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China-ASEAN Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The 4th China-ASEAN Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC) 2026 invites AI innovators from China and ASEAN Member States to pitch projects, connect across borders, and compete for recognition and support. Open to both startups and emerging teams, the competition focuses on AI applications across industry, agriculture, transportation, culture, medicine, finance, and education, with separate tracks for registered enterprises and unregistered entrepreneurial teams.

Overview of CAIEC 2026

The China-ASEAN Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC) 2026 is a regional platform designed to support AI-powered innovation and cross-border entrepreneurship. The competition encourages participants to:

  • Showcase technological solutions in artificial intelligence

  • Connect with regional innovators and investors

  • Compete for recognition, mentorship, and potential commercialization opportunities

This is the 4th edition of CAIEC, emphasizing collaboration between China and ASEAN Member States, and fostering AI-driven technological and entrepreneurial growth across multiple sectors.

Focus Areas of Innovation

CAIEC 2026 highlights the innovative application of AI in the following sectors:

  • Industry – Smart manufacturing, automation, and predictive analytics

  • Agriculture – Precision farming, climate-smart solutions, and supply chain optimization

  • Transportation & Logistics – AI-based route optimization, autonomous systems, and efficiency improvements

  • Culture – Digital media, creative technologies, and cultural heritage preservation

  • Medicine & Healthcare – AI diagnostics, personalized medicine, and telehealth solutions

  • Finance – Fintech innovations, AI-driven risk management, and automated services

  • Education – Intelligent learning platforms, personalized learning, and AI tutors

Solutions addressing real-world challenges with scalable AI technologies are particularly encouraged.

Who Can Participate?

The competition is open to universities, research institutes, enterprises, and other social organizations from China and ASEAN Member States. Participation is divided into two groups:

1. Enterprise Group

  • Eligibility: Legally registered enterprises in China or an ASEAN Member State

  • Requirements:

    • Innovative capabilities with high growth potential

    • Clear, dispute-free intellectual property rights

    • Registered on or after January 1, 2021

    • Registered capital ≤ USD 4.5 million

    • Non-listed enterprises with excellent reputation are eligible; certain listed enterprises are allowed

  • Focus: Established startups with market-ready AI solutions

2. Team Group

  • Eligibility: Entrepreneurial teams with technological innovation achievements not yet registered as enterprises

  • Requirements:

    • At least three core members (up to six)

    • Core members must be the actual project developers or executors

    • Intellectual property must belong to core members and be free of disputes

    • Joint teams with members from China, ASEAN Member States, or other countries are encouraged

    • Minimum 50% of core members must be Chinese or ASEAN nationals

  • Focus: Emerging teams, university startups, and pre-registered AI projects

General Participation Requirements

  • Comply with laws and regulations of China and ASEAN Member States

  • Follow public order and good customs

  • Projects previously awarded in CAIEC are not eligible

Why CAIEC 2026 Matters

Participating in CAIEC 2026 provides:

  • Regional exposure to AI innovation across China and ASEAN

  • Networking opportunities with investors, mentors, and policymakers

  • Validation of technological and entrepreneurial potential

  • Support for commercialization and cross-border collaboration

  • Recognition on a regional stage to enhance credibility and growth prospects

How to Apply / Competition Process

  1. Determine Eligibility – Decide whether to apply under the Enterprise Group or Team Group based on registration status and IP ownership.

  2. Assemble Your Core Team – Ensure team size (3–6 members) and nationality requirements are met.

  3. Prepare Application Materials – Include project description, AI innovation details, IP documentation, and team information.

  4. Submit Application – Follow official CAIEC 2026 guidelines for submission.

  5. Evaluation & Selection – Applications are reviewed for innovation, AI application, feasibility, and alignment with sector focus areas.

  6. Competition Stages – Shortlisted teams may pitch, present, or demo projects in regional or virtual events.

  7. Final Awards – Winning teams are recognized for excellence and may receive mentorship, funding support, or business development opportunities.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly highlight AI technology and its practical application in the chosen sector

  • Demonstrate scalability and cross-border relevance

  • Provide evidence of intellectual property ownership

  • Ensure team composition meets nationality and core-member requirements

  • Avoid submitting projects previously awarded in CAIEC

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to meet core member nationality requirements

  • Including team members not directly involved in project execution

  • Submitting projects with disputed intellectual property

  • Applying as a project already awarded in previous CAIEC editions

  • Overlooking sector relevance or practical applicability of AI

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can participate in CAIEC 2026?

Universities, research institutes, enterprises, and social organizations from China and ASEAN Member States with AI-focused projects.

2. What are the competition groups?

  • Enterprise Group: Registered enterprises with market-ready AI solutions

  • Team Group: Emerging teams, university startups, or unregistered projects

3. Are there restrictions on team composition?

Yes, at least three core members (up to six), with a minimum of 50% from China or ASEAN Member States.

4. Can a project that has previously won CAIEC awards participate?

No, previously awarded projects are not eligible.

5. What sectors does CAIEC focus on?

AI applications across industry, agriculture, transportation, culture, medicine, finance, and education.

6. Are intellectual property rights required?

Yes, projects must have clear and dispute-free intellectual property owned by the enterprise or core team members.

7. Are joint international teams allowed?

Yes, teams with members from China, ASEAN Member States, and other countries are strongly encouraged.

Conclusion

The 4th China-ASEAN Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC) 2026 offers a premier regional platform for AI innovators to showcase their solutions, connect with cross-border collaborators, and gain recognition. By emphasizing AI applications across critical sectors, CAIEC fosters innovation, entrepreneurial growth, and practical impact for China and ASEAN communities.

For more information, visit ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation.