The GATE CHALLENGe Join The Gate Challenge — Bridging Swiss & Chinese Innovation for Healthy Aging Applications (medtech/biotech, foodtech, climate) now open for the first edition in Shanghai — September 2025

What is The Gate Challenge?

The Gate Challenge is a brand-new acceleration program launching in Shanghai in September 2025. Developed in collaboration with leading Chinese innovation players, it aims to build a strong, forward-looking bridge between Switzerland and China around a shared global challenge: Healthy Aging — a powerful driver of innovation in fields such as health, nutrition, longevity, autonomy, sport, and advanced technology.

Why Join?

More than an immersion program, The Gate Challenge is a transformational one-month deep dive into China’s fast-moving innovation ecosystem.

• When: 22rd of September to 21st of October 2025
• Where: Shanghai and surrounding innovation hubs
• For whom: 30 ambitious Swiss and International startups ready to engage, learn, and grow

What You'll Experience

• 🤝 Exclusive access to local investors, incubators, industry leaders, and R&D centers
• 🧠 Tailored workshops and hands-on mentoring for the Chinese market
• 🚀 Pitch sessions with potential partners and customers
• 🏢 Field visits to high-impact tech clusters, startups and companies
• 🌏 Real-time cultural and strategic insight into doing business in China

Full On-Site Support — No Hidden Costs

To make this journey as smooth and impactful as possible, all on-the-ground costs in China are fully covered for selected participants:

• ✅ Accommodation
• ✅ Local transportation
• ✅ Full program access
• ✅ Curated networking events and demos
• ✅ On-site support from a dedicated team

✈️ Note: A symbolic contribution is requested for international flights. We are working with partners to keep this cost as low as possible.

A Unique Opportunity to Build Global Bridges

By joining The Gate Challenge, you become part of a pioneering international community that blends entrepreneurship, science, health, and impact. This program fosters non-political, value-driven collaboration, helping you build lasting relationships with key Chinese stakeholders.

Program

September 22nd, 2025 (Optional) - CAE-SATW Forum on innovation and aging in healthcare

• Opening speeches by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), SATW, and the Shanghai government
• Inauguration of SIL Shanghai, a new space dedicated to proof of concept, incubation and acceleration
• Conferences led by CAE/SATW members and industry experts
• Launch ceremony of the Gate Challenge Accelerator Camp

September 23rd, 2025: Opening Ceremony

🔹 WEEK 1: Immerse & Understand

• Theme: Discovering the Chinese Innovation Ecosystem
• Goals: Contextualize the startup’s value proposition within the Chinese ecosystem, identify local dynamics, and observe innovation trends.

Key Activities:

• ✅ Welcome session, program briefing, cultural onboarding
• 🏢 Guided visits to leading tech hubs, research institutes, startup incubators, companies, Shanghai University and SSIAT
• 🧠 Overview seminar: “China’s Innovation Landscape & Healthy Aging Opportunity Spaces”
• 📊 Market landscape sessions: regulation, aging trends, healthcare systems
• 👥 Meet & Greet networking with local founders and ecosystem stakeholders
• 🔍 Company self-assessment: strengths/weaknesses in Chinese market context

Outcomes:

• Foundational understanding of the Chinese innovation ecosystem
• Identification of first potential synergies or collaboration opportunities
• Market positioning hypothesis tailored to local needs

🔹 WEEK 2: Connect & Validate

• Theme: Building Relationships & Testing Assumptions
• Goals: Connect with experts and validate key assumptions about the market, user needs, and local industry dynamics.

Key Activities:

• 🤝 Curated 1:1 expert meetings (IP, regulation, distribution, HR, cultural adaptation)
• 🧬 Site visits to hospitals, biotech and medtech clusters, and nutrition labs
• 🧭 Workshop: “Understanding Chinese User Needs & Business Culture”
• 💬 Peer review sessions with local entrepreneurs (product feedback & user insight)
• 📋 Optional office hours: translation, legal, certification, and product localization

Outcomes:

• Refined value proposition & clearer product-market fit
• First level of local validation from sector-specific experts
• Stronger technical and business contextualization

🔹 WEEK 3: Shape & Strategize

• Theme: Entering the Market — From Vision to Execution
• Goals: Prepare go-to-market strategy and adapt startup roadmap for Chinese conditions.

Key Activities:

• 📈 Business Model Localization Workshop
• 🏗 Workshop: “Distribution, Sales Channels & Partnerships in China”
• 📣 Mentoring sessions with local founders and experienced Swiss entrepreneurs in China
• 🧑‍💼 Simulated pitch practice with Chinese experts
• 📝 Legal deep dive: partnership contracts, data protection, IP strategy
• 🎯 Personal strategy session with program mentors

Outcomes:

• Tailored China go-to-market strategy draft
• Improved pitch adapted to local business culture
• Identification of key strategic gaps and resource needs

🔹 WEEK 4: Pitch & Expand

• Theme: Visibility, Investment, and Long-Term Engagement
• Goals: Present startup to key players, explore partnership potential, and prepare post-program roadmap.

Key Activities:

• 🎤 Demo Day / Elevator Pitch in front of local investors, partners & government representatives
• 🌐 Matchmaking sessions with Chinese corporates, distributors, hospitals, and research labs
• 🧠 Final mentor reviews and business case feedback
• 📋 Workshop: “After Shanghai – Building a Long-Term China Strategy”

🎉 Closing event & certificate ceremony (October 21st)

✍️ Optional MoU signing / letter of interest meetings

Outcomes:

• Validated market presence and visible local engagement
• Leads for pilot collaborations, clients, or investors
• Concrete action plan for the next 6–12 months in China

(To get the full benefit of the curriculum, we recommend staying for the entire duration. Leaving early is permitted)

Apply Now !!

We’re selecting 30 Swiss & International startups to take part in this ambitious first edition.

We look forward to seeing you in Shanghai!