The 2025 World Top-Performing Incubator Conference (WTIC2025) began in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area on Sept 22, running through Sept 24. With the tagline "Tech-powered Innovation Incubates the Future", the conference brought together incubator professionals, investors, technology talent, and industry experts from over 30 countries and regions to explore the future of incubator development.

The list of the WTIC Awards 2025 was announced, and a series of thematic forums were held during the event to promote the development and incubation of projects.

The International Innovation Synergy and Incubation Alliance, initially formed with 13 members at WTIC2023, grew to include 10 new international members, including the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute from Canada and Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park. It also established connections with the East China Science & Technology Business Incubator Network, boosting scientific and technological innovation throughout the Yangtze River Delta and across the country.

Meanwhile, the conference inaugurated the Global Link Lab, providing a cross-border resource matchmaking platform for local governments, incubators, and sci-tech projects.

Letters of intent for international innovation incubation cooperation are signed by global top incubators and Chinese companies at the opening ceremony. [Photo/WTIC2025]

The 2025 Shanghai Incubator Ecosystem White Paper was launched at the opening ceremony, highlighting Shanghai's successes in promoting high-quality incubator development. By the end of 2024, the city's incubator space had reached 4.35 million square meters, with strong performance in biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, and technology services.

The Global Youth Startup Hub is launched at the WTIC2025 to provide comprehensive support for youth entrepreneurs. [Photo/WTIC2025]

Lin-gang Special Area aims to attract more high-level platforms and top-tier incubators for scientific and technological innovation, transforming into a hub for Shanghai's emerging industries. It plans to continue leveraging its strengths, such as advanced manufacturing and affordable startup spaces, to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs.