The path to hard & core tech innovation is long and arduous, never a straightforward journey achieved overnight. Each generation of entrepreneurs must navigate the complex challenges of commercializing technology and confront the real-world obstacles of industrial implementation.
As a key builder of China’s hard tech entrepreneurship ecosystem, CAS Star · Hard Tech Champion Camp has dedicated ten years to fostering an open public welfare platform. It strives to be the most steadfast and trusted companion for entrepreneurs, witnessing their growth and transformation.
This June, the tenth cohort set sail once again: 68 hard tech entrepreneurs from across the country, united by ideals, gathered to embark on a new journey of technological innovation.
Highly Educated, Youthful, Cross-Regional
The tenth cohort embodies the distinct qualities of “hard tech,” forming an innovation and entrepreneurship community marked by advanced degrees, strong R&D backgrounds, and geographic diversity.
9% Post-95s, Youngest Aged 26
While the post-75 and post-85 generations remain the main force in hard tech, younger pioneers are also joining with groundbreaking spirit. Post-95 entrepreneurs make up 9% of the cohort, with the youngest member just 26 years old.
63% Hold PhDs, Academician-Led Teams Participate
Doctoral degree holders account for 63% of the cohort, and over 80% hold a master’s degree or higher. Members include both seasoned researchers with core laboratory technologies and cross-disciplinary pioneers skilled in bridging cutting-edge R&D with industrial application.
Nearly 40% of the companies were incubated at top institutions such as Tsinghua University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Xi’an Jiaotong University. Particularly noteworthy is that nearly 10% are core members of academician-led teams or principal investigators of National Key R&D Programs. This strong academic foundation provides solid support for technology commercialization.
15% of Entrepreneurs Possess Global Perspective
Geographically, besides projects from innovation hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xi’an, and Suzhou, ventures from cities such as Changchun, Shenyang, and Tianjin are also gaining prominence—sketching a national map of innovation characterized by “leading core cities + emerging specialized cities.”
15% of founders combine international perspective with local insight, building dual competitiveness through a sharp understanding of global tech trends and deep knowledge of the domestic market—blending technical autonomy with a global vision.
Focus on Strategic Emerging Sectors
In terms of sector distribution, the tenth cohort concentrates closely on strategic fields including: Photonic Semiconductors (28%), New Materials (21%), New Energy (16%), Advanced Manufacturing (16%), Biomedicine (10%), Artificial Intelligence (9%). These cover frontier tech projects and major national initiatives in critical technology equipment.
We firmly believe that every persistence to technological ideals and every effort to tackle industry pain points accumulates momentum for hard tech advancement. In the year ahead, the Champion Camp will remain committed to its decade-long mission: empowering all 68 new partners, helping them achieve goals and break through bottlenecks.
We look forward to watching the tenth cohort write new footnotes in the era of hard tech and together pioneer a new chapter in technological development.
Below, we present the data profile and list of participants for this cohort.
