InnovFest China (Suzhou) 2026 brought together researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and investors from Singapore, China and beyond on 14–15 October to explore how technology can help build greener, smarter and more sustainable cities. Organised by the NUS (Suzhou) Research Institute (NUSRI Suzhou), the two-day event adopted the theme ‘Green Cities, Future Technologies’, placing cross-border knowledge exchange and industry collaboration at its heart.
Ideas for greener, more resilient cities
Keynote presentations and panel discussions examined green urban design, energy and the environment, with perspectives spanning urban resilience, sustainable buildings, smart construction, environmental management and water sustainability. NUSRI Suzhou Director Professor Xu Guoqin highlighted the importance of bringing academic and industry perspectives together to address shared urban challenges. Professor Chong Chi Tat, NUS University Professor and President Advisor for NUSRI Suzhou, also emphasised opportunities for Singapore and China to learn from each other’s experiences in sustainable development and innovation.
Professor Xu Guoqin, Director of NUSRI Suzhou, opens the event and highlights the importance of greener, more liveable cities.
Professor Chong Chi Tat, NUS University Professor and President Advisor for NUSRI Suzhou, shares perspectives on sustainable development and innovation.
Experts exchange ideas during a panel discussion on green urban design and practical pathways towards sustainable cities.
A panel examines how technology breakthroughs and capital can support sustainable innovation ecosystems.
From research breakthroughs to market opportunities
The event’s innovation showcase featured more than 30 international technology projects across biomedicine, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and food technology. Live demonstrations and exchanges created opportunities for innovators to engage potential industry partners and investors, helping bridge promising technologies with real-world needs. The Future Technology Entrepreneurship Competition attracted nearly 40 international youth-led teams and early-stage deep-tech startups, with 15 shortlisted projects selected to pitch in the finals on 15 October. Winning teams were set to receive funding and further entrepreneurial support.
Innovators introduce emerging technologies to visitors, creating opportunities for industry connections and commercialisation.
Technology demonstrations encourage hands-on exploration and dialogue between innovators and prospective partners.
Visitors discover plant-based beverage innovations at the food technology showcase.
A visitor tries on wearable technology with assistance from an exhibitor.
An interactive table tennis demonstration illustrates AI-powered motion capture.
An AI-powered digital avatar mirrors a visitor’s gestures at the technology showcase.
Building enduring innovation connections
Since the event series began in 2015, it has showcased nearly 500 high-tech projects from more than 10 countries and regions and engaged over 2,800 enterprises, research institutions and investment organisations. Through its broader innovation ecosystem, NUSRI Suzhou has supported the establishment of more than 140 high-tech startups in Suzhou. InnovFest China (Suzhou) 2026 further reinforced its role in connecting research, enterprise and investment communities, fostering partnerships that can accelerate technology translation and sustainable growth.