Shenzhen Startup AdVenture

Unique learning experiences with some of Shenzhen's best startups.

The Ventures Shenzhen Startup AdVenture is a four-week in-person entrepreneurship learning experience within a Shenzhen startup, small business or non-profit organisation.

Learn more about eligibility, course credit, and more from the Startup AdVentures program homepage.

The Shenzhen Startup AdVenture will run from Saturday 22 November to Saturday 20 December 2025.

Applications for the Shenzhen program close 7.00am on Thu 14 August 2025.

Start your application process

Why Shenzhen

Shenzhen’s status as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) transformed a small fishing village into one of bustling megacity that has one of China’s fastest growing economies and a magnet for domestic and international investment. Recognised as a manufacturing powerhouse, and technology and innovation hub, it is a global leader in electronics manufacturing with extensive supply chains and rapid prototyping capabilities and home of major company’s hea dquarters, such as Tencent, Huawei, DJI, BYD and Foxxconn.

Shenzhen is a global technology hub with a thriving ecosystem of tech companies, startups, and venture capitalists. The city fosters innovation through numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that support startups. In summary, Shenzhen offers hardware startups a unique combination of resources, infrastructure, and support that can significantly accelerate their development and growth.

Source: Investing in Shenzhen: Industry, Economics, and Policy Trends (china-briefing.com)

What to expect

During your Shenzhen Startup AdVenture, you can expect to:

Experience first-hand the life in a Shenzen startup and gain valuable insight into the Shenzhen startup ecosystem
Network with global startups and leaders in innovation
Develop your entrepreneurial skills with a program of events and activities organised by UQ Ventures
Collaborate with your peers and build your connections through team building activities and social activities
Build your resilience and get out of your comfort zone to learn new skills and test your limits
Undertake your own project (agreed with your startup) to extend your learning experience

Outcomes

Develop cross-cultural communication and digital work skills
Build your understanding of the Shenzhen startup scene
Complete a real-world, international business project that you can add to your portfolio
Develop and apply entrepreneurial skills highly sought by employers across all industries and around the world
Gain confidence in presenting and pitching
Grow your global networks and connections
Form new friendships with your fellow participants

Key dates

Group interviews (in-person only) – selected applicants only

Mon 8 Sep 12.00pm – 1.00pm
Tue 9 Sep 9.30am – 10.30am
Wed 10 Sep 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Startup AdVenture participants only

Students successful accepting an offer to participate in the Shenzen Startup AdVenture are required to attend the following pre-departure sessions:

Pre-departure session (In-person - St Lucia Campus) – Mandatory

Tuesday 28 October 9:30am-12:00pm

UQ Travel Insurance briefing (Online - Zoom) – Mandatory

Thursday 30 October – 10-11am

Program funding

Successful applicants will have the cost of their participation in the program covered by a UQ Grant. Students who are successful in being invited to join a Startup AdVenture program do not need to do anything in relation to the funding - the UQ Grant will be automatically applied by the UQ Ventures team.

Funding through the New Colombo Program (NCP) Grant scheme, for participation in the Startup AdVenture program, is not available in 2025.

How to apply

Testimonial

"The Shenzhen Startup AdVenture was a real eye-opener for me. The experience, which included learning about business ethics, strategic models, corporate culture, and much more, significantly enhanced my cross-cultural competency. This journey has been truly transformative, helping me understand the importance of networking and stepping outside my comfort zone to foster both personal and professional growth."
Candida, 2nd year Master of Food Science and Technology student