With the world’s highest broadband penetration (97%) and top-ranking innovation for six years, South Korea is an innovation powerhouse.
Cutting-Edge Industries and Infrastructure
South Korea excels in R&D, with advanced sectors like smart manufacturing, virtual reality, and renewable energies.
Its strong ICT infrastructure and high technology adoption rate create the ideal environment for fostering innovation and driving technological advancements globally.
01
Consumer Goods
New sales channels have been emerging for B2C ecommerce companies to capitalize on the huge Chinese market. Whether in food, clothing, luxury goods, or more, “Made in Germany” products are highly valued by Chinese consumers.
02
SaaS / Software
The B2B Software-as-a-Service market in China is not yet mature. Many German companies with good B2B SaaS solutions have found productive synergies with the Chinese market.
03
Deep Tech
For some startups in areas such as smart manufacturing, automotive, mobility, clean tech, agritech, health tech, and more, the Chinese market can be very tempting.
04
Beyond Market
The most important feature of the Chinese market is certainly its enormous size. But many foreign players also have other touchpoints with China. China is a source for supply chain management, industry intelligence, talent and technology sourcing, and more.
Opportunities for German Startups
Programs We Offer for China
How to Get Started
Smart City
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Mobility
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Healthcare
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CleanTech
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AI & Predictive Analytics
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Main Startup Hubs in Chiba
Beijing
Beijing (in the Jing-Jin-Ji region) is home to many companies in the fields of AI, big data, edtech, and fintech. The dense university landscape produces around 200,000 graduates annually, many of whom start their careers in the startup scene. However, as the political center of China, Beijing is also characterized by heavy regulation and therefore does not make sense for every company.
Shanghai
Shanghai (and other cities in the Yangtze River Delta) is home to many Chinese and international corporations in the manufacturing, service, and banking sectors. Foreign B2B startups can expect good customer proximity, but Shanghai has also become very expensive and no longer affordable for many employees in the startup scene.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen (and the Pearl River Delta) has become a center for hardware design and production. Shenzhen’s highly integrated supply chains are particularly attractive for start-ups looking for production outsourcing. But working with Chinese actors within the Shenzhen ecosystem is also challenging and requires a clear risk- and cost-benefit assessment.
Discover Our Local Partners
What Previous Program Participants Say
China Snapshot Report
Download the China Snapshot Report to get comprehensive insights, top tips, and opportunities to expand your business to South Korea!
You have the questions we have the answers
01
How Can I Apply to the Program?
To apply, simply follow the instructions in the application form. After submission, our team will review your application and get in touch with next steps.
02
Will German Accelerator take any equity?
We don’t take any equity from our startups and our programs are financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Our goal is to help you succeed. No hidden agendas, no strings attached.
03
Who Is Eligible to Join?
To qualify for any German Accelerator program, your company has to meet our selection criteria:
- Your company must be incorporated in Germany with one of the following legal forms: UG; AG; GmbH; GmbH & Co. KG. We also consider GbRs on a case-by-case basis
- Qualify as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) based on the EU definition of a SME
- Be under the limit of the official EU De-minimis aid regulation
04
What Are the Program Costs?
The cost of taking part in the Market Discovery program have a small fee of €500 per startup, for up to 3 participants from the same company.
05
How Long Does the Program Last?
The Market Discovery program is a 5-7 week virtual program (depending on the location), with up to 1 week on-site in the respective country.