University launch for Britain-China business competition
Posted on 28 January 2009
The 21st Century China UK Entrepreneurship Competition, organised by the China Innovation and Development Association (CIDAUK), aims to encourage new business ventures between the two countries. Teams have to present their business plans to a panel of experts with the winners earning a first prize of £2,000.
Hosting this event underlines the University’s commitment to supporting strong links between Britain and China
Professor Brian Cantor
Yihua Zhang, Head of Education Section from the People’s Republic of China’s Consulate in Manchester, will speak at the competition launch, which takes place on 2 February.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, said: "Hosting this event underlines the University’s commitment to supporting strong links between Britain and China. We are proud of our own partnerships with Chinese universities which are producing tremendous benefits both in terms of teaching and research."
The University of York’s principal China relationships are with two partners in the Worldwide Universities Network, Nanjing University and Zhejiang University. The partnership with Nanjing University has already led to the creation of two joint research centres – the Joint Centre for Spintronics Research and the Joint Centre for Enterprise and Employability.
There are currently 600 Chinese students studying at York, 204 undergraduates and 396 postgraduates. Last year, the University held its first graduation celebration in Beijing attended by around 120 students and their families as well as academic staff from York. A second celebration is due to be held in Beijing next year.
The York Management School is hosting the competition launch and its academics will be among the judges.
Dr Kiran Fernandes, from The York Management School, said: "Creating sustainable business ventures between companies in Britain and China is important for the economies of both countries. This competition is an imaginative way of encouraging entrepreneurs to consider how they can make the most of the opportunities that are available."
The 21st Century China UK Entrepreneurship Competition is an annual event that regularly attracts hundreds of entries. The deadline for entries to this year’s competition is 20 February. Successful entrants will be invited to semi-finals at the University of Lancaster on 24 April. The final will be held at King’s College London on 22 May.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The launch of the 21st Century China UK Entrepreneurship Competition will be held at The Innovation Centre at the York Science Park, starting at 10.30am.
- More information about the York Management School is available at www.york.ac.uk/management.
- The CIDAUK website can be found at www.cidauk.org.