Berlin X China

17. November 2023 - Berlin Partner organized a company delegation to Beijing and Shanghai from 6^th to 10^th November 2023. It was an amazing week with so many highlights!

The focus of the trip were the fields energy technology, mobility and AI. Representatives from the companies Jina AI, IQONIC, Staex, Think Voltaic, Yoona AI, EVA Drones, WorldtoWorld and the networks INAM and Urban Innovation took part in our trip.

Our journey kicked off with an enlightening visit to the Berlin Business Desk China and the German Center. The stage was set with a captivating economic briefing by Jens Hildebrandt from the AHK Greater china and the CEO of the German Centre, Jochen Teenhagen, giving us a glimpse of the exciting path ahead.

The future of transportation became a reality as we visited the industrial park Yizhuang. In the Beijing High-level Automated Driving Demonstration Area, we had the thrill of test-driving an autonomous bus. Our excitement continued as we took a ride in the Baidu Apollo Park Robotaxi.

The Innovation Dialogue at the German Embassy in Beijing was a highlight, where we had the privilege to connect with key figures in the business world and political representatives from Germany and Beijing. Dr. Alexandra Mikityuk from Staex, Yiran Li from Berlin Business Desk China, Alex Zhao from 36Kr and Han Xiao from Jina AI, shared their experiences during the innovation dialogue moderated by Sandra Schulze from Berlin Partner. The evening was opened by Dr. Thomas Weithöner from the German Embassy, Eda Özbay from the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and Anna Wiese from Berlin Partner.

Our time in Beijing wrapped up with a guided bus tour by Jelte Wingender from Founderslair. We explored the startup and innovation ecosystem in Beijing, including a visit to a battery exchange station for taxis at the Dongcheng Tiantan Park Station Electric Vehicle Exchange Station.

Then we headed with the speed train ot Shanghai.  Attending the German Startup Night in cooperation with German Accelerator provided a great opportunity for the Berlin delegation to connect with the startup ecosystem of Shanghai.

On Wednesday, 8^th November, we got a good impression of one of China’s biggest trade fairs CIIE and our delegation pitched to the audience at the German Pavilion. In a guided tour, we met some interesting companies such as Covestro and Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH that are active in advanced materials and IoT-solutions

In the evening we invited to a special event Berlin meets Shanghai: A night at the Huangpu. Our boat event in Shanghai has already become a tradition for our China delegation trips. Once again it was a memorable night with old friends and new business partners and of course the impressive view of the skyline of Shanghai.

On 9^th November, the Sino German Innovation Conference took place, organized by the Drivery Shanghai. Our startups could take part and pitch. The event provided a good opportunity to connect with VC, corporates and startups from China. At the same day, the Xceleration Days of AHK Greater China took place. Our delegates had the opportunity to take part in two panels discussions about mobility, energy tech and AI. Once again, they could show their impressive solutions and products to the audience.

The last visit of our trip was another highlight. We had the chance to visit one of the pioneers in building innovative air taxis for AAM and UAM which are safe, quiet and sustainable. The lunch with their CEO Mr. Yu Tian and their Investor Lukasz Gadowski from Team Hero was an unforgettable experience.

Thanks a lot for the support: Berlin Business Desk China, Berlin Senate for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises