Numerous scholars and entrepreneurs in the fields of biotechnology and health from both UK and China gathered in Huangpu district, Guangzhou on July 10 to seek cooperation opportunities at the 10th iBridge UK-China Open Innovation Workshop. 

The iBridge platform has committed to facilitating cooperation between Chinese and British innovative enterprises, as well as promoting the transfer of the UK's high value-added technologies in the fields of life and health into China. It is regarded as an effective channel for Chinese enterprises to tap into the European market. The previous nine workshops have offered match-making opportunities of cutting-edge technologies between the two countries, helping the signing of 200 MOUs between companies from China and the UK.

The 10th event was attended by Zhou Yawei, secretary of the Party working committee of Guangzhou Development District, Zhong Nanshan, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and famous respiratory disease expert, as well as Simon Mellon, Consul for Life Sciences, Health, and Social Care at the British Consulate General in Guangzhou. 

"Britain attaches vital importance to R&D investment and boasts high efficiency in scientific research, while China has the world's most clinical resources, the most competitive manufacturing industry, and the largest consumer market," said Zhong Nanshan, who was the leader of the expert group during the first Bridge workshop in 2011.

The pragmatic cooperation between China and the UK on a complementary advantage basis can promote more enterprises to develop from cost-driven to market-driven or even knowledge-driven, completing the strategic upgrade of enterprises, he said.

The iBridge UK-China "Technology for Wellness & Healthy Aging" Open Innovation Workshop launching ceremony is held in Huangpu district, Guangzhou on July 10. [Photo/news.ycwb.com]