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.

 

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: Customised private space, suitable for small and medium sised 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 sises, 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, commercialisation 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 organise 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?

We do not charge rent. Instead, we charge a quarterly incubation service fee. Upon first moving in, you will typically be required to pay three months' worth of service fees. Utilities and other charges are included in the incubation service fee.

 

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.

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).