The Sand Industry Professional Competition is set to take place in September in Alshaa League, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The competition, a standout event within the 12th China Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, aims to spearhead advancements in desertification control and green development.

Serving as a collaborative platform, the competition is expected to foster the growth of the sand industry in Alshaa League while driving economic progress in Inner Mongolia.

With a prize pool of 1.4 million yuan ($199,714.69) at the finals, the competition is split into two groups: Startup Enterprises and Growing Enterprises. Each group's champion grabs a hefty 150,000 yuan prize. Eligible participants should hold a clean track record, favorable social reputation, and be non-listed micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises with 2022 annual revenues not exceeding 200 million yuan. Semifinalist teams will convene in Alshaa League in late October for the final showdown.

Lyu Rui, director of the Alshaa League's science and technology bureau, introduces the details and highlights of the competition on Aug 22 in Beijing. [Photo/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An array of complementary events will also be introduced, including an exhibition spotlighting the sand industry's innovation achievements and an investment promotion conference in Alshaa League.

Drawing on expert insights and institutional know-how, the competition will evaluate and energize enterprises, nurturing topnotch growth in China's sand industry. To attract prominent companies to join in the event and establish businesses in Alshaa League, local authorities have introduced supportive policies, fast-tracking sci-tech achievements, with the goal of blending innovation, industry, capital, and talent, the organizer said.

Under the guidance of the Organizing Committee of the China Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, the event is hosted by Alshaa League Administrative Office and the Department of Science and Technology of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is organized by the Alshaa League’s science and technology bureau and the people's government of Alshaa Left Banner, Alshaa League.