: Must have an established company. Submit detailed materials via the link above：https://tally.so/r/Pdv5LV
Audience: Open to all industries and backgrounds; interest in entrepreneurship or investing is welcome.
Investors & Partners: Those who wish to discover and connect with outstanding GBA-based projects.
Q2: How many slots are available?
Startups: 10 projects
Audience: Up to 300 people (selection based on registration order and criteria)
Investors & Partners: Up to 10 people
Q3: Is there a fee?
No, the event is completely free. (Out-of-town attendees are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.)
Q4: Will I receive a notification after registering?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation email with venue details before the event.
Q5: Event consultation and cooperation
For business, booth, or media cooperation, please contact us:pegasuschina@pegasusventures.com.cn
Shenzhen, a vibrant global hub for technology and innovation, is ready for the next world-changing startup story.We look forward to meeting you in Shenzhen this August!
Venue Address：41/F, Building 1, Changfu Jinmao Tower, Shihua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, China