Start-Up Competition Highlights Bay Area-China Connections

As part of our ongoing work to build stronger economic and innovation connections between the Bay Area and China, the Bay Area Council on Thursday (July 26) held a startup pitch competition in partnership with the Yangpu District of Shanghai. Twenty companies competed from a wide range of industries and international backgrounds. Of the 20 participants, 10 were selected for thes finals in Yangpu, Shanghai in September. All finalists from Thursday’s event will receive awards in Yangpu ranging from $50,000 to $800,000. The event was hosted by Council member Chuck Comey of Morrison Foerster. Funding for the competition awards were provided by the Yangpu District of Shanghai, a BAC partner for over 10 years and a prosperous technology hub in the Yangtze Delta region of China.

The top three finalists from Thursday were Maya Ackerman of Alysia, a song writing application that adapts to the user’s voice; Raymond Liu of MiniSilicone: and, Siamak Sani of World Hearing Organization, which develops low-cost/high quality hearing-aids for impoverished regions. To engage in the Council’s China work, please contact Global Initiatives Chief Del Christensen.