Fact-finding innovation mission: assessing China’s medical biotech landscape
Are you interested in China's technological advances in medical biotechnology? Then join us on an informative trip to Shanghai, Suzhou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. This unique opportunity offers you an in-depth insight into the country's biotechnology landscape, with direct access to experts from the research world, industry and government. Discover the potential challenges and opportunities within China's rapidly evolving biotechnology sector.
Attendee information
Attendee information- Participation costs €250 per person, excluding VAT, travel and accommodation expenses, and all individual costs.
- Register by 15 January 2026.
Organiser
Organiser- Netherlands Enterprise Agency
- Netherlands Innovation Network in China
Who should join?
This mission is open to innovators, researchers, engineers, clinicians, ethicists, entrepreneurs, business developers, ecosystem managers and anyone involved in:
- research organisations;
- medical centres;
- technology companies;
- science parks and (biotech) network organisations.
If you are active in medical biotechnology, this innovation mission may be of interest to you.
Why China?
China is rapidly becoming a global leader in biotechnology, driven by societal challenges such as climate change, ageing populations and rising healthcare costs. The country has made biotechnology a national priority and is investing heavily in research and development in areas such as DNA sequencing, precision medicine, automation and medical AI. Chinese biotech companies and research institutes are now highly regarded internationally, with more patent applications than the EU and, in some areas, even more than the US. In 2023, China was the world leader in clinical trials, leaving both the EU and the US behind.
Despite geopolitical tensions, Western biotech companies continue to collaborate with Chinese partners, particularly in contract manufacturing and research. By 2024, China accounted for more than 25% of global drug licensing agreements, up from 5% in 2020, with major deals totalling $16.5 billion.
China is also a leader in synthetic biology, with a large global market share in biochemicals such as citric acid (76%), vitamins (75%) and amino acids (68%). The high degree of automation in the sector, driven by companies such as BGI, Insilico.ai and Beigene, increases the efficiency of research and development and reduces costs. In addition, quantum computing is being integrated into drug development, with the first experiments already underway.
Government policies, such as streamlined regulations, annual government funding (€2.6 billion in 2023) and incentives for data-driven research, are accelerating the growth of biotechnology. Key regions such as Shanghai and Guangzhou are developing into major biotech hubs. Shanghai's biotech cluster comprises approximately 3,000 life sciences companies, with annual R&D expenditure of $15 billion, while Bio-Island in Guangzhou is home to more than 500 companies focusing on both R&D and industrial-scale production.
What to expect?
The primary objective of this fact-finding mission is to assess technological developments in the medical biotechnology sector in China. By connecting with experts from industry and academia, you will gain valuable insights into China's biotechnology landscape, with a focus on:
- medical and pharmaceutical applications;
- the role of automation in the industry;
- the country's leadership in clinical trials.
In line with the Dutch Biotech Vision 2025 and the National Technology Strategy, this mission offers a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the rapidly evolving innovations in biotechnology in China. The insights gained are important for evaluating the potential implications of these developments for the Netherlands and help to identify both opportunities and challenges. This will assist in making informed decisions about how your organisation can strategically position itself in relation to China's progress.
Draft programme
The planned programme includes participation in the BIOCHINA conference in Suzhou, with an exhibition and specialised forums.
In addition, you will visit leading biotech campuses, research institutes and prominent companies in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Here you will meet with leading experts from the sector, researchers and policymakers.
We will tailor the final programme as much as possible to your interests as a participant.
- Arrival in Shanghai
- Briefing: Introduction to the mission and objectives
- Optional Dinner: Policy/Industry/Invest expert
Visit ZhangJiang High Tech park, including leading companies and startups
- Explore the BIOCHINA exhibition and participate in forums
- Networking reception with industry professionals
- Visit Rujing Hospital, plus keynote on policy
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science
- Clinical trials policy and practice in China
- Travel to Shenzhen with optional cultural activities
- Visit to Guangdong Medical Valley
- Dinner with keynote on: policy/business/invest expert
- Visit Research Institute: Tour a leading biotech research institute
- Visit Company: Meet with a prominent biotech company
- Optional Dinner: Networking with local biotech leaders
- Visit Company: Explore another key biotech company
- Debrief & Closing: Summary of key insights
- Departure: Transfer to Hong Kong airport for departure.
Costs
The cost of participating in the innovation mission is €250 per person, excluding VAT. This includes:
- participation in the collective programme
- transport to and from programme components
- lunch and dinners, if specified in the final programme
Participation does not include:
- travel and accommodation costs (intercontinental flights and hotels)
- all individual costs, such as lunches and dinners outside the programme
Registration
If you are interested in participating in this innovation mission, please complete the online registration form before 15 January 2026.
Please note: registration does not automatically mean participation. Final participation depends on the number of places available and the extent to which your organisation aligns with the mission's objectives.
Would you like to know more?
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact:
Niels van Leeuwen
Senior Advisor International R&D Life Sciences & Health
- E: innovatiemissies@rvo.nl
- M: +31 (0)6 5256 3310
For logistical questions, please contact innovatiemissies@rvo.nl.
Would you like more information about innovation missions? Visit our information page (in Dutch).
