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Innovation

China is one of the most exciting places in terms of innovation. This is why AHK Greater China established the Innovation Center where we are committed to helping German companies discover, explore and thrive within the Chinese innovation ecosystem.

AHK Greater China Innovation Center China
AHK Greater China / AHK Greater China

Your partner for innovation in China

The Innovation Center provides comprehensive support for German companies of any size who are looking to innovate and succeed in the dynamic Chinese market. We offer insights and latest industry news from the Chinese Innovation Ecosystem, as well as guidance for German companies looking to define and improve their innovation Strategy in China. Our many services include publishing detailed innovation reports and creating market research, hosting innovation dialogue events and startup pitches and more to build an engaging community of innovators in China.  

Navigating the innovation landscape together 

Focusing on the essentials, we support German companies in navigating the innovation ecosystem in China and concentrate our efforts around the following industries: automotive, industry 4.0, healthcare, digitalization, sustainability, energy, social media, chemistry, and the startup ecosystem in China.  

Innovation events

Connecting innovators and fostering collaborations drives us as we organize innovation focused events across China. At Ignites we emphasize knowledge sharing and hands-on practical experience, where at Innovation Dialogues we engage in insightful panel discussions. Celebrating innovation and creativity with the Innovation Night we invite startups on stage in an engaging pitching content. Finally, with the annual Innovation Awards we are honoring outstanding innovations in China.

Newsletter "Innovation Insight"

Every quarter, we handpick the technology, policy and business highlights from the Chinese Innovation Ecosystem for you. Our newsletter aims to cover the following topics: 

  • Latest innovation and technology trends in China, covering emerging technologies, breakthroughs, and industry studies on innovation in China. 
  • Impact of Chinese tech trends on the German economy: Analyzing how the latest tech trends from China affect different sectors of the German economy, such as automotive, ICT, and healthcare. 
  • Chinese startup ecosystem: Exploring the dynamics of the Chinese startup scene, including the key players, funding landscape, and regulatory environment. 

 

The newsletter is exclusive to members of the German Chamber of Commerce in China. Click here to find more about the Chamber and membership benefits. 

Podcast "AHK Innovators"

This podcast is tailored for German innovators looking to break into the Chinese market, or professional who are trying to navigate the complexities of China’s fast moving innovation landscape. We speak with experienced experts and heads of R&D from German and Chinese companies from a wide range of industries to give you an innovative edge and help you to accelerate your innovation strategy for China. 

 

Our conversations provide new insights on the upcoming innovation and market trends from the middle kingdom. Tune in for fresh insights in future mobility, green manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics and the fast-moving world of social media in China.  

 

The podcast is hosted by Martin Klose and Christoph Hering and produced by the AHK Greater China. Available in any podcast app. 

AHK Innovators Club 

The AHK Innovators Club is a mentorship program to connect German innovators in China and help them overcome innovation barriers and challenges. The program offers an open network of innovation-sparring partners, pairing members into Mentor and Mentee relationships to foster growth and development. Our vision is to provide a platform for seasoned experts, young professionals, and entrepreneurs to support one another and improve their innovation capabilities in China. 

 

Launched in 2024 this annual program brings together Mentors and Mentees to exchange their innovation strategies and overcome innovation barriers and challenges in their businesses. In their monthly 1:1 mentoring sessions, Mentors and Mentees are working together to develop new products, implement innovation processes, or expanding their startup overseas. Do these challenges sound familiar? Then this program is for you. The AHK Innovators Club is designed to help you stay on track and accelerate your innovation activities in China. 

 

The third intake of the mentorship program developed and hosted by AHK Greater China will be back in January 2026. Sign up to our newsletter for updates. 

03 AHK Innovators Club
Unsplash / Brooke Cagle
Podcast

AHK Innovators Podcast

Join the discussion with Sino-German Innovators and let us explore the Chinese Innovation Ecosystem together.

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China's potential for innovative German companies 

The Chinese consumer market is a huge opportunity for German companies due to its size and potential. The modern Chinese consumer is open to new products and services, has a positive attitude towards change, and is highly adaptable. For manufacturers, China offers a vibrant and well-established ecosystem of suppliers, HR talents and innovators to connect. German companies have the opportunity to leveraging their presence in the Chinese market to develop and produce even more innovative new products and services for the local market in China and for the rest of the world.  

Innovation Trends in China  

  • China becomes an emerging hub for product and service innovation. With an innovation friendly consumer base, China provides a range of opportunities for German companies to develop and test new solutions first and export them back to the world in the future. Already 29% of German companies are engaged in researching innovative solutions in China for the global market.  
  • China Innovation Ecosystem embraces rapid innovation iterations offering German companies an attractive environment for discovering and developing new technologies while sharpening their innovation skills and carving a competitive edge in global markets. 
  • China’s strong 2030/2060 commitment to peak and net zero carbon emission are great business opportunities for German business to provide green-tech and guidance on reaching carbon neutrality in the coming years.  
  • Emerging startups in the healthcare, wellness and silver economy space offering innovative solutions to improve overall well-being for Chinese consumers.  
  • China is rapidly integrating AI-powered tools into their products and services and creating innovative new customer experiences in e-commerce, healthcare, banking, and entertainment.

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