Li Dak Sum Incubator becomes the first certified EU|BIC in China
A New Bridge Between European and Asian Innovation Ecosystems
EBN proudly announces that the Li Dak Sum Incubator (LDSI), based at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), has been officially certified as a EU|BIC (European Business and Innovation Centre) — marking a historic milestone as the first EU|BIC in China.
This certification recognises LDSI’s excellence in fostering research-driven entrepreneurship, innovation-based growth, and international collaboration across the Yangtze River Delta — one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.
Driving Innovation from Research to Market
Anchored within the University of Nottingham’s tri-campus ecosystem (UK–China–Malaysia), the Li Dak Sum Incubator provides a complete innovation journey — from idea generation and pre-incubation through to proof-of-concept, acceleration, and internationalisation.
Through its integrated support model, LDSI empowers researchers, students, and entrepreneurs to transform ideas into sustainable businesses. Its flagship programmes include:
- Li Dak Sum Innovation Fellowship — providing annual seed funding of €280,000–€450,000 for early-stage R&D commercialisation.
- Innovation Studios — interdisciplinary experiential labs where students, academics and industry partners co-create solutions in advanced manufacturing, digital economy, green energy, life sciences, and creative industries.
- Global Pitch — an international competition showcasing start-ups from across Asia and Europe.
As part of the UNNC innovation ecosystem, the Incubator collaborates closely with the UNNC International Proof of Concept Centre (PoCC) — bridging the “valley of death” with translational funding of up to €250,000 per project. As of 2024, the incubator has supported over 55 start-ups, created 290 new jobs, and achieved an 83% survival rate for its supported companies.
A Hub for International Collaboration
LDSI is uniquely positioned as a university-anchored innovation hub serving as a gateway between Europe and Asia. It maintains strong partnerships with leading corporations (such as Geely, Sinopec, and Ningbo Zhoushan Port), regional governments, and innovation agencies, while also collaborating closely with the University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UK) and European clusters.
Li Dak Sum Incubator demonstrates excellence in cultivating globally minded innovators. It connects China’s regional innovation ecosystems with Europe’s through high-quality incubation and public–private collaboration
Pietro De Martino, EBN President and EU|BIC Auditor, who led the certification review in Ningbo.
Being EU|BIC certified reflects our global ambition — to meet the highest European standards in innovation support and become a trusted bridge between the EU and China
Min Rose, Director of Tri-campus Research and Knowledge Exchange Coordination Office at UNNC
A New Gateway for the EU|BIC Community
The certification of LDSI extends the EU|BIC community’s reach into Asia, reinforcing EBN’s mission to connect global innovation ecosystems and promote quality, sustainable, and inclusive entrepreneurship worldwide.
With LDSI, the EU|BIC community gains a strategic partner in China – an organisation that embodies the spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement that defines the EU|BIC Quality Mark
Laura Lecci, CEO of EBN.
Through its certification, LDSI joins over 110 certified EU|BICs and 60 Associate Members across 35 countries, forming a powerful community that supports more than 25,000 innovative companies annually
About Li Dak Sum Incubator
Located at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), the Li Dak Sum Incubator is a key platform to transform research and innovation into high-impact enterprises. Since its launch in 2017, it has supported 55 start-ups with over 120 entrepreneurs from more than 10 countries, offering full life-cycle support from ideation to acceleration. As part of the UNNC ecosystem, it collaborates closely with the UNNC International Proof of Concept Centre (PoCC), which focuses on de-risking early-stage technologies and accelerating IP commercialisation through targeted funding, mentoring, and industry engagement in four key sectors: Digital Economy, Green Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, and Life and Health. Together, they strengthen the innovation pipeline—from proof-of-concept to market-ready ventures—enhancing cross-border collaboration and boosting the regional innovation landscape
About the University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a world-leading research-intensive university with a proud heritage of driving innovation and excellence in education, research, and knowledge exchange. Established in 1881, the University is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is recognised for its impact across disciplines from engineering and life sciences to social innovation and sustainability.
With a unique tri-campus model spanning the United Kingdom, China (Ningbo), and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), the University fosters cross-border collaboration, international talent mobility, and global partnerships. Its China campus, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), was the first Sino-foreign university established in China and has become a vibrant hub for research, commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven education.
About EBN and the EU|BIC Community
EBN (European Business and Innovation Centre Network) is the non-profit association that manages the EU|BIC Certification — the only quality label for business and innovation support organisations recognised by the European Commission. Together, certified EU|BICs foster regional economic, social, and sustainable development through innovation.
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