Innovfest Suzhou 2019
Suzhou, 25 September 2019
As the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) marked its 30th anniversary in 2024, InnovFest Suzhou offered a glimpse into the next phase of the collaboration between China and Singapore. Held from 18 to 19 November at the NUS (Suzhou) Research Institute (NUSRI Suzhou), the seventh edition of InnovFest brought together over 400 participants, from entrepreneurs and investors to academics and officials, to explore how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable solutions can energise industries and strengthen cross-border innovation.
Organised by NUSRI Suzhou and supported by NUS Enterprise, this year’s InnovFest was underpinned by two themes: AI and digitalisation, and Sustainability. The two-day programme featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, technology showcases and pitch sessions, drawing participants from Singapore, China, Chile, Germany, Indonesia and Thailand.
In his opening address, Professor Chee Yeow Meng, Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise) of NUS, said: “The collaboration between China and Singapore has been instrumental in the success of the SIP. Through initiatives like InnovFest, we aim to elevate the depth and breadth of China-Singapore collaboration. NUS will continue to leverage its strengths to drive the development of NUSRI Suzhou, injecting fresh vitality into our partnership.”
“As the first research institute in the SIP established by a world-class international university, NUSRI Suzhou has played a leading role in nurturing global talent, adopting international best practices and connecting the SIP with global innovation networks. The SIP is committed to fully supporting NUS’s continued development in Suzhou and strengthening its role as a key platform for attracting and connecting global innovation resources,” commented Ms Liu Hua, Vice Party Secretary of CPC SIP Working Committee and Vice Chairman of SIP Administrative Committee.
Nearly 40 startups exhibited new technologies in smart healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, food science and technology, green energy, and the circular economy, with many insightful discussions covering topics such as digital transformation, the role of AI in life sciences, and strategies for sustainable digital governance.
This year’s technology showcase included a panoply of solutions aimed at real-world impact. From AI- and IoT-powered farming systems that improve crop yields while reducing environmental impact, to robotics and material optimisation for more sustainable construction, the exhibition reflected how deep tech is increasingly being applied across industries. Food tech startups presented sustainable production methods, while those with a focus on sustainability showcased technologies related to carbon capture, advanced recycling and clean energy. In healthcare, startups demonstrated innovations in diagnostics, wearable devices and telehealth platforms designed to make care more personalised and accessible.
Startups showcasing their latest technologies at InnovFest Suzhou 2024. Photo credit: NUSRI Suzhou
Two keynote sessions added further dimension. Professor Lee Poh Seng, Executive Director of the Energy Studies Institute and Dean’s Chair at the NUS College of Design and Engineering, spoke on pioneering greener digital infrastructures. Mr Yoann Sapanel, Head (Health Innovation) at NUS’ Institute for Digital Medicine at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of translating AI research into measurable outcomes in the healthcare sector. Meanwhile, six panel discussions brought together experts to explore themes such as digital transformation, the integration of AI into life sciences, and the policies and governance frameworks required for sustainable innovation. These conversations reflected the growing need for collaborative, cross-sector solutions to shared global challenges.
Keynote speech on “Sustainable Innovation: Pioneering a Greener Digital Infrastructure” delivered by Professor Lee Poh Seng, Executive Director of the Energy Studies Institute and Dean’s Chair at the NUS College of Design and Engineering, NUS. Photo credit: NUSRI Suzhou
Speakers at the panel discussion on “Harnessing AI in Life Sciences” included (from right) Mr John Cai, Partner, SparkPlug Capital; Dr Larry Gao, Deputy General Manager, Hangzhou Taiyuan Pharmaceutical Innovation Research Institute Co Ltd; Dr Wang Xiaoyan, Managing Partner, Jinshajiang United Runpu Medical Fund; Dr Xu Shuoyu, Founder, Totem Biosciences (Suzhou); and Ms Liu Tianran, Partner, Vertex Ventures. Photo credit: NUS Enterprise
The Tech Pitch Battles were a highlight of InnovFest Suzhou. During the session, affiliated overseas startups of NUS Enterprise pitched their solutions to a panel of venture capitalists and industry experts. Startups presented innovations across sectors including medical technology, renewable energy and food tech, competing not just for visibility but also for potential partnerships and investment.
Speakers at the panel discussion on “Harnessing AI in Life Sciences” included (from right) Mr John Cai, Partner, SparkPlug Capital; Dr Larry Gao, Deputy General Manager, Hangzhou Taiyuan Pharmaceutical Innovation Research Institute Co Ltd; Dr Wang Xiaoyan, Managing Partner, Jinshajiang United Runpu Medical Fund; Dr Xu Shuoyu, Founder, Totem Biosciences (Suzhou); and Ms Liu Tianran, Partner, Vertex Ventures. Photo credit: NUS Enterprise
This year’s programme also highlighted the growing role of women in shaping the tech landscape. Around 40% of participating startups were led by female founders — an encouraging shift towards greater gender representation in science and entrepreneurship.
“This event brought together startups from around the world, opening doors for collaboration and broadening our understanding of the latest technology trends. We got to connect with the Chinese market and venture capitalists who can help startups become global players in the tech industry,” shared Ms Jean Herfina Kwannandar, Co-founder and CEO of Konstruksi AI. “I was also excited to see more women founders at this event. The rise in female founders is inspiring, and I hope to encourage even more women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.”