Swiss companies explore opportunities in Shanghai's Minhang district

Representatives of Swiss technology companies learn about Minhang district's industrial landscape. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland, SSIC Innovation Trip China 2025 took place at the Grand Neobay on Sept 23 in Minhang district, Shanghai.

This event brought together 20 leading Swiss technology companies to explore opportunities in biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Through site visits, policy briefings, project showcases, and networking sessions like the World Cafe, the event aimed to create strong connections between Chinese and Swiss innovators.

The Grand Neobay, an innovation-driven function area, in Minhang district. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

Since 2018, SSIC Innovation Trip China, organized by the Swiss-Sino Innovation Center, has facilitated the entry of 50 Swiss high-tech companies into the Chinese market. Many have already established operations in key regions like the Yangtze River Delta.

Minhang, a crucial part of Shanghai's innovation hub, is developing major industrial clusters in biomedicine, aerospace, and green technologies. These align well with Swiss expertise in precision manufacturing, biomedicine, and AI, providing a solid foundation for collaboration.

Tan Ruicong, deputy district mayor of Minhang, delivers a speech to welcome participants in SSIC Innovation Trip China 2025. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

Tan Ruicong, deputy district mayor of Minhang, expressed hopes that the event would help foster a world-class business environment by promoting R&D projects and technology transfer between the two countries.

Feng Jianhua, director of the Swiss-China Innovation Center, praised Minhang's capabilities and open business environment. He expressed optimism that this event would lead to new partnerships and opportunities, helping Swiss entrepreneurs connect with local partners and investors.

Swiss companies bring project showcases. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

Swiss delegates visited various sites in order to better understand Minhang's industrial landscape. The afternoon featured project showcases from 11 Swiss companies, highlighting innovations in biomedicine and AI. These included new treatments for heart disease, hair loss, and brain disorders, as well as smart city infrastructure and AI-powered health foods. The presentations attracted significant interest from Chinese companies and investors.

The World Cafe session encourages communication between Chinese and Swiss companies. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

The World Cafe session encouraged deeper interaction between Chinese and Swiss companies. Participants discussed topics like healthcare innovation and how European startups can enter the Chinese market. This relaxed setting encouraged creative thinking and rapid integration of diverse perspectives.

Representatives from Chinese and Swiss companies talk with each other. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

Julien Grogg, a Swiss company representative, expressed admiration for Minhang's capabilities and openness. He said he hopes the event would lead to meaningful partnerships and mutual benefits.

To further enhance collaboration, future initiatives will include signing agreements in life health and software, establishing a liaison station for ongoing support, and releasing a guide to attract more European innovation resources to Minhang.