Top Startup Accelerators in China in 2025
China's startup ecosystem continues to expand rapidly in 2025, fueled by strong government backing, a maturing venture capital landscape, and increasing global ambition. From AI and fintech to biotech and cleantech, accelerators play a crucial role in helping early-stage ventures commercialize and scale.
Chinese accelerators are increasingly sophisticated, offering not just funding but access to massive domestic markets, manufacturing capabilities, government relationships, and pathways to international expansion. For founders targeting the Chinese market or leveraging China's supply chain advantages, these programs provide essential infrastructure and networks.
When preparing applications to Chinese accelerators, presenting professional, well-organized materials is critical. Peony helps founders create branded data rooms that showcase their business professionally with AI-powered organization, engagement analytics, and secure document sharing—giving Chinese accelerators and investors the polished experience they expect from serious ventures.
Here are the top startup accelerators in China in 2025.
1. Chinaccelerator (SOSV)
Location: Shanghai
Program: 3-month intensive
Investment: $100K for 6-10% equity
Focus: Cross-border internet and software startups
China's first mentorship-driven accelerator program, Chinaccelerator focuses on cross-border internet and software startups. Founded in 2009, it provides seed funding, mentorship, and access to SOSV's global network spanning the US, Europe, and Asia.
What they look for:
- Companies targeting China or using China as a launchpad for Asia
- Software, internet, and mobile-first businesses
- Teams with cross-cultural capabilities
- Founders ready to commit to Shanghai for the program
Notable portfolio companies:
- Origami Labs (acquired)
- Sandbox VR (raised $68M)
- Chumbaka (Southeast Asian expansion success)
Why it's valuable: Chinaccelerator bridges East and West, helping foreign founders understand Chinese markets while helping Chinese founders internationalize. The SOSV network provides follow-on funding opportunities and global connections that few other Chinese accelerators can match.
2. HAX (SOSV)
Location: Shenzhen
Program: 6-month program
Investment: $100K for 6-9% equity
Focus: Hardware, robotics, IoT, consumer electronics
Based in Shenzhen—the world's hardware capital—HAX is one of the world's premier hardware accelerators. It supports startups with prototyping, manufacturing, and fundraising, leveraging Shenzhen's vast supply chain ecosystem.
What makes HAX special:
- Direct access to Shenzhen's unparalleled manufacturing ecosystem
- Prototyping facilities and maker spaces on-site
- Engineering mentorship from hardware experts
- Supply chain introductions and contract manufacturer connections
- Path from prototype to mass production
What they look for:
- Physical products (hardware, IoT, robotics, electronics)
- Teams with engineering/technical backgrounds
- Prototypes or proof-of-concept already built
- Scalable manufacturing potential
Notable portfolio companies:
- Formlabs (3D printing, valued at $2B+)
- Lumi (smart home, acquired)
- Soundbrenner (music wearables)
Why it's valuable: For hardware startups, location matters. Being in Shenzhen with HAX provides unmatched access to suppliers, manufacturers, and technical expertise that would take years to build independently. The program dramatically accelerates time-to-market for physical products.
3. InnoSpace
Location: Shanghai
Program: 3-6 month programs
Investment: Varies by program ($50K-$150K typical)
Focus: Internet, mobile, enterprise SaaS
Located in Shanghai, InnoSpace offers acceleration, coworking, and venture capital support. Founded in 2013, it has been instrumental in scaling internet, mobile, and tech-enabled startups with a particular focus on B2B and enterprise solutions.
Program offerings:
- Acceleration programs for early-stage startups
- Coworking spaces in Shanghai's tech districts
- Corporate innovation partnerships
- Access to InnoSpace's $100M+ fund
What they look for:
- Software and internet companies
- B2B and enterprise-focused solutions
- Teams with Chinese market understanding
- Scalable business models
Why it's valuable: InnoSpace provides both acceleration and long-term ecosystem support through coworking and community. Many alumni remain in InnoSpace facilities post-program, creating a strong peer network and ongoing collaboration opportunities.
4. TusStar
Location: Nationwide (50+ locations)
Program: Varies by location and stage
Investment: Varies (government-backed funding available)
Focus: Deep tech, university commercialization, government-priority sectors
Affiliated with Tsinghua University, TusStar is one of China's largest accelerator and incubator networks. It supports startups with R&D, funding, and access to government and corporate partnerships across technology, biotech, and advanced manufacturing.
Network scale:
- 50+ locations across China
- 10,000+ startups supported since founding
- Deep connections to Tsinghua University research
- Strong government and state-owned enterprise relationships
What they look for:
- Deep tech and research-based ventures
- University spin-outs and commercialization projects
- Alignment with government innovation priorities
- Teams with strong technical credentials
Why it's valuable: TusStar's government backing and university connections provide unique advantages for ventures requiring R&D support, regulatory navigation, or commercialization of academic research. The massive network enables geographic expansion across China's tier-1 and tier-2 cities.
5. XNode
Location: Shanghai
Program: 3-6 month corporate innovation programs
Investment: Varies (focus on corporate partnerships rather than equity)
Focus: Corporate innovation, AI, healthcare, enterprise solutions
A Shanghai-based accelerator connecting startups with corporate partners. It runs open innovation programs, supporting ventures in AI, healthcare, and enterprise solutions through partnerships with multinationals and Chinese enterprises.
Corporate partners include:
- Microsoft, Bayer, Schneider Electric, Covestro
- Focus on pilot programs and enterprise sales
- B2B customer development opportunities
What they look for:
- B2B solutions with clear corporate value proposition
- Enterprises ready to pilot with large companies
- AI, healthcare, manufacturing, and sustainability focus
- Teams capable of selling to enterprise customers
Why it's valuable: XNode provides rare access to enterprise customers and pilots. For B2B startups, getting initial enterprise customers is often the biggest challenge—XNode accelerates this process by facilitating warm introductions and structured pilot programs with its corporate network.
6. Shanghai Technology Innovation Center (STIC)
Location: Shanghai (multiple districts)
Program: Long-term incubation and acceleration
Investment: Government grants and subsidies (non-dilutive)
Focus: Deep tech, biotech, AI, materials science, green tech
Backed by municipal and national initiatives, STIC supports deep-tech ventures in biotech, AI, and materials science, often serving as a launchpad for commercialization of university and research institute innovations.
Government support includes:
- R&D grants and subsidies
- Lab and research facilities
- Regulatory guidance and approvals
- Talent recruitment assistance
What they look for:
- Scientific and deep-tech innovations
- University or research institute spin-outs
- Alignment with China's strategic priorities (AI, biotech, clean energy)
- Long-term R&D and commercialization plans
Why it's valuable: For deep-tech ventures requiring long development cycles, STIC provides patient capital, R&D infrastructure, and government connections that are difficult to access independently. Non-dilutive funding is particularly attractive for capital-intensive deep-tech ventures.
7. Microsoft ScaleUp Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Program: 3-6 month program
Investment: No equity taken (provides Azure credits and resources)
Focus: B2B SaaS, AI, enterprise cloud solutions
Part of Microsoft's global accelerator initiative, this program supports B2B startups with mentorship, cloud resources, and international networking opportunities. Startups receive significant Azure credits, Microsoft technology stack integration, and go-to-market support.
Program benefits:
- $120K+ in Azure cloud credits
- Microsoft technology partnerships and integrations
- Sales and go-to-market mentorship
- Global Microsoft network access
What they look for:
- B2B SaaS companies using or integrating with Microsoft tech
- Enterprise-focused solutions
- Teams ready to scale internationally
- Cloud-native architectures
Why it's valuable: Microsoft's brand and network open doors with enterprise customers globally. The Azure credits alone save early-stage companies tens of thousands in infrastructure costs, while Microsoft co-selling opportunities can accelerate enterprise sales cycles dramatically.
8. Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund / eWTP
Location: Hangzhou (with Asia-wide reach)
Program: Various programs for different stages
Investment: Varies ($100K-$5M+ through fund)
Focus: E-commerce, fintech, logistics, cloud services, Southeast Asia expansion
Alibaba's accelerator programs support startups in e-commerce, fintech, logistics, and cloud services, with funding and market access across China and Southeast Asia through the eWTP (Electronic World Trade Platform) initiative.
Ecosystem advantages:
- Access to Alibaba Cloud (Aliyun) infrastructure
- Integration with Taobao, Tmall, and Alipay
- Logistics through Cainiao network
- Southeast Asian market access via Lazada
What they look for:
- E-commerce enablement and marketplace solutions
- Fintech and payment innovations
- Logistics and supply chain technology
- Cloud-based business applications
- Cross-border and Southeast Asia focus
Why it's valuable: Alibaba's ecosystem is unmatched in China and Southeast Asia. Startups gain access to millions of merchants and consumers, enterprise distribution channels, and the technical infrastructure to scale rapidly across Asia's fastest-growing markets.
9. ZhenFund Accelerator
Location: Beijing
Program: Varies by cohort
Investment: $100K-$500K (6-12% equity)
Focus: Education, healthcare, consumer internet, AI
An initiative of one of China's most influential angel investment firms (founded by Xu Xiaoping, co-founder of New Oriental Education), ZhenFund Accelerator nurtures early-stage startups in education, healthcare, and consumer internet with hands-on mentorship and strong investor networks.
ZhenFund's track record:
- 800+ portfolio companies since 2011
- Notable investments: ByteDance, Luckin Coffee, VIPKID
- Deep networks in education and consumer sectors
- Strong follow-on funding connections
What they look for:
- Consumer-facing products and services
- Education technology and innovation
- Healthcare and wellness solutions
- Charismatic, mission-driven founders
Why it's valuable: ZhenFund's reputation and network provide credibility that opens doors with later-stage VCs, corporate partners, and customers. Xu Xiaoping's personal involvement and the fund's education sector dominance make it particularly valuable for edtech ventures.
10. Plug and Play China
Location: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing
Program: 3-month cohort programs
Investment: $50K-$100K typical
Focus: Fintech, mobility, supply chain, insurtech, brand & retail
A local arm of the global Plug and Play accelerator network, it focuses on fintech, mobility, and supply chain innovation. Startups gain access to corporate partners, investors, and global expansion pathways through Plug and Play's worldwide network.
Global network advantages:
- 50+ locations worldwide
- 500+ corporate partners globally
- Track record: early investor in PayPal, Dropbox, Guardant Health
- Cross-border expansion support
What they look for:
- Fintech and insurtech innovations
- Mobility and smart city solutions
- Supply chain and logistics technology
- Retail and brand technology
- Teams interested in global expansion
Why it's valuable: Plug and Play China combines local market access with global network reach. For Chinese startups seeking international expansion or foreign startups entering China, Plug and Play provides critical bridges and introductions on both sides.
Accelerator Snapshot
| Accelerator | Location | Key Focus / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Chinaccelerator (SOSV) | Shanghai | Cross-border internet and software startups |
| HAX (SOSV) | Shenzhen | Hardware prototyping and manufacturing |
| InnoSpace | Shanghai | Mobile, internet, and tech-enabled startups |
| TusStar | Nationwide | University-affiliated, R&D-backed innovation |
| XNode | Shanghai | Corporate-startup open innovation |
| Shanghai Technology Innovation Ctr. | Shanghai | Deep-tech, biotech, and AI |
| Microsoft ScaleUp Shanghai | Shanghai | B2B, enterprise cloud, global network |
| Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund / eWTP | Hangzhou/Asia | E-commerce, fintech, logistics |
| ZhenFund Accelerator | Beijing | Education, healthcare, consumer internet |
| Plug and Play China | Nationwide | Fintech, mobility, supply chain |
Why China's Accelerator Ecosystem Matters
Market access: China's 1.4 billion consumers represent the world's largest and fastest-growing consumer market, particularly in digital services, e-commerce, and consumer technology.
Manufacturing capabilities: Shenzhen and surrounding regions provide unmatched hardware manufacturing, prototyping, and supply chain access. For hardware startups, this ecosystem can reduce time-to-market by 6-12 months compared to manufacturing elsewhere.
Government support: Chinese accelerators often provide access to government grants, subsidies, and regulatory guidance that are difficult for foreign companies to navigate independently.
Funding access: China's venture capital market has matured significantly, with both domestic and international VCs actively seeking innovative ventures. Accelerator alumni gain warm introductions to these investors.
Technology leadership: China leads globally in areas like mobile payments, e-commerce platforms, AI applications, and 5G infrastructure—providing testbeds for innovations difficult to find elsewhere.
Choosing the Right Chinese Accelerator
Consider your product type:
- Hardware/IoT: HAX (Shenzhen supply chain access)
- Software/Internet: Chinaccelerator, InnoSpace
- Deep tech/Research: TusStar, STIC
- E-commerce: Alibaba Fund
- B2B Enterprise: XNode, Microsoft ScaleUp
- Consumer Internet: ZhenFund
Consider your geography:
- Shanghai: Chinaccelerator, InnoSpace, XNode, Microsoft (international business hub)
- Shenzhen: HAX, Plug and Play (hardware and manufacturing)
- Beijing: ZhenFund, Plug and Play (consumer internet, government connections)
- Hangzhou: Alibaba (e-commerce ecosystem)
Consider your stage:
- Idea/Pre-product: Most programs prefer working prototypes
- Prototype/MVP: Most accelerators (Chinaccelerator, HAX, InnoSpace)
- Early revenue: Corporate programs (XNode, Microsoft), larger funds (Alibaba, ZhenFund)
- Growth stage: TusStar locations, Alibaba ecosystem programs
Consider your goals:
- Enter Chinese market: Chinaccelerator, Plug and Play China
- Manufacturing/hardware: HAX
- Government relationships: TusStar, STIC
- Enterprise customers: XNode, Microsoft
- Southeast Asia expansion: Alibaba, Plug and Play
Application Strategy for Chinese Accelerators
Documentation requirements:
- Business plan (Chinese and English versions often required)
- Pitch deck (professionally designed and translated)
- Financial projections (adapted to Chinese market expectations)
- Team bios (emphasize relevant experience in China or target sectors)
- Product demos or prototypes (working version preferred)
Timing considerations:
- Most programs run 2-3 cohorts per year
- Application cycles typically 1-2 months before program start
- Due diligence can take 4-8 weeks
- Plan applications 3-6 months ahead
Common evaluation criteria:
- Team quality and commitment (will you relocate to China for the program?)
- Market potential in China or Asia
- Differentiation from existing solutions
- Scalability of business model
- Technical capabilities and IP
Standing out in applications:
- Show deep understanding of Chinese market dynamics
- Demonstrate commitment (language learning, market research, local partnerships)
- Highlight cross-cultural team capabilities
- Provide evidence of traction (even if outside China)
- Connect with alumni before applying
Peony helps founders create professional application materials with AI-powered organization, branded data rooms, and engagement analytics that show accelerators exactly how you've prepared. When Chinese accelerators review your materials, Peony ensures you make a professional, organized impression.
Post-Accelerator: Preparing for Chinese Investors
After completing an accelerator program, many founders face the challenge of raising follow-on funding from Chinese VCs and investors. Success requires understanding Chinese investor expectations:
Documentation Chinese investors expect:
- Comprehensive business plan (detailed go-to-market for China)
- Financial models (revenue projections, unit economics, burn rate)
- Customer and partnership pipelines
- Competitive landscape analysis (Chinese and global competitors)
- Team expansion plans (especially local hiring)
- Regulatory and compliance documentation
Cultural considerations:
- Chinese investors often move quickly (faster than Western VCs)
- Relationships matter—warm introductions are critical
- Due diligence can be intensive (prepare detailed documentation)
- Local market knowledge is highly valued
- Government policy alignment is important
How Peony helps: Chinese investors increasingly expect professional, organized data rooms during fundraising. Peony's branded data rooms provide the polished, secure experience that Chinese VCs and strategic investors expect, with engagement analytics that help you prioritize follow-ups and understand investor interest patterns.