Apart from being a pop star, EXO's Lay can now also add entrepreneur to his CV. 

The Chinese singer-songwriter's new business venture, Chromosome Entertainment Group, strives to recruit and coach trainees for them to become potential future superstars. 

Announced on his birthday, 7 October, Lay gifted fans with the news that the trainee selection programme is now officially open, where he also dropped a concept teaser of his new company. 

ENG: Looking forward to a change of color and a new life for the gods, this is the era for the real strong, this is your era! The 2020 Lay Zhang Chromosome Entertainment Group's trainee training and selection program will be officially launched today.

— Chromosome Entertainment Group (@ChromosomeEG) October 7, 2020

A poster and an application form were uploaded in Mandarin, and it briefly states that shortlisted candidates will be classified into groups of 'Rap', 'Dance', 'Vocal', and 'All-Around'. All applicants are welcome to enter as long as they are between 13-18 years old, regardless of gender.

Lay on the fusion of traditional Chinese music and contemporary pop, plus the motif of past and present life in solo album, Lit

To apply, candidates will have to submit a short video of themselves singing, dancing (hip-hop, K-pop, Freestyle, street-dance), showcasing a special talent, and talking about their personal dreams. 

ENG: In the name of Xuanwu (Almighty), Suzaku (VOCAL), Qinglong (RAP), and White Tiger (DANCE) we recruit the first trainees of the Chromosome Entertainment Group in 2020. The change of stars, the trial begins! The final LOGO of the Four Gods have been revealed.

— Chromosome Entertainment Group (@ChromosomeEG) October 7, 2020

2020张艺兴染色体娱乐集团练习生培养招募计划报名通道已开启，报名须知&所需资料内容详见海报——只要你够出色且能坚持到底，你得到的会远比你能想象的更惊喜。 pic.twitter.com/8JtCcAsu40

— Chromosome Entertainment Group (@ChromosomeEG) October 7, 2020 

According to the teaser video, Lay will be mentoring his own trainees, and his only "requirement" is that they beat him at his own game. 

I’m excited to share my trainee plan officially started through my new company @ChromosomeEG! pic.twitter.com/RkeYLgtjHQ

— Lay Zhang (@layzhang) October 7, 2020

As SM Entertainment is home to EXO, it is no surprise that the founder himself, Lee Soo Man, gave his well-wishes in a congratulatory video to Lay. 

感谢李秀满老师的祝福❤️未来与梦想携手，创造属于我们的时代！

ENG: Thank you for your blessings MR. LEE SOO-MAN❤️The future will join hands with dreams to create our own era！ pic.twitter.com/IQPkoLRxeM

— Chromosome Entertainment Group (@ChromosomeEG) October 7, 2020

Email your application and video to idolproducer@yxuniverse.com. Shortlisted applicants for the first round will be notified on 7 December via email.