XNode is Enterprise Singapore’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) partner for Shanghai, China.

It is a Shanghai-based startup and corporate accelerator that works with international founders to scale and with large corporates to innovate. XNode has partnered with the Australian, Japanese, Korean, and Italian governments to accelerate startups within the Chinese ecosystem through their facilities in Shanghai, where over US$150 million (S$204 million) in funding has been raised. They have connected startups to their network of corporates including Merck and Visa, via over 60 corporate acceleration projects.

XNode is partnering Enterprise Singapore to run a GIA Acceleration Programme that will support:

• Singapore-based technology startups and SMEs in accessing China through Shanghai; and
• Chinese startups in scaling up in Asia through Singapore as a springboard.

Virtual programme

As a result of the situation brought about by COVID-19, the Shanghai GIA Acceleration Programme has been revised to the following:

• Stage 1: Four-week virtual programme
This programme is designed to help participants with limited business practice in China. Participants will be better equipped with the knowledge and network to find product market fit and to run as fast as possible.You will undergo highly customized workshops, receive mentorship by entrepreneurs-in-residence with industry expertise, and have one-on-one meetings with potential clients, partners or investors. A virtual demo day will also be conducted at the end of the programme.
• Stage 2: Optional two week in-market immersion to Shanghai*
Startups will be hosted by XNode for at least 2 weeks to visit potential clients and partners for deal-making, and to follow up on their expansion plans.*subject to prevailing conditions & travel restrictions

The total programme fees are $3,000 for Stage 1 and $2,000 for Stage 2.

For more programme information, dates and application deadlines, please visit this website.

Physical programme

The programme has two stages:

• Stage 1: China market education (1 week in Singapore)
XNode will conduct a 1-week China Education Programme in Singapore to give the startups a clear overview of the market and provide in-depth insights specific to their business in China. This will prepare the startups for market entry, ensuring that startups avoid common mistakes made within the market.
• Stage 2: China market exploration (2 weeks in China)
XNode will arrange a 2-week trip to China for startups to engage with relevant stakeholders in their industry. The trip is designed to achieve actionable insights and build connections through in-market engagements that can be applied to startups’ entry strategy and long term execution. It will culminate in a Demo Day. The total programme fee is $5,000 per startup or SME, after support from Enterprise Singapore.

Who can apply

Singapore-based technology startups or SMEs.

How to apply

Singapore-based startups or SMEs keen to venture into China can apply for the China-Singapore Innovation Launchpad Acceleration Programme.