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China startup and venture ecosystem
Where startups are forming across China: the cities, accelerators and investors, and how you get close to them.
The ecosystem
StartupBlink estimated China’s startup ecosystem value at US$2.3 trillion in its 2026 Asia-Pacific analysis. This is the publisher’s ecosystem-value estimate.
WIPO’s 2026 country page reports 25 Chinese clusters among its top innovation-cluster group.
Hubs and regional differences
Startup Genome’s 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking places Beijing at #6, Shanghai at #11, Shenzhen at #19, Hangzhou at #28, Wuxi at #36, and Guangzhou at #38. Its methodology generally defines an ecosystem within 100 kilometers of a center point, so these are metro-level rankings rather than a single national position.
As of . Official information. Source: Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026: Top 40; Methodology — The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026
For founders
Compare Chinese locations at the metro level: Startup Genome’s 2026 ranking lists six ecosystems, and its methodology generally uses a 100-kilometer radius around a center point. Treat those positions as one screening lens, not a substitute for assessing your intended market and operating needs.
As of . Official information. Source: Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026: Top 40; Methodology — The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026
For investors
Keep StartupBlink’s US$2.3 trillion ecosystem-value estimate distinct from the city rankings in Startup Genome’s 2026 report. The estimate and rankings are separate publisher-reported indicators, and neither alone establishes investable deal volume.
As of . Official information. Source: Best Startup Ecosystems in Asia Pacific; Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026: Top 40
Constraints and recent changes
Startup Genome’s 2026 Top 40 methodology assigns weights of 27.5% to performance, 20% to funding, 20% to market reach, 17.5% to talent and experience, 10% to the AI-Native Cluster factor, and 5% to the R&D Engine. The AI-native factor’s weight rose from 5% to 10%, so the ranking reflects a publisher-defined model rather than a standalone measure.
As of . Official information. Source: Methodology — The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026
Startup ecosystem standing
Where China ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Innovation Index | 2025 | #10 | Up 1 | A | Innovation, Competitiveness, Research, Talent |
 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking | 2026 | #12 | Up 2 | B | Competitiveness, Business Climate, Performance |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (countries) | 2025 | #13 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Bloomberg Innovation Index | 2021 | #16 | Down 1 | B | Innovation, Research |
 Doing Business (Ease of Doing Business ranking) | Doing Business 2020 | #31 | Up 15 | B | Business Climate |
510 organizations with a profile
Who's based in China
Investors 386
Investor
InvestorConnecting global investors with China's new economy.
InvestorEmpowering entrepreneurs through education and funding.
The 3 most prominent of 386. Browse all investors
Incubators 63
IncubatorFostering semiconductor innovation in China.
IncubatorProfessional incubator and seed investment firm.
IncubatorIncubator focused on healthcare innovation.
The 3 most prominent of 63. Browse all incubators
Accelerators 46
AcceleratorBrinc is a global venture accelerator headquartered in Hong Kong, specializing in IoT, connected hardware, and climate tech. It supports startups…
AcceleratorMiraclePlus is a prominent early-stage startup accelerator based in Beijing, China, providing funding and mentorship to startups across various…
AcceleratorAventura is an accelerator based in China that focuses on driving growth for both established and niche direct-to-consumer brands in the e-commerce…
The 3 most prominent of 46. Browse all accelerators
Venture studios 15
Venture studioBuilding businesses that improve cities and lives.
Venture studioVenture studio launching innovative businesses.
Venture studioSports technology incubator and investment services.
The 3 most prominent of 15. Browse all venture studios
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in China
UniversityListed in 12 rankings
UniversityListed in 11 rankings
UniversityListed in 7 rankings
UniversityListed in 6 rankings
UniversityListed in 5 rankings
UniversityListed in 4 rankings
UniversityListed in 4 rankings
UniversityListed in 4 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in China
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in China
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in China
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingCity guides
Cities in China
The largest 4 of 39 published city guides.
Questions about China
How does China rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #10 in GII (2025). It appears in 5 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in China?
386 investors based in China have a profile here, including Plug and Play China, China Renaissance 华兴资本 and cyzone.cn. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in China?
Yes. China has 46 accelerators, 63 incubators and 15 venture studios on record, including Brinc, International Advanced Semiconductor Innovation Incubator and CQubed.
Which universities are in China?
113 universities have a profile: Peking University, Tsinghua University and Fudan University and more.
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