Generously sponsored by Enlight Foundation

Dantong Zhang | China Cohort

EmpowerfulHer

EmpowerfulHer is a non-profit community dedicated to promoting women’s leadership in China through in person and online mentorship programs and workshops. EmpowerfulHer offers bilingual training in Chinese and English, addressing gender equality and encouraging women to excel as leaders across various sectors. To date, the venture has positively impacted over 200,000 women globally, and established partnerships with NGOs and universities worldwide – including Utrecht University, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University.

Faling Qiu | China Cohort

Her Theater

Her Theater addresses the underrepresentation and lack of resources for women in rural China by providing them with the tools to discover their voices and artistic talents through therapeutic arts. Through workshops, webinars, and community initiatives, Her Theater empowers women to harness the transformative power of drama and arts therapy to craft their narratives and build fulfilling lives. Since its launch, Her Theater has raised $10,000 in capital. Engaged over 500 followers, and conducted multiple workshops benefiting more than 100 participants.

Jiayan Zhang | China Cohort

ElevateU @ ConnectBridge

ElevateU @ ConnectBridge empowers women at various life and career stages by offering access to learning resources, mentorship, and confidence-building opportunities. Key programs include the Time Bank, which fosters community contributions by allowing participants to exchange skills and services; the Global Mentorship Program, which pairs women with professional mentors; and an affordable Life Coaching Program. To date, the venture has hosted several empowerment workshops, raised funds for girls’ education, and organized a Women’s Leadership and Coaching Summit to generate funds for charity.

Jerry Chen | US Cohort

Latte

Latte is a gamified mentorship platform designed to help university career service centers connect students with quality mentors quickly and effectively. Featuring a gamified interface, an AI assistant for matching and insights, and a data dashboard for administrators, Latte specifically targets underrepresented students who typically lack access to traditional networks. In Fall 2023, Latte facilitated over 500 mentor connections at NYU Stern with firms like EY, BCG, and IBM. By Spring 2024, Latte expanded to three additional institutions and secured $50,000 in capital to support further growth.

Jie (Vincent) Liu | US Cohort

MyTeaPal

MyTeaPal fosters community building and mental well-being by connecting tea enthusiasts through the ritual of tea. Addressing issues like burnout, depression, and isolation, MyTeaPal promotes mindfulness and meaningful connections via its app, which allows users to log tea experiences, share tasting notes, and connect globally. The venture also includes MyTeaPal Club, a subscription tea service. Since its launch in 2020, MyTeaPal has attracted over 20,000 registered users from 100+ countries, shipped 3,500 tea boxes, and achieved a Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) of $5,000.

Junlong Wang | US Cohort

Bridge Cultural Exchange Academy

Bridge Cultural Exchange Academy (BCEA) addresses global polarization by fostering global intelligence among youth (16-30) through virtual cultural summits and AI-powered exchanges. BCEA offers accessible and affordable programs like the Student Diplomacy Lab and Online Cultural Exchange Summit, promoting empathy and inclusivity. These initiatives, involving over 1,500 students from 21 countries, use gamification and digital peacebuilding to explore global challenges and foster collaboration. Since 2021, BCEA has organized 15 cultural shows and summits and secured $15,000 in capital.

Krystal Xinyu Zhang | China Cohort

Wholehearted Life

Wholehearted Life empowers professional women through workshops and coaching to address mental wellbeing. Founded on principles like nonviolent communication and mindful self-compassion, the venture offers tailored workshops for personal growth and conflict resolution, having impacted over 1,000 individuals through 40+ workshops and 100+ coaching sessions to date. Their latest workshop in China was sold out and received a 4.9/5 rating. The venture has raised $24,000 in capital.

Lijun Liu | China Cohort

China Northwest Youth Sustainable Development

China Northwest Youth Sustainable Development empowers non-elite university graduates from rural Gansu Province by supporting their job search process and skill development. By fostering a supportive community through interactive projects and activities, the venture enhances participants’ sustainable development skills and societal integration. Activities include simulated case practices with corporate mentors, diverse skill courses (from self-awareness to technical proficiency), and workshops led by industry experts. To date, the venture has impacted over 100 students across Gansu Province.

Qin Li | US Cohort

Camphor Tree Education Program

The Camphor Tree Education Program is dedicated to bridging educational disparities by providing free, interactive learning resources through an online platform. Targeting underserved communities lacking access to traditional educational materials, the venture creates curriculum-aligned content including videos, quizzes, and modules tailored to diverse learning needs. With $2,000 in capital raised, the program is enhancing access to quality education and reducing educational inequalities across China.

Zhili Liao | China Cohort

706 Youth space

706 Youth Space is dedicated to supporting youth cultural spaces and promoting co-living to combat urbanization-induced loneliness and foster civic engagement for sustainable cities and communities. The venture provides public cultural activities, skill exchanges, discussions, and affordable accommodation. Since its inception, 706 has expanded its influence through projects like “Living Lab” and “City Living Room,” which are present in 75 city communities worldwide with over 50,000 members and has built partnerships with more than 200 spaces.

Tianqi Wu | China Cohort

Unidle Treasures

Unidle Treasures facilitates the circulation of unused items through secondhand markets, aiming to reduce environmental impact and resource wastage. They allocate 30% of market revenue to charitable organizations addressing issues such as depression, children’s welfare, education, and marine conservation. Their mission is to popularize sustainable living and foster community through themed markets, eco-friendly brand showcases, and summer green parties near Hangzhou’s West Lake. To date they have engaged over 5,000 participants, supported 100 vendors, and donated roughly $3,000 to charitable causes.

Wenxi Lin | US Cohort

Star Champs Media

Star Champs Media specializes in multicultural communication and performing arts education, promoting cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion through events and artistic endeavors. Each month, Star Champs Media hosts 2-4 performing arts shows that attract audiences ranging from 200+ to over 1500+, providing a vibrant space for cultural exchange and appreciation. In addition, Star Champs Media hosts online bilingual reading groups engaging over 500 participants globally, offering weekly literary discussions and biannual showcases to celebrate diverse literary and performance arts talents.

Wenyu Zhou | US Cohort

Youth Unplugged

Youth Unplugged is focused on empowering young people in China to navigate career challenges and live authentically amidst economic uncertainty. Through its podcast and platform, Youth Unplugged shares candid stories of courage and resilience, offering practical guidance and inspiration. Hosted on major platforms like WeChat, Apple Podcasts, Xiaoyuzhou, and Ximalaya, the podcast has published 13 episodes with over 80,000 listens. With a growing community, the venture plans to expand content and engagement initiatives, including an upcoming online group launch.

Xinyue Huang | US Cohort

FemTech China

FemTech China is dedicated to advancing women’s health globally through innovative technologies specifically designed for feminine health needs. By bridging regional disparities, particularly in China, FemTech China promotes awareness and fosters an equitable healthcare future. Through high-impact events such as FemTech Forward 2024 @ Oxford University, the venture has forged partnerships with 20+ organizations.

Xu Yan | China Cohort

Wavewatts

Wavewatts is pioneering sustainable watercraft solutions by developing electric hydrofoil boats to combat environmental pollution caused by traditional boating methods. These innovative vessels reduce emissions and noise pollution, promoting eco-friendly water recreation and transportation. Wavewatts is currently in the financing stage and exemplifies a blend of technological innovation and environmental responsibility. Xu is also a 2021 Meritorious Winner, highlighting his ability to apply mathematical models to real-world challenges.

Xu Jia | US Cohort

Believing Seeing

Believing Seeing leverages visual and creative storytelling to inspire empathy, empower creativity, and drive global positive change. The venture focuses on producing high-quality visual content for diverse platforms and live events, aiming to amplify voices for social good. By collaborating with major events and organizations such as the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, Alibaba Double 11 Gala Night, and the International Olympic Committee, Believing Seeing has reached millions online. With $150,000 in capital raised, the venture continues to expand its impact and promote social change.

Yinying Gu | China Cohort

Translate4Good

Translate4Good is dedicated to breaking down language barriers for international organizations and NGOs while empowering young language professionals. By offering affordable translation, interpretation, and training services, Translate4Good has supported over 200 international conferences and partnered with 50+ NGOs, enhancing global cooperation and understanding. The venture is supported by a network of over 500 volunteer professionals, collaborates with entities like the Peaceland Foundation, and has raised $220,000 to support its efforts.

Yu Zheng | US Cohort

The Yibao Project

The Yibao Project provides micro-insurance solutions for people at the bottom of the socioeconomic pyramid in China, with a particular focus on families and individuals with cognitive or mental health challenges. Their bi-weekly online live streams and offline workshops have educated thousands on financial literacy, significantly enhancing their financial management and risk prevention capabilities. To date, the venture has impacted 150,000 households, settled 1,200 insurance claims, and raised $100,000 in capital with support from its team of 22 full-time employees.

Rex Zhang | US Cohort

Lavender Incubator

Lavender Incubator is dedicated to fostering the next generation of intersectional leaders amidst challenging societal constraints. By incubating student organizations on global university campuses and providing leadership development programs, the venture empowers youth to create identity-affirming communities and advocate for inclusion. To date, the venture has mentored 3 student organizations with 50+ coaching hours, collaborated with 15+ groups and international allies – cultivating a network of 20+ seasoned coaches, involved 1,500 participants, and raised $8,000 in capital.