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2025 New York University China-US Startup Competition concluded successfully on November 22 at Vanderbilt Hall, NYU School of Law. The event convened an elite group of founders, venture capitalists, and industry leaders, drawing an audience of over 300 attendees. Embracing the theme of “Openness, Innovation, and Connection,” this year’s competition spotlighted the transformative power of artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs), and cross-border technology services. The event served as a vital platform for young entrepreneurs to transcend geographic boundaries, leveraging the unique AI ecosystems of both China and the United States to forge new pathways for global commerce.
A distinct trend emerged from this year’s submissions: the acceleration of AI integration into vertical industry scenarios, particularly within social commerce and digital marketing. Among the finalists, innovative teams showcased solutions applying AI to multimedia marketing, renewable energy, and next-generation content creation.
To gain deeper insight into the core challenges and opportunities facing founders in this rapidly evolving space, we interviewed one of this year’s distinguished judges, Kaixi (Alex) Yang, Co-Founder and President of Boost Engine Tech.
Alex is a leading figure in the social commerce revolution. His company, Boost Engine Tech, is an AI-driven brand management powerhouse that fuels brand growth and creator success on TikTok Shop. Founded by industry veterans, the company combines advanced algorithms with deep branding insights to drive viral growth and maximize ROI. Under Alex’s leadership, Boost Engine has become a top US TikTok Shop Partner (TSP), collaborating with thousands of creators and global brands. The company’s rapid ascent has earned it prestigious accolades, including recognition in the 2025 Forbes Startups 100 series and being named a TikTok Shop 2025 TSP Top Agency.
Alex speaking and engaging with founders as a judge at NYU’s China–US Startup Competition.
Navigating the TikTok Shop Boom: Execution is Everything
Interviewer: As a leader of a Top TSP Agency, how do you view the current landscape for brands entering social commerce?
Kaixi (Alex) Yang: We are at a unique inflection point. The infrastructure of social commerce is maturing, but the competition is intensifying. Capital, markets, and timing windows will not wait for you.
For brands, the challenge is no longer just “being present” on social media; it’s about precision. This is why at Boost Engine, we emphasize data-driven strategies. We use AI to analyze performance data and optimize creator content continuously. Breakthroughs come from whether you can make earlier, faster, and sharper decisions based on real-time feedback. Being recognized by the Forbes Startups 100 series validates our belief that the future belongs to those who can execute with both speed and precision.
Technical Trends: Agentic AI and the Rise of the “AI Agency”
Interviewer: Based on the projects you’ve observed today and your work at Boost Engine, what technical trends do you see defining the next few years?
Kaixi (Alex) Yang: I believe 2026 will be a pivotal year when AI applications shift from passive generation to active execution—moving from general models to highly specialized, Agentic AI systems.
At Boost Engine, we are already pioneering this shift. We are moving beyond just using Generative AI for content creation; we are deploying AI Agents that function as autonomous operators. These agents don’t just write text; they pull from different proprietary tools to execute complex workflows—from precise creator discovery and performance scoring to automated collaboration and operations management.
We are essentially building an “AI Agency“—a system where AI agents handle the operational heavy lifting, allowing human creativity to scale exponentially. The next generation of tech companies will be shaped by founders who can identify real scenarios where these agents can solve pain points and drive monetizable workflows. Whether in China or the US, the winners will be those who can leverage these advanced AI systems to deliver measurable results.
“The Real Moat is Bridging Data with Human Creativity”
Interviewer: In your view, what differentiates a successful AI founder in the social commerce space today?
Kaixi (Alex) Yang: I believe the most critical capability is not just technical innovation, but the ability to bridge data with human creativity. We are entering an era where resources are accessible, but execution is the differentiator.
At Boost Engine, we apply the logic of the 5A Model—moving audiences from Awareness to Advocacy—but we power it with AI. Many players stop at “Appeal,” chasing viral views and likes. But the real moat is building an infrastructure that identifies creators who can successfully drive the consumer journey all the way to “Act” and “Advocate.”
We leverage proprietary AI tools—from customer sentiment analysis to performance-based creator matching—not to replace the human element, but to direct it. The real value lies in this application layer: using data to craft stories that don’t just get watched, but scientifically convert passive viewership into active sales and long-term brand loyalty.
“Systems Beat Silos: The Power of End-to-End Solutions”
Interviewer: You’ve built Boost Engine into a top agency in a very short time. What is the key to scaling in such a volatile market?
Kaixi (Alex) Yang: It comes down to building a comprehensive system rather than working in silos. Entrepreneurship in the creator economy isn’t about one person grinding alone or one lucky viral video—it’s about building a scalable infrastructure.
We provide end-to-end solutions, from strategy to execution. Whether it’s automated collaboration workflows or advertising insights, every piece of technology we build is designed to create a seamless loop between brands and creators. In the early stage, alignment and rhythm are everything. A team running in the same direction, backed by data-driven strategies, will always outperform scattered efforts.
Alex (Center) speaking at the Second China–US Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
“The Human Algorithm: Radical Stewardship as a Growth Strategy”
Interviewer: You’ve scaled rapidly to work with thousands of creators and major global brands. Beyond the AI and data, what do you believe is the core value that defines Boost Engine’s culture and keeps these partners coming back?
Kaixi (Alex) Yang: I believe it goes beyond just being “client-centric”; we operate with a philosophy of Radical Stewardship.
We view every brand and creator not as a transaction, but as a relationship we are sworn to protect. I always tell my team: treat every partner’s business as if it were your own family’s. You would never want them to be worse off because of your advice.
This requires a level of sincerity and integrity that is rare in this industry. For a creator, it means we won’t push a product that damages their reputation for a quick commission. For a brand, it means we have the responsibility to stop a campaign if the data shows it’s not working, rather than burning their budget. We protect their long-term interests as fiercely as we protect our own. In an era of algorithms, trust is the only currency that never depreciates.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Responsible Innovation
As the 2025 NYU China-US Startup Competition drew to a close, the dialogue shifted from mere technical feasibility to sustainable impact. Kaixi (Alex) Yang’s contribution to this discourse offered a defining blueprint for the next generation of founders.
By marrying the precision of the 5A Model with the moral weight of Radical Stewardship, Alex has charted a course where technology serves not just as an accelerator, but as a stabilizing force for trust. In a landscape often defined by rapid, transactional growth, Boost Engine Tech stands out by championing a model of responsible, protective partnership.
As Boost Engine continues to redefine the standards of the US TikTok Shop ecosystem, Alex’s vision serves as a powerful testament to a crucial truth: in an age of artificial intelligence, the ultimate competitive advantage remains human integrity.
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Photos provided by Sky Link Building.
