The 17th Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) China 2023 takes place in Shanghai from Nov 14 to 19. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-italent]

The 17th Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) China 2023 took place from Nov 14 to 19 in Shanghai's Yangpu district, where the inaugural GEW was held in 2007.

The event was hosted by the Shanghai Technology Entrepreneurship Foundation for Graduates (EFG) under the guidance of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government

The aim is to support Shanghai's goal of becoming a technological innovation center with global influence.

This year, the GEW focused on exploring the latest trends in entrepreneurship and had a particular emphasis on digital technology, hard technology, life sciences, and sustainable development.

The opening ceremony brought together local government officials, executives of Fortune Global 500 companies, prominent experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from both domestic and international backgrounds and featured important speeches.

The ceremony also unveiled the winners of the highly coveted "Angel Fund" Eaglet Enterprises of the Year 2023. These 10 outstanding start-up companies were recognized for their innovation and potential for future success.

During his keynote speech at the ceremony, Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, emphasized the importance of pooling diverse cultures and innovative forces to jointly address the challenges of innovation in the context of accelerated technological and industrial changes.

Liang Jiaen, chairman and CTO of Unisound, shared insights into the power that generative AI has in empowering the future and promoting industrial upgrading. Liang said that Unisound is committed to the establishment of a world where AI fosters connections and collaborations, and will continue to push the boundaries of intelligence and promote industrial upgrading.

Wang Pinxian, a marine geologist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, underscored the importance of a vibrant cultural background for scientific innovation and independent thinking in scientific research.

During the six-day event, more than 50 specialized events were held, providing opportunities for participants to network and collaborate. Hundreds of projects were involved in the roadshow that featured nearly 100 investment institutions and over 100 venture capital partners.

One of the highlights of this year's GEW was a special exhibition that showcased the journey and achievements of the EFG and GEW over the past 17 years.

This year's GEW was held in collaboration with the "Innovation China" Yangtze River Delta Alliance Station series of activities, which focused on crucial aspects such as the integration of the Yangtze River Delta, the incubation and transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and the international influence of the open innovation system.

Various other activities, including the Science and Technology Stage, the Annual Roadshow, and the Thematic Dialogue, were also held during GEW to provide a dynamic and enlightening experience for all participants.