The finals of the 2023 University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition of Shanghai Theatre Academy were held in the New Space Theater on 31 May. 20 teams competed in the finals of the main track and the red tourism track. One first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes and four winning prizes were selected from each of the two tracks.

The competition was divided into three stages: preliminary, semi-finals and finals. The competition lasted for four months and included a rich and colorful program of guidance courses on innovation and entrepreneurship, such as the "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Moments" lecture series, lectures by experts and entrepreneurship training camps. The competition promoted innovation and learning, and sparked a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the university.

Since the competition was launched, a total of 132 projects from the entire university had registered for participation. After the written evaluation in the preliminary round and the roadshows in the semi-finals, 20 projects entered the finals. The total bonus for this year’s competition was RMB200,000, all of which were provided by the "Entrepreneurship Posthouse Fueling Program" of the Shanghai Jing'an District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau. At the finals, nice senior experts of innovation and entrepreneurship guidance were invited to serve as the judges.

After the roadshow, Yao Donghua, Head of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Service Department at the Shanghai Student Affairs Center, was invited to give comments. Yao Donghua recognized STA’s entrepreneurship and innovation work, and thanked STA for undertaking the establishment of the Shanghai Red Cultural and Creative Base to provide an innovation and entrepreneurship platform for students of Shanghai-based universities.

Huang Changyong, Deputy Party Secretary and President of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, pointed out in his speech that the holding of the innovation and entrepreneurship competition is of far-reaching significance and has made important contributions to the cultivation of university students' innovation abilities and the promotion of social development. Huang Changyong hoped that students would further expand their horizons in the selection of topic and the establishment of meaning, seek advice from experts and scholars around them, and constantly improve the project content. At the same time, he stated that the university will further tab the potential of students, help them cultivate innovation awareness and entrepreneurial abilities, and bring together more resources to escort students on the growth path of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Zhang Weiling, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and Chen Da, Deputy Director of the Jing’an District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, presented awards to the winners.