The Semi-finals of the 2023 "Chuangxiang China" Anhui Province Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition European Division were successfully held in Paris, France on November 20. Representatives from the Anhui Provincial Investment Group and Hefei High-tech Zone, including Wang Shijie, Deputy General Manager of Anhui Investment Group and Chairman of Anhui Railway Investment Company; Lu Ping, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Hefei High-tech Zone; Xu Yong, Director of the Investment Bureau of Hefei High-tech Zone; Dong Jianbo, Director of the Community Innovation Management Center of Hefei High-tech Zone; Wang Qiang, Chairman of Hefei High-tech Investment Group; Yang Dejin, Director of the Emergency Management Bureau of Hefei High-tech Zone; Wang Yan, Deputy General Manager of Anhui High-tech Industry Investment Company; Cai Hao, Deputy General Manager of Anhui Zhongan Chuanggu Science Park Company, and other representatives of the host and organizers attended the event.

The event featured distinguished guests, including Meinhard F. Schmidt, Independent HealthTech Executive; Jean-Michel Zylberman, Founder of Amarapura; Arnaud Melilli, Head of Private Sector Partnerships at Choose Paris Region; Dr.Jinlong Yue, Partner at Cenponts Healthcare; Anna Badurska, European Programs Lead at Cap Digital, and numerous entrepreneurs and local venture capital organizations from around the world.

Wang Shijie, in his opening speech, emphasized the international nature of the competition, especially the establishment of the European Division. He highlighted Anhui's significant achievements in industrial introduction and high-speed rail construction. He introduced the crucial role of the Anhui Provincial Investment Group in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological development. Emphasizing Anhui's innovative potential and the momentum of Hefei as a city of technological innovation, he expressed Anhui Province’'s willingness to be the "best landing place" and "golden partner" for projects from the European region.

Meinhard F. Schmidt, Independent HealthTech Executive and the former Senior Vice President of Roche Diagnostics, delivered a keynote speech on "Digital Transformation - Challenges and Opportunities for the LifeScience, MedTech and Diagnostics Industries." He discussed the current trends in healthcare, emphasizing the rapid application of digital health technology driven by COVID-19. The future development of digital health technology includes remote healthcare, artificial intelligence, wearable technology, patient empowerment, network security, and drug development, all of which have significant implications for the industry.

During the competition segment, representatives from the overseas department of Great Innovation Valley Platform Service Company introduced relevant policies of "Great Innovation Valley." Five experts from renowned investment institutions, research institutes, and industry-leading enterprises served as judges, evaluating 15 projects in areas such as next-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, life and health, and intelligent manufacturing. The top three projects advanced to the global finals after a combination of project presentations and Q&A sessions with the judges. Legal services were provided throughout the semi-finals.

Since the recruitment started in August for the 2023 "Chuangxiang China" Anhui Province Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition European Division, it attracted 175 project applications from Europe and Australia, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, etc. The core teams of these projects graduated from top universities worldwide, including Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College London, ParisTech, and the University of Munich.

Compared to previous years, these projects covered Anhui's top ten emerging industries, including dynamic early and mid-stage projects, as well as stable growth-stage projects. Many participating companies not only demonstrated high technical content and project maturity but also conducted research and development tailored for the Chinese market before the competition to increase their chances of success. Chinese investors and entrepreneurs showed increased professionalism in cooperating with overseas projects, with more thorough knowledge of intellectual property identification and protection for participating enterprises.

After the semi-finals competitoon, the special guests and the delegation from Anhui Provincial Investment Group and Hefei High-tech Zone participated in the "Chuangxiang China" project investment matchmaking dinner. The profound insights and lively discussions during the matchmaking event were enriching for all participants. The event's promotion of international exchange ideals received positive responses, establishing a platform for global wisdom sharing.