China’s embassy in Angola on Wednesday presented an international science and technology innovation prize worth €25 million in total awards, targeting entrepreneurs, companies and researchers across Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries, with the competition offering successful candidates access to the Chinese market.
The prize, formally known as HISIC 2026 — the International Scientific and Technological Innovation Competition for Portuguese and Spanish-Speaking Countries and Regions — is organised by the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone and covers six competitive categories aligned with the comparative advantages of Lusophone and Hispanophone nations.
The six areas of competition are: Digital Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Manufacturing and New Materials, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrated Health, Cultural Tourism, Exhibitions and Digital Commerce, Green Energy and Sustainable Development, and Modern Agriculture.
Speaking at the launch event in Luanda, Chen Feng, Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Angola, explained that the competition is open to companies, universities, scientific research institutions, entrepreneurial teams and any individual with an innovative project.
“We hope this competition will become an important bridge between Angola’s innovation talent and the Chinese market, enabling good Angolan ideas to find, through this platform, financing, technology and cooperation partners,” Chen said.
She added that the organisers aspire for the initiative to evolve into a genuine enterprise capable of changing lives — one through which younger generations can realise their ambitions, assert their worth and achieve personal fulfilment through innovation and entrepreneurship, while contributing to Angola’s industrialisation and economic diversification.
Luís Cupenala, president of the Angola-China Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the initiative and challenged young Angolans to channel their skills and knowledge into creating applications and other technological innovations fit for the market.
Cupenala encouraged youth participation, emphasising the opportunity for exposure on a global stage and, he suggested, the possibility of internationalising their projects into the Chinese market.
Vicente Soares, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angola, highlighted the breadth of the competition’s scope, noting that it covers modern agriculture, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, green energy, advanced manufacturing, health and tourism.
In his view, the initiative represents an important platform for businesses to expand their operations, attract investment and forge partnerships, as well as a valuable opportunity for young people to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Registration for HISIC 2026 runs from April through August. A roadshow is scheduled for October, with in-person presentations in Lisbon, São Paulo and Macao. Final evaluation is set for September, with the grand finale planned for December.
In addition to the €25 million total prize fund, the competition offers support covering establishment, operations and entrepreneurship across the full business cycle.
Source: ANGOP / Original article: https://www.angop.ao/noticias/economia/embaixada-da-china-apresenta-premio-de-inovacao-tecnologica-para-diferentes-paises/
