On September 20, 2024, the 2024 Chengdu International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (Belgium Stop) successfully concluded at the China Belgium Technology Center (CBTC). The Competition was hosted by the Chengdu Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs), jointly organized by the Chengdu Productivity Promotion Center (Chengdu International Science and Technology Exchange Center) and the Shenzhen Center for International Exchange of Personnel (SCIEP), and supported by the China Association For International Exchange of Personnel (CAIEP), CBTC, among other organizations.

Focusing on key sectors including microelectronics, biopharmaceuticals, aerospace, and energy conservation & environmental protection, the Competition attracted over 50 innovation and entrepreneurship projects from Belgian startups, universities, research institutions, and large enterprises. More than 60 guests from Belgian universities, research institutions, science and technology parks, incubators, maker spaces, and investment and financing institutions attended. The opening promotional video of Chengdu, deepened their understanding of the city. Xue Qian, President of China Belgium Technology Center, Zhao Feng, Deputy Chief Representative of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Representative Office in the EU (Belgium), Secretary General of China Chamber of Commercie in Belgium and Luxembourg Representative Office in the EU (Belgium), Song Zhiwei, President of the China-Europe Innovation & Entrepreneurship Association, and Ding Xiaobin, Director of the Chengdu Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs), delivered speeches. They highly praised the Competition and expressed optimism about the future of Sino-Belgian technological cooperation.

During the project roadshow session, the finalists showcased their respective innovative highlights and market potential, covering areas such as AI-driven medical image analysis, regional aviation platforms, intelligent weighing of fruits and vegetables using visual recognition technology, unmanned surface vessel (USV) technology, plant biotechnology, and sustainable agricultural applications. Through the roadshow and Q&A sessions, "Regional Aviation Rethought", "BlackSand MArine technologies, Unmannes Surface Vessels" and "AI & Environment: Smart Fishery Big Data System" were selected as the top three projects.

During the Competition, guests and participants engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as technological innovation and industrial cooperation, seeking potential partnership opportunities. Several awardees showed keen interest in Chengdu’s favorable environment for business startups and innovative projects, and expressed their hope to establish a presence in Chengdu in the future.

The successful convening of this Competition has breathed new life into sci-tech exchange and cooperation between Chengdu and Belgium. We hope more Belgian friends will visit Chengdu, explore the “City of Gastronomy”, experience the livable and business-friendly environment, and feel the open and inclusive atmosphere with unique charm. Together, we aim to uncover mutual development opportunities, achieve mutual growth, and jointly chart a new course of cooperation for a brighter future.