The Seed Program is for early-stage tech founders from Spain and Latin America who want to validate their startup, build or refine their MVP and use China as a lever for technology, operations, capital or market expansion.

Typical candidates are at pre-seed or seed stage, with a clear problem to solve and initial work on product or prototype.

No, you do not need to be a student to participate.

However, the Seed Program is part of a UPM Expert Degree (“Open Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Asia”, 18 ECTS). This makes you a UPM student for the duration of the program and, if you were already a student, allows your home university to recognise your work in Shanghai as elective credits, an internship or part of your Master’s thesis.

The Seed Program is a 4-month, in-person incubation based at Tongji University in Shanghai.

During that time, we expect founders to be physically in Shanghai, combining training modules, mentoring, execution work and ecosystem events.

Yes.

Visas: we guide and support founders step by step through the visa process, including the official invitation letters and all required documentation.

Housing: the program provides access to on-campus double rooms (two participants per room) at Tongji University, at an approximate cost of €150 per month (paid by the participant). If you prefer other options, we help you explore off-campus housing near the campus.

We do not take equity or revenue share from startups. Participation in the Seed Program is fee-based.

Tuition and what it includes

• Tuition is €2,880.
• It includes all program modules, mentoring with the Xiji team and external mentors, office hours, events and access to our co-working space at Tongji University.
• It does not include flights, insurance or meals.

Funding options
Depending on your situation, several options may help cover all or part of the tuition:

• Support from your university or institution
  Your university or organisation can offer full sponsorship, a co-payment model, or leave the payment to the participant.
• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
  The program is eligible for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), which can provide 15,000 RMB per participant. We help accepted participants apply for this scholarship.
• Erasmus+ Traineeship and similar schemes
  If your home university recognises your work at Xiji as an internship, you may be able to access Erasmus+ Traineeship or equivalent mobility schemes.
• Regional and public funding
  In some cases, additional financial support can be offered in collaboration with regional governments or public agencies.

The most up-to-date information on fees and available funding is always published on the Seed Program page and communicated during the application process.

Seed founders work with a network of 100+ mentors and experts across China, Spain and Latin America. At the start of each cohort we run a structured matchmaking process to connect you with mentors aligned with your sector, stage and main challenges.

You will have access to:

• Expert-led modules on validation, product, finance, legal/IP, China market entry and fundraising
• 1:1 mentoring and office hours (validation, tech, finance, legal, marketing)
• Co-working and meeting spaces at Tongji University
• Practical legal and IP guidance through partner law firms and advisors
• Strategic support from the Xiji team on positioning, go-to-market and execution in China

The Seed Program is designed to put you in front of the right people in China, not just in classrooms. You can expect:

• Themed events and industry salons in Shanghai
• Roadshows with investors and corporates
• A Demo Day at the end of the program with a curated group of investors, VCs and ecosystem partners
• Introductions to tech parks, corporates and industrial partners relevant to your startup
• Ongoing access to Xiji’s extended network of founders, mentors, investors and institutions

By the end of the 4 months, founders typically:

• Reach pre-seed or seed readiness, with a validated problem–solution fit and often a working MVP
• Have a clearer China strategy (whether to enter the market, manufacture, source technology or raise capital)
• Strengthen their pitch, financials and fundraising story for investors
• Build a network of mentors, partners and potential clients in China and in their home region
• Join the Xiji alumni community, keeping access to intros, opportunities and future delegations

Applications to the Seed Program open in cohorts.

Founders can apply in two ways:

• Through our partner organisations (universities, incubators and public agencies)
• Directly via the Seed Program page, where we publish the application form and dates for each intake

The selection process normally includes an online application, an initial screening and an interview with the Xiji team.