Shenzhen Startup AdVenture

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

The Ventures Shenzhen Startup AdVenture is a four-week in-person entrepreneruship 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 Monday 18 November to Monday 16 December 2024.

Applications closed 9 August 2024.

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) – successful application stage only

Monday 19 August 1:30-2:30pm
Tuesday 20 August 9:30-10:30am
Wednesday 21 August 3-4pm

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 29 October 10am-12:30pm

UQ Travel Insurance briefing (Online - Zoom) – Mandatory

Tuesday 5 November – 10-11am

Cultural Agility Training (In-person - St Lucia Campus) – Recommended

Wednesday 6 November – 11:30am-1:30pm

Chinese cultural awareness, business etiquette, and Chinese language workshop – Recommended

Tuesday 12 November – 10am-12pm

Program Funding Options and Grant Availability

Before you apply

Ensure you have:

Checked your eligibility to apply for the Startup AdVenture program
Read and understood the Startup AdVenture program overview, participant obligations and terms and conditions.
Prepare your application: Please provide clear, concise, honest and meaningful answers to address the selection criteria. If you need assistance with how to write a strong application, please refer to the resources available from UQ Careers and Employability.