On October 22, 2025, NetEase Media officially launched the "2025 Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneurship Competition," opening registration for innovators around the world. This competition aims to focus on new technologies and applications in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), explore the potential of global AI innovation, build a core platform for technology transformation and resource connection, and promote the in-depth application of AI in various scenarios.
The competition is divided into three tracks: AI infrastructure, AI applications and intelligent agents, and AI hardware. It mainly targets startups before the A-round funding stage. The projects must be original and legal, and plagiarism or infringement is strictly prohibited. The registration period runs from October 22 to November 23. The preliminary review will take place at the end of November, and the semi-finals and final will be held in mid-December and late December respectively. The top three prizes will be awarded, with the first prize offering total benefits worth up to 1 million yuan, including cash, traffic support, and financing services.
The jury panel for this competition is composed of investors from over 30 leading investment institutions, professors of artificial intelligence from universities, and senior executives from internet companies. The judges will provide multi-dimensional guidance to help participants refine their projects and expand resources, accelerating their growth.
One of the highlights of the competition is the comprehensive upgrade of the three cutting-edge tracks, focusing on computing power and algorithm development in AI infrastructure, innovative applications across industries in AI applications and intelligent agents, and fields such as embodied intelligence and brain-computer interfaces in AI hardware. In addition, the competition has specially launched a youth entrepreneur special program, cooperating with several well-known universities to encourage young teams to participate.
The organizer stated that the competition will invite top investment institutions and industry experts to serve as judges and mentors, providing multidimensional resource support such as capital connection, technical consultation, media promotion, and product display, creating a "full life cycle" growth path for startup teams.
Since its establishment in 2023, the event has successfully held two editions, attracting more than 300 high-quality projects nationwide. These projects cover cutting-edge fields such as large models, computing power, and embodied intelligence. Many teams that reached the final have successfully secured subsequent financing and significant customer growth, making the event an important platform for AI entrepreneurs to demonstrate their strength and connect with capital.
