Incheon, Shanghai Accelerate China Expansion with '2025 Big Wave Global'

Incheon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (Incheon CCEI) successfully concluded its '2025 Big Wave Global (China)' program, leading domestic startups that were poised to overcome the big challenges of entering the Chinese market to Shanghai. This special journey, held in Shanghai from November 25 to 28, focused on supporting promising domestic startups to tap into the enormous Chinese market and secure local investment. Incheon CCEI co-promoted this project in partnership with Eland China (EIV) and Korea Innovation Center China (KIC China), marking the first tangible outcome of the business agreement on China market entry signed with EIV last March. Seven carefully selected startups participated, specializing in AI medical care, bio-materials, healthcare, eco-friendly technologies, and digital content – areas closely aligned with China's strong market demand. These companies, chosen through document and presentation evaluations, received thorough pre-program support, from customized business diagnostics for China market entry to the preparation of professional Chinese IR materials and matching with potential local partners, ensuring they were fully prepared. The local schedule was filled with diverse programs designed to explore China's industrial ecosystem firsthand and seek investment opportunities. Participating companies visited key technology firms such as Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and CATL to experience the latest industry trends, and explored local retail spaces like Parkson Newcore to grasp market dynamics. Furthermore, they explored practical entry strategies through expert seminars on Chinese laws and regulations and local business strategies. The highlight was the Global Investment IR held at Shanghai EIV on the 27th of last month. Each startup fluently presented their innovative technologies and China market entry strategies based on their finely-tuned Chinese IR materials, while local investors and industry partners engaged in in-depth Q&A sessions and active one-on-one business meetings with keen interest. On the following day, the 28th, a technology exchange meeting was held at Fudan University in Shanghai, where in-depth discussions took place between Korean startups and Chinese universities and researchers on potential joint research, industry-academic cooperation, and pilot test applications, laying the groundwork for future collaboration. Lee Jae-sun, CEO of Incheon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, stated, "This program faithfully served as a powerful global entry platform connecting China's industrial, investment, and academic ecosystems," adding, "We will continue to actively support the successful overseas expansion of our startups through ongoing cooperation with EIV and KIC China." The seven courageous startups that embarked on this journey were Nearbrain, Osteobionics, VSPHARMTCH, Genohelix, Beyond Medicine, Millennial Works, and JH GLOBAL.