The World Top-Performing Incubator Conference 2024 (WTIF 2024), themed "Boundless Innovation, Collaborative Synergy," took place from September 26 to 28, 2024, in the Lin-gang Special Area of Shanghai. As part of the Pujiang Innovation Forum series, the conference gathered industry leaders, government officials, and international incubators to drive global cooperation and innovation in the incubation ecosystem.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Zhao Chaofan, Director General of the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and other key stakeholders from various institutions. These leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation and launched the WTIF 2024.
Building Global Synergies: The International Innovation Synergy and Incubation Alliance
A major highlight of the conference was the establishment of the "International Innovation Synergy and Incubation Alliance." This alliance brought together top incubators from across the globe, such as DMZ, The Drivery GmbH, London & Partners, UtrechtInc Startup Incubator, and many more. These incubators are poised to work together to promote innovation, support startups, and create synergies across industries.
Several joint incubation contracts were signed, including partnerships between Startups House and Step Innovation, ITU Çekirdek Incubation Center and Shanghai Lingang United Development, and more. These partnerships aim to facilitate the implementation of innovation projects and drive technological advancements globally.
Inspiring Keynote Speeches and Dialogues
The conference featured keynote speeches from industry leaders, including Dr. Frederico Lourenco, Vice President of Flagship Pioneering, and Prof. Kwang-Geun Lee, Chairman of the Asian Association of Business Incubation (AABI). Their insights focused on portfolio strategy, incubation models, and opportunities in the global innovation landscape.
Engaging discussions between thought leaders, such as Mi Lei, Founding Partner of CASSTAR, and Tian Mochen, Founder and CEO of Kiwimoore, further deepened the dialogue on the future of incubation and startup ecosystems. Additional conversations between Dr. Tony Raven, former Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise, and Dr. Simon Thomas, CEO of Paragraf Ltd., explored the role of incubators in facilitating cutting-edge innovation.
Roundtable Discussions on Global Incubation Models
A roundtable discussion on global incubation models brought together UBI Global, DMZ, Startups House, Lingang SYNLINX Life Science Professional Incubator, and other organizations. They discussed the challenges and opportunities in driving international cooperation in technology incubation, highlighting innovative approaches to fostering global entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Strengthening Global Innovation Networks
WTIF 2024 successfully created a platform for global innovation leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities. The conference not only strengthened the ties between international incubators but also set the stage for groundbreaking developments in the global innovation ecosystem. Shanghai, as a hub of innovation, continues to play a pivotal role in driving international cooperation and technological advancements.