Fresh business ideas impress prince

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, said he has seen "some incredible entrepreneurial activities going on in China", at Pitch@Palace China, part of a global entrepreneurship competition that took place in Beijing on Friday.

Three winning ideas from Chinese entrepreneurs focused on self-driving technology, a smart vending machine with artificial intelligence technology, and the craftsmanship of seamstresses from poor mountainous regions. They will represent China in the global final competition of Pitch@Palace, which will take place this December in the United Kingdom.

A total of 42 entrepreneurial pitches were selected, covering artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, big data, new materials and new energy. Each pitch was delivered in a three-minute presentation and had to win the favor of the audience of about 500, including technical experts, investors, entrepreneurs and officials from China and the UK.