Six companies working with water treatment, biomaterials, textile waste, CO₂, and resource recovery traveled to Shanghai to meet potential partners and gain first-hand insights into the Chinese market.
For the second time, Clean and Innovation Centre Denmark Shanghai brought a group of Danish companies to Shanghai to build new connections and gain insights into the Chinese market.
This year’s delegation included BÆTA Carbon, CataCycle, ESEBA, Eternal-Water, MicroMiner, and NUTERIALS – companies developing solutions within water treatment, biomaterials, textile waste, CO₂, and resource recovery.
Throughout an intensive week in Shanghai, the companies presented their technologies, met potential partners and gained first-hand experience from one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs.
Understanding Chinese business culture
The program began with a dinner hosted by the Danish Consul General in Shanghai and continued with sessions on Chinese culture and business practices. Participants gained insights into decision-making processes, business relationships, and cultural differences that can be important when entering international markets.
The week also included a visit to Yuyuan Garden, where participants explored how historical traditions and cultural values continue to influence business practices in China today.
Pitching, matchmaking and new connections
On Earth Day, the companies took part in pitch and matchmaking sessions, presenting their solutions to investors, companies and potential collaborators.
Several of the participating companies travelled to Shanghai to explore opportunities related to materials, manufacturing, technology development and pilot projects.
ESEBA, for example, develops new materials from textile waste and wanted to learn more about China’s textile and chemical industries. Eternal-Water explored opportunities within filtration and membrane technologies, while NUTERIALS sought insights into China’s rapidly growing biomaterials sector.
MicroMiner focuses on recovering valuable metals from batteries and electronic waste, while BÆTA Carbon and CataCycle develop solutions within carbon capture and plastic recycling.
Focus on intellectual property and international collaboration
Part of the programme focused on intellectual property rights and the protection of technologies and trade secrets in China. The companies had the opportunity to discuss patents, trademarks and market access with local experts and receive guidance tailored to their own technologies.
The week concluded with participation in the Climate Forum in Shanghai, where the companies joined panel discussions, matchmaking sessions and networking activities focused on climate solutions and emerging technologies.
For some of the companies, the dialogue continues beyond the innovation camp. Eternal-Water and NUTERIALS will return to Shanghai in June 2026 to build on the relationships and opportunities established during the visit.
The Shanghai Innovation Camp was organised in collaboration with Innovation Centre Denmark Shanghai and forms part of Clean’s efforts to support international collaboration and market opportunities for Danish companies.
The Shanghai Innovation Camp 2026 is part of Virksomhedsudvikling Danmark and co-funded by the European Union.
