On 3 September 2026, the Global Youth Dialogue Among Civilizations Alliance (GYDCA) welcomed a delegation from the Beijing Youth Federation (BYF) to STATION F, at the heart of the French startup and innovation ecosystem.
Taking place two days after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between GYDCA and BYF, the visit offered a first opportunity to begin translating the two organizations’ shared ambitions into concrete avenues for cooperation.
Discovering the French innovation ecosystem
During their visit, the delegation explored the distinctive environment of STATION F and learned more about its role in supporting startups, entrepreneurs and innovation programmes.
The visit gave participants an insight into the campus’s incubation model and the dynamic community that brings together entrepreneurs, investors and organizations supporting the development of new ideas.
The delegation particularly appreciated discovering this emblematic hub of French innovation and the entrepreneurial energy that drives it.
Beyond introducing the visitors to a major component of the French Tech ecosystem, the visit created an opportunity to compare approaches to entrepreneurship in France and China and to reflect on how international cooperation can help young innovators develop their projects.
Turning partnership into opportunities
The exchanges focused on ways to connect young entrepreneurs and innovators from China and Europe, facilitate access to international networks and create opportunities for projects to develop across borders.
These conversations reflected the purpose of the recently signed agreement between GYDCA and BYF: moving beyond institutional commitments to develop practical initiatives that empower young people and connect them with new ideas, partners and ecosystems.
Next stop: an international entrepreneurship competition
The visit also looked ahead to the 10th China (Shenzhen) Innovation and Entrepreneurship International Competition, scheduled to take place on 29 September 2026 at Paris La Défense.
The competition will offer startups and young entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their innovations, meet investors and discover the possibilities offered by China’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By connecting this forthcoming competition with the delegation’s visit to STATION F, GYDCA aims to build bridges between French and Chinese innovation communities and encourage ambitious young entrepreneurs to consider opportunities beyond their national borders.
