The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held from November 5th to 10th, 2024, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Organized by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government. The CIIE promotes trade liberalization and economic globalization, facilitates global economic cooperation, and drives world economic growth and openness.
The CIIE Innovation Incubation Special Section
A key highlight of CIIE since 2021 has been the Innovation Incubation Special Section. This dynamic platform has showcased 524 projects, attracting significant attention from both domestic and international audiences. For 2024, the Innovation Incubation Special Section will focus on four key tracks:
- Digital economy
- Green and low-carbon technologies
- Life sciences
- Manufacturing technology
High-quality incubators, innovation centres, and accelerators from around the world are invited to participate, offering comprehensive support such as space, guidance, financing, and promotion. The 7th CIIE will feature enhanced award activities and increased opportunities for media exposure and investor engagement, making it a transformative event for startups seeking to broaden their reach and impact.
Opportunities for European and Global Startups and SMEs
The Innovation Incubation Special Section at the CIIE encompasses an innovative system of “incubation acceleration + investment drive + scenario access.” This multifaceted approach combines exhibition and trade activities, enabling innovative enterprises to expand their networks and accelerate their market presence in China. Participating in the CIIE allows startups to leverage effective trade and investment connections, customer matching, and in-depth exchange between government and business.
Key benefits include:
- Effective trade and investment connection: The Innovation Incubation Section facilitates trade and investment connections and customer matching, helping startups establish valuable business relationships and expand their networks.
- In-Depth political and business exchanges: Events such as the Hongqiao International Economic Forum and associated high-level activities bring together dignitaries, international organization leaders, global business leaders, experts, and government representatives to discuss and promote the CIIE, fostering engagement and cooperation.
- Enhanced local engagement: The “CIIE Goes Local” event extends invitations to exhibitors to various provinces and cities in China, establishing specialized investment and trade platforms tailored to local industries and concerns.
- Industry insights and development: The Enterprise Alliance’s activities offer insights into industry development, innovation, and government policies.
- Expanded audience and participant lineup: The 6th CIIE attracted 3,486 companies from 128 countries, including 289 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders. This strong lineup, supported by nearly 600 government trading sub-delegations and more than 150 industry trading sub-delegations, amplifies the event’s impact and global reach.
- Streamlined procurement and investment opportunities: The “Supply and Procurement Hall” online platform, alongside various offline activities, facilitates precise trade and investment connections between exhibitors and local authorities, improving the efficiency of procurement and investment opportunities.
- Domestic and international media exposure: The event draws thousands of Chinese and foreign media reporters, ensuring extensive coverage and high visibility. Special activities, such as the “CIIE Stories” promotion and the CCTV New Product Release Platform, offer exceptional opportunities for companies to enhance their brand awareness.
Additionally, the CIIE Innovation Incubation Special Section organizes award competitions and supporting activities, providing high-quality project roadshows and publicity opportunities. These include project roadshows, award announcements, investment promotions, and on-site agreement signings, offering startups ample opportunities to showcase their innovations and gain visibility.
How to apply
European startups wishing to participate in the CIIE Innovation Incubation Section can submit their applications through the CIIE official website.
- Eligibility criteria: The Innovation Incubation Section is open to seed-stage, early-stage, and growth-stage innovative enterprises that are not yet publicly listed.
- Booth details: The cost for a booth in the Innovation Incubation Section, which includes standard booth construction, basic lighting, basic electricity, tables & chairs, and cabinet, is US$450 or RMB 3,150 per 4.5 square meters. Exhibitors also have the option to design and build their own booths.
- Registration process: Interested startups can complete their registration through the CIIE official website by navigating to the Enterprise Business Exhibition section and selecting Exhibition Registration. The registration link is available here.
- Support and inquiries: For additional support and information, startups can contact the organizers via email at [email protected] or by calling +86-968888.
Participating in the CIIE Innovation Incubation Special Section offers valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and a strategic entry point into the Chinese market.
Success stories and testimonials
The CIIE Innovation Incubation Special Section has played an important role in transforming numerous startups, providing them with the exposure, resources, and connections necessary to significantly influence their business trajectories. Here are a few notable success stories:
- PeroPure: Incubated in Silicon Valley in 2019, PeroPure specializes in the comprehensive application of electrochemical technology. Following its participation in the 4th Innovation Incubation Section at CIIE, PeroPure successfully completed its A round of financing within three years, achieving a valuation exceeding 300 million CNY. The company once again showcased its products at the sixth CIIE, further expanding its market presence.
- SKINRUN (SEA) PTED. LTD: Headquartered in Singapore’s Redhill Centre, SKINRUN offers professional care equipment and innovative technology in aesthetic medicine. During the sixth CIIE, SKINRUN secured a full agency contract for collagen machines in Hong Kong, demonstrating the event’s capacity to facilitate significant business deals.
- Clickdishes: Originating from Alberta, Canada, Clickdishes specializes in the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics technology. At the sixth CIIE, the company garnered attention from leaders in Yangpu District and major media outlets. During a Canadian exhibitor matchmaking meeting, Clickdishes signed a contract with Shanghai Junhe Group to promote a project at West China Hospital in Sichuan. The company also established connections with Shanghai Jiashitang and Lingang Group for equipment procurement and investment opportunities.
The CIIE Innovation Incubation Special Section has also served as a hub for international collaboration and development. Diplomats from several countries, including France, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Japan, and Korea, have visited the Innovation Incubation Section to participate in seminars and engage in discussions on innovation and development. These interactions further underscore the global significance and appeal of the CIIE as a platform for fostering international business relationships and innovation.
Conclusion
The CIIE Innovation Incubation Special Section presents a unique value proposition for European and global startups and SMEs, providing an unparalleled gateway into the expansive Chinese market. This dynamic platform not only facilitates trade and investment connections but also fosters deeper government and business exchanges, local area engagement, and extensive media exposure. Participation in the CIIE enables startups to showcase their creativity and promote their products in China.
As we look forward to the 7th CIIE in November 2024 in Shanghai, we encourage startups and SMEs to seize this opportunity to showcase their innovations and connect with potential partners and investors. Furthermore, the CIIE has kicked off the application process for global exhibitors interested in participating in the 8th China International Import Expo, scheduled for November 2025. For more information, please visit the CIIE website.
