Shanghai Startup AdVenture

• 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

Group interviews (in-person only) – successful application stage only

Students successful in the application stage will be invited to a mandatory in-person group interview at St Lucia Campus. If you are unable to attend a group interview in-person and/or on the dates offered, we will be unable to proceed with your application. 

• Monday 14 April – 12-1pm
• Tuesday 15 April – 9:30-10:30am
• Wednesday 16 April – 3-4pm

Startup AdVenture participants only

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

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

• Tuesday 27 May – 2-4:30pm

UQ Travel Insurance briefing (Online - Zoom) – Mandatory

• Thursday 29 May – 10-11am

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

• Thursday 29 May – 11:30am-1:30pm

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.

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