Guanxi Series: Introducing our VitalEdge Business Mission to Ningbo

Our VitalEdge Business Mission trip provides unparalleled access to decision-makers, key growth sectors, and cultural touchpoints.

See here for the full itinerary

Join us for a free trip preview and networking event.

Expect a fun and engaging travel talk at Ningpo Guild Singapore on October 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM (Asia/Singapore).

Our upcoming trip combines holiday-worthy experiences with targeted one-on-one business matchmaking, delivering both inspiration and tangible opportunities.

Ningbo has recently been making significant strides in IoT-driven eldercare, capitalizing on its strong foundations in electronics, advanced manufacturing, and smart city initiatives. The city is emerging as a leader in developing wearables, telemedicine, smart homes, and robotics tailored specifically for senior care, blending technology and wellbeing to enhance quality of life for older adults.

Some Unique Extras

• Cixi Huayang Dental Hospital Visit – Experience China’s advanced dental care services (all participating delegates will enjoy complimentary dental cleaning services)
• Visit Chengyang Village, home to a 1,000-year-old Ginkgo Tree, and learn how art and tradition have transformed this ancient village into a vibrant tourism destination.
• The Lantern in the Paddy Field – An architectural icon that leverages modern sustainable technology while remaining attuned to its natural environment.

Highlights include:

• Government-hosted welcome dinner with senior officials and industry leaders.
• Investment seminars in key Ningbo districts — Zhenhai, Haishu, Jiangbei, Beilun, Yinzhou, and Cixi.
• Site visits to Zhenhai New Materials Town, the National Graphene Innovation Center, and Beilun International Port.
• Deep dive into China’s e-commerce boom at Ningbo E-Commerce Innovation Park in Jiangbei and Qiaomengyuan, Zhejiang’s first national-level innovation hub for overseas Chinese.
• Advanced manufacturing insights at Zeekr Intelligent Factory in Hangzhou Bay, a leader in EV production.
• Tailored one-on-one business matching with vetted local partners.

Ningbo's National Graphene Innovation Center (NGIC) is the first of its kind in China, bringing together R&D solutions from all around the country.

What is Graphene?

• A single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a 2D honeycomb lattice
• Thinnest known material (just one atom thick) yet visible to the naked eye
• 200x stronger than steel while being incredibly lightweight
• Best known conductor of heat and electricity (better than copper)

Applications across industries include marine (anti-corrosion), EVs (fast-charging), aerospace (lightweighting), healthcare (wearables), construction (stronger materials), electronics (cooling), textiles (antibacterial), and energy storage (supercapacitors).

Some of its vast potential applications:

Innovations in Development

• Energy: EV battery prototypes charge 5x faster than lithium-ion
• Materials: Graphene-enhanced asphalt (extends road durability by 50%) tested on Ningbo’s highways
• Biotech: Antibacterial wound dressings using graphene oxide (trials at Ningbo Medical Center)

Key Capabilities:

1. Electronics - Enables flexible, ultra-fast chips and transparent conductive displays
2. Energy - Supercapacitors that charge in seconds, more efficient solar cells
3. Materials - Creates stronger, lighter composites for aerospace/auto industries
4. Biomedical - Antibacterial coatings, advanced drug delivery systems
5. Filtration - Perfect molecular sieves for water desalination and gas separation

Current Applications:
✓ Touchscreens (replacing indium tin oxide)
✓ Concrete/tire additives for strength
✓ Sports equipment (lighter rackets/helmets)
✓ Anti-corrosion coatings

Future Potential:
◉ Quantum computing components
◉ Neural interfaces
◉ Space elevator cables
◉ Self-healing materials