What is the application process?

The application process consists of four steps:

Step 1 – Preliminary consultation: Our team explains the vetting rules and eligibility criteria to applicants, answers questions about the application, and provides strategic guidance to help refine project positioning.

Step 2 – Eligibility screening: We perform initial eligibility screening and send shortlisted applications to the vetting panel on a quarterly basis.

Step 3 – Panel review: Shortlisted applicants present their business plans to the panel. Panel members score the applications, make comments, and reach an agreement on selections.

Step 4 – Notification of results: Within one week after the panel review, the operation team notifies applicants of the results by email.

 

How to proceed business registration?

The incubator provides one-stop business registration support. We assist with business license application, company seal, tax registration, and corporate bank account opening. A legal registered address is available, allowing registration without renting a physical office.

 

What types of workspace are available?

The incubator covers an area of 9,800+ square meters and offers a variety of workspace options:

  • Independent Offices: Customized private space, suitable for small and medium sized teams of 3-20 people.

  • Co-worker Membership: Open seats with shared space, dedicated seating, creative exchange, and resource connectivity.

  • Roadshow Classroom: Available for innovation activities and roadshows, can be used by up to 150 people.

  • Meeting Rooms: A variety of meeting rooms of different sizes, free online booking, fully equipped.

  • Public Leisure Area: A place for relaxation, thinking, and creation.

What should I pay attention to during the pitch? What is the format and scoring criteria?

Pitch format: 8 minutes for presentation + 5 minutes for Q&A.

Scoring criteria: Project team, project product/service offering, commercialization potential, connection to university development.

 

How to solve talent recruitment requirement?

The incubator provides multi-channel talent recruitment support. We regularly publish an in-house recruitment bulletin for tenants, maintain ongoing partnerships with university career centers, and organize participation in campus job fairs.

 

What other services and policy support are available?

Basic services: free utility & property management, shared reception, security, and cleaning.

Professional services: legal advisory, tax & accounting outsourcing, intellectual property filing, start-ups certification guidance.

Financing: regular investor matchmaking events.

Policy application: assistance with provincial/municipal/district startup subsidies.

 

What is the exit process and annual assessment?

Exit process: Submit an exit application 30 days before lease expiration or upon voluntary withdrawal, settle all outstanding fees, return the desk/office, and receive a "Graduate Certificate" or "Exit Confirmation".

 

How do I pay the rent?

Payment is quarterly. First lease typically requires 3 months' rent in advance plus 1 month's deposit. Utilities and property management fees are included in the rent.

 

What is EastPad China – your 12-month launchpad?

EastPad China is our flagship soft-landing initiative for international startups seeking to enter the China market. With UNNC as the hub, we provide comprehensive support through a '3-Phase Pipeline': Screening → Validation → Landing. It includes low-risk market testing (6–12 months), trilateral support from government, industry, and capital, and access to Nottingham's tri-campus innovation ecosystem.

 

What funding opportunities are available through EastPad China?

The programme offers two tiers:

Path Finder Fund (¥50,000 – ¥200,000 per project) for pre-landing, and Translational Fund (¥200,000 – ¥2,000,000 per project) for landing. Committed projects may receive priority recommendation for the Yongjiang Talent Program (up to ¥20 million).