Shanghai Startup AdVenture

During your Shanghai Startup AdVenture, you can expect to:

• Experience first-hand the life in a Shanghai startup and gain valuable insight into the Chinese 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, Caohejing Hi-tech Park (CHJ), and the Shanghai startup ecosystem
• 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

• Develop cross-cultural communication and digital work skills
• Build your understanding of the Shanghai 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

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 2026.

Ensure the following steps have been completed: 

• Eligibility verification: Confirmed eligibility to apply for and participate in the Startup AdVenture program.
• Document review: Thoroughly read and understood this document, including the program’s requirements, expectations, and participant obligations.
• Application preparation: Provided clear, concise, honest, and meaningful answers that directly address the selection criteria.

Reviewed resources from UQ Careers and Employability for guidance on writing a strong application, if assistance was needed.

“I would highly recommend this experience to any student who is interested in gaining an insider experience of what it truly takes to build a product inside a fast-moving ecosystem of innovation. The incubator space in Shanghai is full of incredibly creative minds coming together to experiment and put their game-changing ideas to the test, and it is such an honour to observe and be a part of this global burgeoning technological movement.” 

– Diane Nguyen, second year Bachelor of Law (Honours)/ Bachelor of Economics student