EastPad China – Your 12-Month Launchpad.
Your first mile and gateway to China.
A 12-month, challenge-based programme supporting advanced international startups seeking entry into the Chinese market, anchored by the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.
What is 12 EastPad China Programme？
EastPad China is our flagship soft-landing initiative. Through a '3-Phase Pipeline' (Screening → Validation → Landing), we provide:
- Low-risk market testing: 6–12 month China market validation period
- High-value resources: Trilateral support from government, industry, and capital
- Dual gateway: Access to Nottingham's tri-campus innovation ecosystem
Co-led by: UNNC Li Dak Sum Incubator · Ningbo Government · Nottingham Tri-Campus Ecosystem.
Why join?
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Hands-on market entry support: workshops on pitching, GTM strategy, and legal aspects.
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Direct access to leading chinese corporates: Geely, DJI, and "Six Little Dragons of Hangzhou".
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Path to pilots and PoCC: engage directly with committed corporates.
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Strategic gateway to china: use Ningbo as a launchpad.
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Boost innovation visibility: showcase at Global Pitch.
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Accelerate global scaling: expert guidance from UNNC faculty and corporate partners.
Programme Timeline (First Cohort – 2027)
| Phase | Date | Activity |
|---|
| Application Opens |
March 1, 2027 |
Online portal live |
| Application Closes |
May 31, 2027 |
Submission deadline |
| Selection Announcement |
June 15, 2027 |
Notified |
| Kick-off Webinars |
July - August 2027 |
China policy, cross-cultural training |
| Immersion Lab (Ningbo) |
September 13-17, 2027 |
1-week residency |
| Global Pitch & Demo Day |
September 20-21, 2027 |
Showcase |
| Market Validation Phase |
September 2027 - February 2028 |
Pilot development, fundraising |
| Ongoing Support |
March 2028 onward |
Mentorship |
What You Get
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Phase 1 (Pre-landing): Webinars, Path Finder Fund (¥50k-200k)
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Phase 2 (Landing): 1-week Immersion Lab, Global Pitch, Translational Fund (¥200k-2M) , 12 months free office space
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Phase 3 (Scaling): Investment matching, Yongjiang Talent Program priority (up to ¥20M)
Who should apply
Have an MVP or early traction
You've got more than an idea: prototype, patent, MVP, or early traction.
Demonstrate resilience and persistence
Get ready for the 12-month launchpad.
Are fully committted to their mission
Prepared to go through a '3-Phase Pipeline'.
Can dedicate a C-level executive to the programme
1-week Immersion Lab in Ningbo. Get insight and guidance from insiders and put it into practice.