PRESS RELEASE
Sinnolabs participates to the official signature ceremony in presence of Prime Ministers LI KEQIANG and CHARLES MICHEL at the Great Hall of People in Beijing and announces the five companies it selected for the first China Innovation Exploratory Tour
SINNOLABS, the Growth Accelerator for Innovative Belgian SMEs in China, is officially acknowledged by Chinese authorities as a strategic driver for the expansion of the cooperation in industrial innovation and technology exchange between the two countries
Structural partnership agreement with Shanghai HongKou District
Just a few months after its official launch in Shanghai and in Brussels, SINNOLABS signs a Structural Partnership agreement with the authorities of Shanghai HongKou District. The agreement will be announced in Beijing today, at the Great Hall of People and in presence of H.E. Mr. LI Keqiang Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China and H.E. Mr. Charles Michel, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium. The event is part of the official visit of Prime Minister Michel to China to celebrate 45 years diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Under the Structural Partnership that will be established between SINNOLABS and HongKou District - a district that lies at the hearth of the city, where the iconic Shanghai Bund extends along the shores of the Huangpu River - SINNOLABS will receive not only substantial funding from the local authority but moreover it shall be granted further support to facilitate the establishment of its China headquarters in the district. The arrangement also provides that HongKou district shall contribute its resources to the Belgian technology SME’s which SINNOLABS will help to develop business in and with China.
“The fact for SINNOLABS – a company founded only a few months ago by Belgian and Chinese enterprises and government backed instances – to be allowed to partake to the official ceremony at the Great Hall of People today, confirms that authorities on both sides have acknowledged our platform as a key strategic driver for the further deepening of the innovation and technology trade between our countries. We are extremely proud to confirm this strategic partnership with Hongkou district and look forward to establish our China headquarters in this district which in so many ways represents the fast beating hearth of Shanghai.” declares Philippe SNEL, Chairman of Sinnolabs and partner at De Wolf Law Firm Shanghai.
“As part of its endeavors to promote the establishment of Shanghai Technology Innovation Center based, Hongkou District aims to strengthen international cooperation in the fields of science and technology and promote innovative entrepreneurship. In this context the Hongkou District Government, is very pleased to sign this Strategic Partnership agreement with SINNOLABS and honored to participate to the celebrations at the occasion of the visit of the Prime Minister of Belgium in presence of the Prime Minister of China, at the Great Hall of People in Beijing. This partnership confirms once more that Hongkou district is not only rich of its past but also resolutely modern and forward looking and fully embraces the country’s goal to help build an innovation and technology based economy” stated M. CAO Liqiang, Mayor of Shanghai Hongkou District.
Participants to the first China Innovation Exploratory Tour announced
SINNOLABS announces that it has selected five companies to participate its first China Innovation Exploratory Tour. The tour aims to provide the best of the best Belgian technology SMEs a chance to travel to China and explore the opportunities the country has on offer for them. The participants will travel to Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen and will be given exclusive access to the network of SINNOLABS partners and meet with leading players in their respective industries of interest, potential business partners, government instances, banks and private investment funds, experienced experts and mentors. At the same time the participants will receive a crash-course on the essentials of innovation and technology business in China.
The five companies selected by SINNOLABS are (more details below):
- A-VT
- (Essen) is an engineering and manufacturing company of in-house automated transport systems, which allow to safely, efficiently and cost-effectively move up to 5.000 tons of load.
- Keemotion
- (Louvain-la-Neuve) provides a fully automated video production platform that allows clients to film and produce sporting events like basketball games without cameramen.
- Sentiance
(Antwerp), is a data intelligence scale-up collecting and analyzing sensor data from smartphones and IoT to generate insights into human behavior and real-time context
- Trinean
(Gent), a technology provider developing micro-volume analytical instruments for biomolecule quantification, with a strong focus on improved data interpretation, sample quality control and lab-automation.
- Vadis
(Brussels), exploits available (internal/external) big and complex (un)structured Data Universe for offering simple and embedded solutions aiming at optimizing Growth and avoiding Risks while guiding its Clients towards their Strategic, Commercial and Financial Goals together.
“Even though we set ourselves a very tight schedule for this first trip we were very pleased with the response we received almost immediately after our announcement at our launch in Brussels on September 20th. We received close to 20 applications from some very solid companies. From this sample we selected just 5 companies which we believe have the basic characteristics required to succeed and thrive in China. These companies are amongst the world leaders in their specific markets and represent some of the best technology our country has on offer today in their industries”. stated Pascal Coppens Director Europe of SINNOLABS.
Our team in Shanghai, together with our partners, look forward to welcome the first batch of SINNOLABS companies in China. During their visit, the participants will be given a unique chance to meet, talk and exchange views with various people of all walks, who will provide them with the essential information they need to assess their chances of success in China and the best way to achieve it. Their stay will also coincide with the visit of Madame Cécile Jodogne, Brussels Minister of Foreign Trade who will be visiting the future site of the SINNOLABS headquarters in Shanghai Hongkou District.” added M. Etienne Charlier, General- Manager of SINNOLABS.
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More information about SINNOLABS, its founders and the companies selected can be found below.
About Sinnolabs www.sinnolabs.com
Sinnolabs is a partnership between government backed instances and private companies and entrepreneurs, from both Belgium and China, who wish to foster the emergence of strong innovation and technology trade relationships between Belgium (Europe) and China
Sinnolabs has set itself the mission to enable selected innovative European SMEs to successfully venture their business on the Chinese market by offering a 12-month acceleration program specifically designed to allow them to correctly assess the opportunities China offers and eventually find the solutions which will enable them to overcome the challenges and develop their businesses in China.
Throughout the program, participants will be coached by mentors with established industry experience in China and given access to exclusive networks as well as the unique expertise and essential support from Sinnolabs’ founders and partners.
About the SINNOLABS Founders
SFPI – FPIM
The Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPI-FPIM) is the Belgian sovereign wealth fund that manages the federal government’s shareholdings, cooperates with the government on specific projects and pursues its own investment policy in the interests of the Belgian economy, with a focus on innovation, networks and the aeronautical sector to name but a few. The Belgian federal government is the sole shareholder of the Federal Holding and Investment Company.
The core business of the SFPI-FPIM, on the one hand as an investment company and on the other hand as a holding company, is as follows:
- investing in companies with an attractive societal added value in one of the targeted sectors, which SFPI-FPIM has set itself as an objective
- acquiring equity in companies that are of strategic importance as far as federal policy is concerned, either making use of own funds or by using funds that the State provides per project. In the latter case, the SFPI-FPIM acts “on a delegated assignment”
The total assets under management amount to a value of more than EUR 17 billion.
Solvay
An international chemical and advanced materials company, Solvay assists its customers in innovating, developing and delivering high‐value, sustainable products and solutions which consume less energy and reduce CO2 emissions, optimize the use of resources and improve the quality of life. Solvay serves diversified global end markets, including automotive and aerospace,
consumer goods and healthcare, energy and environment, electricity and electronics, building and construction as well as industrial applications. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with about 30,000 employees spread across 53 countries. It generated pro forma net sales of € 12.4 billion in 2015, with 90 percent made from activities where it ranks among the world’s top 3 players.
Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB ‐ Reuters: SOLB.BR).
Shanghai Bluesea Human Resources Co. Ltd.
Shanghai Bluesea Human Resources Co. Ltd was founded in 2008, in Shanghai, China. Bluesea’s mission is to bring value to clients and employees, its vision is to build a centennial foundation and grown into industrial leadership. With more than 30 subsidiaries and branches, Bluesea’s network covers 388 cities across China. With more than 5000 customers in 20 different industries, Bluesea is the pioneer in the HR sector providing one-stop HR solution services.
Nationwide, Bluesea is the first HR outsourcing services company to be listed on National Equities Exchange Quotations (NEEQ). Bluesea received numerous honors and awards such as Integrity Development. Government Certification, Famous Brand Services, Industrial leader and Media Ratings.
In addition, Bluesea is also highly involved in social responsibilities initiatives such as volunteering and community services, education support, disaster relief, care fund and assistance for the disadvantaged.
Zhonglu Co. Ltd.
Zhonglu Co.,Ltd, also known as Zhonglu Co., it is an integrated enterprise listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange A share (stock code: 600818). Zhonglu Co. emerged from Shanghai Forever Bicycle factory which is China's oldest bicycle factory. After capital injection and reorganization, Zhonglu Group has become an integrated enterprise including traditional industrial manufacturing, equity investment, real estate development and new energy investments.
The "Forever" bicycle brand of Zhonglu Co. has a 75-year history, and produce and sells 2 million bicycle every year. It is the largest Chinese single-brand bicycle retailer.
From 2013, Zhonglu Co. has used the Group's own capital to provide angel investment in Internet, emerging technologies, and in mass consumption sector. It invested in 150 companies in the United States and in China, including more than 60 Shanghai local innovative enterprises. The cumulative investment reaches over 600 million RMB.
In 2014, the acquisition of Guangdong high altitude wind energy technology Co., Ltd., allowed Zhonglu Co. to control the world's leading high-altitude wind power technology. The world's first 2.5-megawatt high-altitude wind power station was built in 2015. High-altitude wind power technology has a unique patented technology, and can generate electricity at an altitude of 5,000 meters. It also has a wide area of application, stable power, low cost and other advantages of the next generation of clean energy. In 2016, the company plans to invest 2.5 billion RMB in building 400 MW of high-altitude wind power stations all over the world, and seek opportunities for discussion and cooperation with government or related agencies that have an intention.
De Wolf-Axten Law Firm
One of the most senior European legal teams in Shanghai resulting from the merge of the Shanghai Office of De Wolf &Partners, headed by Philippe Snel, and the China practice of Axten Avocats Associés, headed by Francois Perruchot-Triboulet
Established European legal platform in Shanghai, working in close collaboration with the Shanghai office of Swiss law firm Bonnard Lawson and the Shanghai office of the Portuguese law firm Carlos Cruz Associados
Established long-term working relationships with several Chinese firms in Shanghai and elsewhere in PRC
With more than 10 year experience in China and our strong local and international roots,
- we are able to provide a combination of the best an international law firm and a local firm has to offer and to exploit to the best advantage of our clients the cultural aspects of a negotiation and collaboration between Chinese and Western firms
- with our multilingual team of lawyers, we act as central point of contact for our Chinese clients when investing in Europe or doing business in China with western companies
Riverbanks Investments
Riverbanks Investments is a boutique investment and corporate advisory firm based in Shanghai. The firm is uniquely focused on providing corporate finance needs and transnational business services for small to mid-market public and private companies seeking to bridge the China-Europe market.
Operating in one of the most economically dynamic countries in the world, the firm's expertise serves to help clients pave the way to mutually beneficial relationships between Chinese and European partners.
As investment and corporate advisory firm, Riverbanks provides financial analysis, investor relations, corporate finance services, partner selection and a broad range of value-added services that help clients access reliable business development tracks.
In carrying out our mandate, we leverage an extensive network of both domestic and international business partners and professionals from a wide array of industry sectors to create new opportunities for clients that meet their business objective. At Riverbanks, we use the power of multicultural interaction to progressively move business forward and achieve successful outcomes.
Moore Stephen Consulting
Moore Stephens Consulting is a professional service firm based in China member of Moore Stephens International. With our local team and supported by our international network, our mission is to provide a full professional financial service to foreign companies in China, and assisting their businesses in navigating through all the challenges and complexities of China’s environment
About the companies selected for the China Innovation Exploratory Tour
AVT Europe is a Belgian company and the worldwide leader for innovative load moving equipment.
We are specialized in manipulation and precise positioning of heavy, huge, awkward and delicate loads in all the main industries. We engineer and manufacture in-house transport systems on wheels, rails but also on air cushions which allow to move mega tons up to 5.000 ton. AVT Europe has participated and still is participating into prestigious international projects like CERN and ITER by delivering state-of-the-art equipment. Together with the customer we look for a load moving solution that is safe, efficient and cost-effective to ensure that the end user is entirely satisfied.
Keemotion is a fast growing company in the exciting world of sports technology. With our patented technology, we provide a fully automated video production platform that allows our clients to film and produce games and practices. We currently produce sporting events for professional teams, colleges and universities in over ten countries including teams in: the NBA and NBA D-League, Division I Basketball, EuroLeague and EuroCup, and the entire French, Finish, and Austrian professional leagues.
Sentiance (Antwerp) is a data intelligence scale-up focused on collecting and analyzing sensor data from smartphones and IoT to generate insights into human behavior and real-time context. The SaaS based Ambient Intelligence platform enables enterprises to develop context aware solutions that conform to individual lifestyle patterns and pre-empt context driven needs. Applications range from smart mobility and connected car services, over care adherence and well-being coaching, to lifestyle based insurance and contextual marketing and customer engagement.
Trinean is a Belgium based technology provider, developing innovative bio-sample QC platforms by combining microfluidics with best in class analytical software and highly standardized read-out platforms. We strive to provide the life science industry and diagnostic labs with tailored QC tools shortening the sample turnaround time and minimizing the need for costly sample retesting by measuring the required sample quality characteristics in a fast yet detailed manner during each of the sample preparation steps. Founded in 2006 as a spin-out of the Ghent University, Belgium and Imec Leuven, Belgium, the company commercializes the DropSense technology for biomolecule quantification and contamination analysis, including innovative microfluidic chips for conservation and standardized analysis of micro-volume samples. The Trinean DropSense platform is complemented with a software toolbox for improved data interpretation, lab-automation and regulated labs.
Vadis was set up in 2003 and is now an established authority in the field of Big Data Predictive Analytics Value Chain. The Company exploits available (internal/external) big and complex (un)structured Data Universe for offering simple and embedded solutions aiming at optimizing Growth and avoiding internal & external Risks while guiding its Clients towards their Strategic, Commercial and Financial Goals together. This combination allows Vadis to offer new, revolutionary software solutions for boosting commercial Growth and considerably reducing multiple risks levels, both on site and as SaaS solutions. Vadis is supported by Data Mining experts, Business Analysts, Software Developers and multiple partners aiming at offering optimum support to its clients in both the public and private sectors with a strong focus on Finance, Industry, FMCG and Institutions with an international coverage including China.