Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

The 22 finalists of the 2016 Xiangzhou Sci-tech Innovation Competition were advised to polish their projects during an intensified training in Shenzhen, Guangdong from Dec 28 to 30, in preparation for the final on Jan 6, 2017.

The scientific and technology competition, co-sponsored by the Xiangzhou District Municipal Party Committee and the Xiangzhou District government, began in October, and has since received more than 229 applications from both enterprises and startups. The quarter-final took place from Dec 21 to 23.

Final projects cover the fields of internet technology, big data and medical treatments.

The finalists attended lectures on business operations and were given suggestions for modifying their business plans at the Research Institute of Tsinghua University.

A judges panel consisting of 15 experts, investors and entrepreneurs listen to a participant's presentation at the quarter-final of the sci-tech competition. [Photo / Zhuhai Daily]

"Startups should concentrate on polishing projects and make their business plans more comprehensive and attractive," said Zhang Yong, one of founding partners of VSUN Capital. He also explained that those projects attending too many roadshows where presenters give a business introduction may not appeal to potential investors.

Lectures on the Internet of Things (IOT) sector, internet-based business models and intellectual property gave an inside look into leading trends on business management.

"The training is targeted and very instructive, giving us comprehensive knowledge about business," said Mr Chen, a team member from a startup that has created an education platform for online parent-children interaction.

They also toured famous enterprises such as IngDan Technology and Shenzhen Clou Electronics.