Forging a new era with momentum; EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 kicks off in Shanghai

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) 2026 officially kicked off today in Shanghai, marking the start of a new chapter for the program as it enters its next two decades. Themed “Forging a new era with momentum,” the program aims to identify and recognize entrepreneurs who embrace emerging technologies and pursue new growth opportunities amid the 15th Five-Year Plan transition. The award honors those who drive innovation and industry advancement, reinforcing China’s resilience for sustainable economic growth.

In March, China officially released the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, providing a strategic blueprint for the country’s development over the next five years. The Plan sends a clear and positive signal of support for entrepreneurship and the private sector, while reaffirming the important role businesses play in advancing national development. As the Plan is progressively implemented, enterprises across China will be presented with unprecedented opportunities arising from the accelerated development of new quality productive forces, including industrial upgrading, technological innovation, green transformation, global expansion and access to capital markets. For entrepreneurs and innovators, the time to seize these opportunities is now – seizing new technologies and models will unlock faster growth and support China’s sustained development.

Jack Chan, EY China Chairman and Greater China Regional Managing Partner, says: “The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program, one of the world’s most prestigious business awards, is preparing to embark on its next 20-year journey across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. This year’s theme, ‘Forging a new era with momentum’, reflects both the spirit of the times and the aspirations of the business community. EY Greater China Region remains steadfast in its professional purpose, serving the evolving needs of the nation and the expectations of enterprises. Through this platform, we hope to inspire private enterprises to embrace new opportunities, create new momentum for growth and harness the collective strength that will enable entrepreneurs to thrive in a new cycle of development.”

Since its inception 40 years ago, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ has expanded to 94 countries and regions worldwide. Introduced to the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau in 2006, the program celebrates the legacy and evolution of entrepreneurship, recognizing leaders who drive technological advancement and business model transformation with confidence and innovation.

The program has expanded in both scale and scope, evolving alongside global industrial development – from unlocking value in traditional sectors to spotlighting pioneers in hard-tech, new energy and advanced manufacturing. Today, it continues to honor entrepreneurs who exemplify a new era of innovation and resilience, while providing a broader stage for exchange, collaboration and appreciation.

Michael Bi, EY Greater China Markets Managing Partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 Program Co-chairman, says: “Over the past two decades, Chinese enterprises have evolved from participants in global industrial chains to leaders in strategic emerging industries, while taking a greater role in advancing China’s global economic integration. At the heart of this transformation is entrepreneurship, driven by vision, innovation and resilience.

“As global economic and technological shifts continue to reshape industries, China is placing greater importance than ever on entrepreneurs who bring together innovation and responsibility. We hope to identify forward-looking entrepreneurs who can seize emerging opportunities, drive breakthrough innovation and contribute to China's high-quality development.”

Patricia Xia, EY China Central Managing Partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 Program Co-chairman, says: “As a frontier of China’s reform and opening-up, Shanghai, with its open and inclusive spirit, has long been a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. As China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period, with its three leading industries and six emerging pillar industries, Shanghai is both a launchpad for industrial innovation and a fertile ground for entrepreneurship.”

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 program is now open for nominations. Over the next six months, candidates will be evaluated through a rigorous selection process based on four global criteria, including entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact. EY team invites nominations of outstanding business leaders who demonstrate vision, leadership and innovation and are helping shape the future of business and society.

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About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in 94 countries and regions. Visit us at www.ey.com/eoy for more information.

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