China Tech & Culture Trip 2026
Shanghai & Nanjing | March 29 – April 6, 2026
From March 29 to April 6, 2026, join fellow EIT Digital alumni and international innovators on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into China’s fast-growing tech ecosystem and rich cultural heritage.
EIT Digital Alumni, Founders & Techies – this is YOUR call!
This 9-day immersive experience will take you from the global megacity of Shanghai to the Innovation capital Nanjing, where AI, robotics, smart manufacturing, startups, universities, investors and government come together.
It is also about understanding the real China from the inside — through its people, culture, and daily life.
This is not a tour.
It’s a cross-continental innovation exchange.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
- Explore China’s AI, robotics & smart manufacturing ecosystem from the inside
- Meet local founders, investors, universities and government partners
- Compare European & Chinese innovation models
- Experience Chinese culture, cities, nature and food
- Build meaningful international connections with like-minded innovators
🚀 Special for Founders & Future Entrepreneurs
If you are building a startup or have an entrepreneurial idea, in Nanjing you might get a chance to:
- Pitch your startup or idea to Chinese VCs and industry funds
- Join a China–Europe Innovation Roadshow
- Exchange directly with Chinese founders, incubators and accelerators
This is a rare chance to test your idea in the Chinese market and explore cross-border opportunities.
What Awaits You
🌆 Shanghai – Global Innovation Hub
- JAKA Robotics – collaborative robots
- Wicresoft – digital transformation
- Explore the real Shanghai in a local way, a city tour including the Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession
- New consumer brands (PopMart, MINISO & more)
🚄 High-Speed Transfer to Nanjing
🏙️ Nanjing – Industrial AI & Smart Manufacturing Capital
- ESTUN / Inovance Automation
- Embodied AI Robotics Innovation Center
- Huawei AI & 5G Manufacturing Factory
- European-China Innovation and Tech Exchange Event
- University exchange (Southeast University or Hohai University)
🌿 Culture & Nature
- Tea harvesting & branding workshop
- Niushou Mountain
- Hear unfold stories of Nanjing’s landmark like Jinling Old Town
- Outdoor co-working farm day
- Local food, traditions & creative experiences
Who Is This For?
- EIT Digital Alumni & Students
- Entrepreneurs, founders, developers
- AI, data, robotics & innovation professionals
- Anyone curious about China’s digital future
Program Highlights (10 Days)
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome | Shanghai
Day 2 – AI & Innovation Visits
Day 3 – Culture & Urban Exploration
Day 4 – Consumer Brand Experience + Transfer
Day 5 – Welcome | Nanjing
Day 6 – Robotics & Industrial AI
Day 7 – Tea, Culture & Heritage
Day 8 – China–EU Innovation Event/AI Roadshow + University
Day 9 – Outdoor Co-working & Creativity
Day 10 – Huawei Factory
Pricing & Accommodation
💸 €1200 per person
➕ + €300 if you prefer your own private room
Includes:
- 10 days program & all activities
- Company, university, government & VC visits
- Cultural & experiential workshops
- Networking events & community activities
- Attraction tickets and English Tour guide
- 4-star hotel accommodation
- Room for one or two people
- Daily breakfast included
- Daily lunches
- Welcome Dinner in Nanjing and Shanghai
- Daily transportation for the activities and transportation from Shanghai to Nanjing
❌ Flights, visa, insurance & personal expenses not included.
✈️ Important:
Flights to/from China, visas, insurance and personal expenses are not included and will NOT be reimbursed.
What to Expect
📍 WHERE: Shanghai & Nanjing, China
📆 WHEN: March 29 – April 6, 2026
👥 WHO: EIT Digital Alumni, partners & open participants
🌍 LANGUAGE: English
🎟 LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE (30)
This is More Than a Trip
It’s where East meets West,
where ideas turn into collaborations,
and where future partnerships begin.
🚀 Ready to Join?
Spots are limited.
Register your interest now and be part of this unique China Tech & Culture journey.
Let’s explore the future – together.
EIT Digital Alumni and EIT Digital are supported by the EIT, a body of the European Union