The UK innovation project’s delegation comprised researchers from higher education institutions, knowledge transfer platforms, and technology entrepreneurs. Notable members included Professor Yong-Jie Lu from Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London; Professor Yi Li, professor and chair in Textile Science and Engineering the University of Manchester; Dr. Kezhi Li, Assistant Professor in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, University College London; Brian Corbett, Consultant and Associate of the Cambridge Enterprise, the University of Cambridge; Allen Hao, Managing Director of CL Global; and Jian Cao, Head of Investment and Financing for the China market at Oxsens, Senzo Group. 

The UK innovation project delegation embarked on their journey with visits to the Guangming New District and the Qianhai Economic Zone in Shenzhen, renowned for their pivotal role in elevating cooperation levels within the Greater Bay Area and their significant stature in China’s innovation landscape. Immersing themselves in tours of the Centre for Translational Research, the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, and Bay Charm, delegates delved into Shenzhen's medical innovation platforms, as well as the local incubation system and favourable policies for launching technology and innovation projects.
 

The UK delegation visited the exhibition hall of the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory

The UK delegation learns about the background of the Centre for Translational Research

 
The UK delegation visits the high-tech laboratory

Furthermore, the delegation explored several cutting-edge enterprises and unicorn companies in the Qianhai Economic Zone, such as HaploX, PonyAi, E3A Healthcare, and BOLE Perfect Service. These companies, deeply entrenched in Shenzhen, are selected to be closely aligned with the sectors under the delegation's purview for the trip. The delegates were introduced to the latest advancements in healthcare technology and artificial intelligence projects, recounting their journey of establishing and expanding projects in the Greater Bay Area, the challenges for start-ups and the advantages of the entrepreneurial environment in the region compared to elsewhere in China and globally. 

Through this visit, the UK delegation delved deeper into Shenzhen's distinctive industrial ecosystem, which fosters favorable conditions for product financing, production, and implementation, consolidating by a tightly integrated collaborative model. CBBC, in partnership with Shenzhen counterparts, tailored information and potential partnerships to match each delegate's goals and expertise. Following firsthand experiences and engagements with local enterprises, the delegation gleaned insights into regional policies and business environments conducive to their interests. Witnessing the dynamic energy and vast potential for technological innovation in the Greater Bay Area, they eagerly anticipate future collaborations with the companies and institutions encountered during their visit.

 
The UK delegation listens to the introduction about the development and features of HaploX's tumor detection products from Shifu Chen, Founder & CTO of HaploX

 
Harry Chen, E3A Healthcare CFO, demonstrates infant health-testing products to the UK delegation.

The UK delegation experiences riding in an autonomous taxi at Pony.Ai

During the roundtable discussions following the visits, both Chinese enterprise representatives and the UK delegation engaged in in-depth discussions regarding their respective products and cooperation intentions. Together, they unearthed common ground and areas of innovation in their project directions, working collaboratively to explore feasible cooperation opportunities, and sharing suggestions for identifying potential partnerships.
 

Roundtable Discussion at HaploX

Roundtable Discussion with BOLE Perfect Service

As the highlight of this journey, the workshop with government officials from Hong Kong and Shenzhen provided the UK delegation with a comprehensive understanding of the overall business environment in the Greater Bay Area. Led by CBBC, the delegation dived deeper into the insights of rationales of different landing policies, business model, team talent acquisition, welfare measures for startups, risks and challenges in business operations and the must-knows. Secretary Liang Ke, Director Chen Hai, Deputy Director Tan Ya’an from the Qianhai Administration, along with Zhu Jingtai from Invest HK, Lu Jingmin from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), and Xu Pinhua from the Hong Kong Talent Engage, sat down with the UK project delegation. They elaborated openly and honestly on various policy advantages of the GBA as one of China's most open and economically vibrant regions, particularly in talent attraction and entrepreneurship environment. Policies such as the preferential tax rate, available fundings and subsistence and various supportive measures to attract entrepreneurs were highlighted.

Seminar between the UK delegation and representatives from Qianhai Administration, InvestUK, Hong Kong Talent Engage and OASES

With investment and financing as a pivotal focus of exploration, the UK delegation participated in the UK-China International Exchange: Innovation Project Roadshow. This collaborative event, supported by Shenzhen Angel FOF and the Sino-UK Angel Association, aimed to facilitate discussions on project investment and financing strategies, with a key emphasis on sharing the technological policy advantages of Shenzhen. The event attracted over 40 representatives from investment firms and project stakeholders. 
 

Isabel Xu, the Director of Knowledge Economy at CBBC, hosted the event

Zou Xiaolu, CEO of the Shenzhen Angel FOF presented investment project cases that highlighted the fund's strategic investments in 20 emerging industry clusters and eight key development directions aimed at accelerating technology transfer and industry advancement.

Xiaolu Zou, CEO of the Shenzhen Angel FOF

Representatives from Ernst & Young, the member organisation of CBBC, delved into policy initiatives driving technological innovation in the Greater Bay Area, the opportunities presented by the GBA for the TMT industry, and the tax incentives available in Qianhai. Positioned as key players in the technology innovation value chain, technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data analytics are poised to have significant impact in the Greater Bay Area.

 
A representative from Ernst & Young shares insights on investment and financing situations in China.

Partner Kevin Warburton from the international law firm HFW shared insights grounded in HFW's extensive industry knowledge, experience in providing foreign investment services to Chinese clients, and legal considerations for foreign technology companies operating in China.

 
Kevin Warburton, Partner in Disputes Practice in HFW

During the project roadshow segment, the UK delegation presented their projects to representatives from various investment firms and potential partnership ventures. Following the presentations, Chinese investors and other participants eagerly exchanged contact information with the UK representatives of projects that piqued their interest.

Professor Yong-Jie Lu, Professor of Molecular Oncology at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London
 

Dr. Kezhi Li, Assistant Professor in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, the University of London 

 
Professor Yi Li, full professor and chair in Textile Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials, School of Natural Science, the University of Manchester

 
Brian Corbett (left), consultant and associate of the Cambridge Enterprise; Allen Hao (right), Head of the Chinese Market of the Cambridge Enterprise

 
Aron Rachamin (online), President and COO at Senzo; Jian Cao (left), Head of Investment and Financing for the China market at Senzo

At the end of the roadshow, Tina Tu, Head of Technology Sector at CBBC announced the establishment of its Innovation Hub and invited comments and suggestions from participants to shape the idea for further development. This innovative platform aims to bring together UK and Chinese innovators and investors focused on the GBA region, providing a platform for showcasing and networking. The event is expected to revolve around various cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, medical technology, smart manufacturing, green technology, inviting project owners and investors to participate collaboratively to foster cooperation and development in the realm of technological innovation. Leveraging CBBC's influence in both the UK and China, it is anticipated that the Innovation Hub will attract more high-quality projects and business opportunities to the local area, further promoting deep cooperation between China and the UK on an international scale.

 
Tina Tu, Head of the South China Region and Sector Lead of Technology and Innovation at CBBC, introducing the CBBC Innovation Hub

Following the successful conclusion of the Shenzhen segment, part of the UK delegation proceeded to Zhuhai's Hengqin district. Hengqin, as a vital bilateral economic zone between Guangdong and Macau, has attracted significant attention due to its unique geographical location and preferential policies. Under the guidance of the Zhuhai Hengqin Development Company, delegation members visited the Hengqin-Guangdong-Macau Cooperation Zone Exhibition Hall, the Hengqin-Macau Youth Entrepreneurship Valley, and the Hengqin International Science and Technology Innovation Centre. Through discussions, they gained insights into the region's innovative achievements and acquired a deeper understanding of the distinctive project incentive policies, different yet equally noteworthy compared to those in Shenzhen's Qianhai area.

The UK delegation visits the Hengqin-Guangdong-Macau Cooperation Zone Exhibition Hall in Zhuhai

 
Group photo of UK delegation with Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Development representatives and CBBC

CBBC remains committed to fostering collaboration with the Greater Bay Area. The inaugural CBBC UK-GBA Conference was held last November.

If you're intrigued by our upcoming activities for higher education innovation and knowledge exchange, feel free to connect with Isabel Xu, Director Knowledge Economy via Isabel.xu@cbbc.org.