Since its establishment in September 2016, Australian Landing Pad has received widespread attention in China. Austrade China Innovation team have been meeting with startups, media and allies to pitch the Landing Pad programme around China and build the brand of Australia as an Innovation Destination ahead of the arrival of the first intake of teams. The first cohort of 5 startups will officially commence their journeys in China in early February 2017.

Australia is being widely recognised in China as a first mover among foreign nations in establishing a dedicated, Government-funded programme to help market ready startups to tap this vast, dynamic market. Being based in Shanghai, Australian Landing Pad has been featured in the Shanghai Startup Gateway programme and its promotional video.  (Please access Startup Gateway programme section at STBIA website.)  Jiefang Daily, East Day, and many other local news agencies have also highlighted the Australian Landing Pad in covering this city’s endeavours in building the innovation centre with global influence. 

Karen Surmon, Trade Commissioner and Commercial Consul in Shanghai, also Leader of China Innovation Team, and Landing Pad Manager Daniel Zhan have been speaking at major entrepreneurial events in China to showcase Australian capabilities in R&D and innovation, and to build partnership networks for the Shanghai Landing Pad.  

On 16th November, Karen Surmon delivered a keynote speech at the Innovation Forum of the Global Entrepreneurial Week China event. The speech highlighted achievements made by Australian researchers and innovators, and explained the Australian Government’s endeavours to foster and support innovation commercialisation, and the aspirations of Australian startups through the Landing Pad programme.