Theme: The competition focuses on hot topics and cutting-edge fields in ophthalmology, including but not limited to research proposals or achievements with innovativeness and clinical potential in the following areas: artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, innovative drugs, novel surgical techniques, mechanisms of ocular diseases, new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts

Hosted by: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) of Sun Yat-sen University; Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO)

Eligibility: Early to mid-career ophthalmologists, researchers, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral fellows worldwide. There are no restrictions on nationality or region.

Competition Tracks:

1. Innovative Proposal Track: For novel research ideas that have not yet been initiated.
2. Innovation Achievement Track: For high-level, completed scientific research outcomes.

Timeline:

1. Call for Submissions

November - December 2025: Global call for submissions launches, and the promotional campaign begins.

2. Preliminary Review

20th of December 2025: Submission deadline. Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) will organize an international panel for a blinded review. The top 10 participants from each track (20 total) will be selected for the semi-finals. An additional 10 Merit Awards (non-advancing) will be conferred.

3. Semi-Finals

Early January of 2026: On-site semi-finals at ZOC. ZOC will cover round-trip travel and accommodation expenses for the 20 semi-finalists to participate in the semi-finals in Guangzhou. Participants who are unable to attend on-site shall have the opportunity to participate online, subject to prior approval by the Organizing Committee. Semi-finalists will present and defend their work before an international panel. The top 12 highest-scoring finalists from the semi-finals will be funded (including travel, accommodation, and APAO conference registration) to attend the APAO Congress in Hong Kong, among whom the top 6 will advance to the final competition.

4. Grand Finals

February 5-8, 2026, APAO Congress (Hong Kong): Live final presentations and defense. An international panel organized by ZOC will select the First, Second, and Third Prize winners in each track. 

Judging Criteria: Submissions will be evaluated comprehensively based on their innovation and scientific merit, with particular attention to their clinical potential and social impact. The review process will also assess the feasibility of the research plan and the strength of the applicant's preliminary foundation to ensure successful implementation.

Awards & Prizes:  

• First Prize (awarded in each track):

A Collaborative Open Grant provided by ZOC, including:

1. Research Funding: ¥300,000(CNY).
2. Access to laboratory space and equipment.
3. Mentorship from a team of expert advisors.

• Second Prize (awarded in each track):

A Collaborative Open Grant provided by ZOC, including:

1. Research Funding: ¥180,000(CNY).
2. Access to laboratory space and equipment.
3. Mentorship from a team of expert advisors.

• Third Prize (awarded in each track):

A Collaborative Open Grant provided by ZOC, including:

• Research Funding: ¥100,000(CNY).
• Access to laboratory space and equipment.
• Mentorship from a team of expert advisors.

• APAO Congress Funding: The top 12 semi-finalists (with the top 6 advancing to the finals) will be sponsored for travel, accommodation, and registration to attend the APAO Congress in Hong Kong..

Additional Benefits for Semi-Finalists and Merit Award Winners:

• Proof-of-Concept Support & Commercialization Assistance: Access to Guangzhou's Concept Verification Center, with facilitated connections to leading ophthalmic corporations and venture capital firms to support project translation and commercialization.

• Mentorship Program: A 12 to 24-month mentorship program from internationally renowned experts.

• Media Exposure: Promotional coverage for winning teams on influential media platforms.

REGISTRATION

Register & Submit Proposals

https://surveymars.com/q/mVBEABbin

For inquiries, please contact: zoc_apao@gzzoc.com

The Organizing Committee reserves the right of final interpretation of this event and its regulations.