Li Dak Sum Incubator began in 2017 as a collaboration between the University of Nottingham Ningbo China and the vision of Dr. Li Dak Sum, a renowned Singaporean industrialist and philanthropist whose generous donation brought this space to life. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to build a launchpad where global talent meets local opportunity. No silos. No red tape. Just a community of fearless founders, connected across borders.

From that first home inside UNNC's IEB Building, we've grown into a 9,800m² innovation hub in the heart of Yinzhou as a globally recognised member of the EU|BIC network under EBN, spanning 40 countries with over 180 certified members. We are the first and only incubator in China with this distinction.

 
Today, we are a true soft-landing pad for international deep-tech ventures, backing courageous founders from around the world as they take on the China market. From proof-of-concept to market entry, we don't just open doors. We help founders stay in the game.

Leardership

Professor Jon Garibaldi

Provost and Pro-Vice Chancellor

Professor Alain Chong

Vice Provost for Research and Knowledge Exchange

Operations team