The 2026 China-US Young Maker Competition Finals concluded in Shanghai on July 31, marking a significant milestone for this flagship platform promoting youth innovation and China-US people-to-people exchange.
Under the theme "Co-create the Future", the competition brought together over 500 young innovators from 120 finalist teams representing China and the United States. Now in its 13th edition since its inception in 2014, the competition attracted a record number of participants this year. More than 14,000 students from over 400 universities and colleges submitted over 3,200 innovation projects, with finalists advancing through regional competitions held across 14 cities in China, as well as online and offline selection rounds in the US.
The four-day finals featured project presentations, expert evaluations, exhibitions, and networking activities in Shanghai. Teams showcased innovative solutions addressing global challenges such as climate change, ecological education, public health, clean energy, and emergency response, utilizing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and big data. Projects were assessed on innovation, technical feasibility, social impact, commercial potential, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Prizes were awarded across both the main track and a dedicated vocational education track, with recognition given to outstanding China-US collaborative teams, participating institutions, and individuals who contributed to bilateral educational and cultural exchanges. An exhibition of finalist projects was also opened to universities, industry representatives, and the public to encourage collaboration and technology commercialization.
During the ceremony, a new "Study in China" program for US participants was launched, aiming to expand educational exchanges alongside the competition. Organizers noted that the event has attracted more than 80,000 young participants and collected over 20,000 original innovation projects since its inception. It will continue to serve as a platform for international collaboration, technology commercialization, and sustainable development through youth-led innovation.
