China, here we come. A short trip from June 20–26 to Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Taicang.
Always by my side: my longtime business partner and friend, Janet Qin. A bridge between worlds and an enthusiastic part-time newcomer to Ulm. She is expanding Steinbeis University in China and has an excellent network here. She’s full of ideas and has outstanding connections.
A reception hosted by the government of Bao’an, a district of Shenzhen. Even to me, the sheer scale of it never ceases to amaze me: 25 million people live in the booming city of Shenzhen, 5 million of them in Bao’an. 
And this is what the startup hubs look like here—the Walk of Fame in Shenzhen and the technology park currently under construction. VC is always right nearby.
Next stop, after a detour to an innovative school that offers education based on individual skills: the Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology. A very active director; 16,000 students.
And a startup hub with a makerspace
Here, we take a look behind the scenes at the development of an app for WeChat, the Chinese equivalent of WhatsApp. By the way, in China, apps are called “A-P-P”s.
The next day: ferry to Zhuhai. Janet says this is where her heart is and that the city is to her what Ulm is. She compares Shenzhen to Stuttgart: faster-paced and busier, but less beautiful. Ulm and Zhuhai are also linked by the industries based there: aerospace, manufacturing, and science.
We were welcomed by Yan Hong, the Party Secretary of Zhuhai’s Main District, and representatives of the city government. A budget for the construction of a Gründerzentrum was approved. The location is the former customs building. Really cool.
From now on, things will get down to business: we’ll spend three days discussing and planning with the designated team.
Interrupted only by meals—which are very important in China. But even then, of course, the discussion continues. Very nice and dedicated people who really want to make a difference.
On Sunday evening, we’ll continue on to Taicang, a city right next to Shanghai that specializes in attracting German companies. There are already over 300 of them, including an old acquaintance from Einsingen: Zwick-Roell.
Here, too, there were interesting conversations, food, toasts, and a lot of interest.
It was especially nice that some very close friends made a special trip here so we could at least see each other briefly. That little guy has really grown up.
Flying home after dinner… and today we’re heading straight to the City of the Future. More on that in the next post.
