Netherlands Innovation Network China

Welcome to the team – Dr. Xinwei Ye   Meet our new Embassy Science Fellow (ESF), Dr. Xinwei Ye! Joining us from Utrecht University, Xinwei brings expertise in physical chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis, cultivated through her studies at Nankai University and further advanced at Utrecht University. Xinwei shares, "Motivated by my passion for advanced spectroscopy techniques, I joined the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group at Utrecht University. There, I developed expertise in operando spectroscopies to investigate various catalytic reactions, including those for nitrogen pollutant abatement and C1 molecule conversion, such as CO2." Currently, Xinwei is continuing her work as a postdoctoral researcher at Utrecht University, focusing on heterogeneous catalysis with a particular emphasis on biomass conversion. Last month, Xinwei also joined the Innovation Mission on Green Chemistry to China (https://lnkd.in/gpK2hcKJ). “Seeing the innovative technologies in areas like plastics recycling, bio-based materials, and CCUS was truly inspiring," she reflects. "This mission has prepared me well for my ongoing ESF project, where I aim to foster Sino-Dutch collaboration on sustainable chemistry, focusing specifically on circular bio-based materials." The ESF programme, run by NWO (Dutch Research Council) and the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, gives researchers a unique chance to work in a diplomatic setting and help with Dutch foreign policy (https://lnkd.in/gTdSk2C5). Xinwei is excited to kick off her ESF project in Guangzhou and further explore the innovative developments in sustainable chemistry across the Great Bay Area, the Yangtze Delta and Beijing. Outside of research, Xinwei enjoys discovering the unique character of each place she visits, drawing inspiration from local histories. She’s also passionate about badminton, sharing, “I hope to play a few games with my new colleagues in my free time.” The Netherlands Innovation Network China stimulates international cooperation between Dutch and Chinese companies, research institutes and public authorities in the fields of innovation, technology and science. The network's activities help implement the international knowledge and innovation agenda of the Dutch government. We address national and global challenges, aiming to further develop key enabling technologies through international cooperation and a network of offices in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.   Nicole Dirksen | Freek Jan Frerichs | Maria Fleuren | Jason Jin | Sjoerd Dikkerboom | Faron Melisse | Wielande Li | Fons Klein Tuente | Sarah Paardekooper | Karim Megaiz   Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) | Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China | Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai | Consulate General of the Netherlands in Guangzhou   #NetherlandsChinaInnovationTeam

Hydrogen is growing quickly around the world and is increasingly viewed by governments as an important part of reaching carbon neutrality goals. The Netherlands, leveraging its port infrastructure, wind potential, and industrial clusters, is emerging as a hydrogen gateway to northwest Europe. Meanwhile, China has also made major investments across the hydrogen value chain, including electrolyser manufacturing and large-scale green hydrogen production projects. In this context, the Netherlands Innovation Network China organised a fact-finding mission for Dutch hydrogen experts Herbert Krajenbrink, Jörg Gigler, and Ruben Hortensius with the aim to bridge the knowledge gap and explore China's recent developments in electrolyser manufacturing, government policies and international collaboration potential. Third and final stop? The Greater Bay Area region, where visits were arranged to EVE Hydrogen Energy and BriHyNergy. Besides these, the experts visited one China’s largest international hydrogen expo’s, the CHFE in Foshan. EVE Hydrogen is a division of EVE Energy Co.,Ltd., a leading Chinese company in the energy storage and battery industry. EVE Hydrogen primarily focuses on developing and manufacturing AEM electrolysers. The start-up BriHyNergy manufactures PEM electrolysers on an automated production line and develops its own low-iridium membranes, a field in which China is making progress and aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources. Before the wrap-up dinner at the residency of Efstathios Andreou, there were two visits with a strong focus on innovation, visiting the world’s first pilot project with solid-state hydrogen storage of China Southern Power Grid Company Limited and the Foshan Xianhu Hydrogen lab. Freek Jan Frerichs joined these visits as well. During the CHFE in Foshan, the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Guangzhou organised a lunch for the experts from the Netherlands as well as the Dutch companies that were present at the expo, namely Teesing BV and Bronkhorst. Antoni Mandemaker hosted the lunch. For the past few years, the Netherlands Innovation Network China has actively promoted the Dutch hydrogen sector in China, while staying engaged with China's rapid progress in the field of hydrogen. Recent events, such as AeroDelft 's (https://lnkd.in/gY5fT-TN) visit to China and the participation in the FCVC in Shanghai (https://lnkd.in/ggFu8iCz), highlight two recent examples of our ongoing commitment to this topic. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on China's hydrogen developments and our efforts to support the Dutch hydrogen sector. Information on the first and second stop of the fact-finding mission can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dbtRfgRy and here: https://lnkd.in/gF5X9WiS Nicole Dirksen | Fons Klein Tuente Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) | Netherlands Enterprise Agency | Topsector Energie | Ministerie van Klimaat en Groene Groei

Hydrogen is growing quickly around the world and is increasingly viewed by governments as an important part of reaching carbon neutrality goals. The Netherlands, leveraging its port infrastructure, wind potential, and industrial clusters, is emerging as a hydrogen gateway to northwest Europe. Meanwhile, China has also made major investments across the hydrogen value chain, including electrolyser manufacturing and large-scale green hydrogen production projects. In this context, the Netherlands Innovation Network China organised a fact-finding mission for Dutch hydrogen experts Herbert Krajenbrink, Jörg Gigler, and Ruben Hortensius with the aim to bridge the knowledge gap and explore China's recent developments in electrolyser manufacturing, government policies and international collaboration potential. Second stop? The Yangtze River Delta region, where visits were arranged to two major alkaline electrolyser manufacturers in China: the Chinese company Sungrow Hydrogen and the Belgium-Chinese joint venture Cockerill Jingli Hydrogen. Upon arrival in the region, the experts were welcomed by Sachi Claringbould and Jason Jin of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai, who joined the first visit as well. Dirk Witteveen joined the second visit. Sungrow Hydrogen is a leading Chinese company specialising in hydrogen energy solutions. As a subsidiary of Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. , it focuses on the development and production of electrolyser systems, green hydrogen technologies, and hydrogen infrastructure. In 2024, it became the largest alkaline electrolyser manufacturer in China by sold electrolyser capacity. Cockerill Jingli Hydrogen is a joint venture between John Cockerill, a global leader in industrial solutions, and Suzhou Jingli, a Chinese hydrogen technology expert. The company specialises in high-capacity alkaline electrolysers and hydrogen production systems. Both companies were open in sharing their experiences with the delegates and provided a detailed tour of their manufacturing facilities and pilot test setups. For the past few years, the Netherlands Innovation Network China has actively promoted the Dutch hydrogen sector in China, while staying engaged with China's rapid progress in the field of hydrogen. Recent events, such as AeroDelft 's (https://lnkd.in/gY5fT-TN) visit to China and the participation in the FCVC in Shanghai (https://lnkd.in/ggFu8iCz), highlight two recent examples of our ongoing commitment to this topic. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on China's hydrogen developments and our efforts to support the Dutch hydrogen sector. Information on the first stop of the fact-finding mission can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dbtRfgRy Freek Jan Frerichs | Nicole Dirksen | Fons Klein Tuente Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) | Netherlands Enterprise Agency | Topsector Energie | Ministerie van Klimaat en Groene Groei

Hydrogen is growing quickly around the world and is increasingly viewed by governments as an important part of reaching carbon neutrality goals. The Netherlands, leveraging its port infrastructure, wind potential, and industrial clusters, is emerging as a hydrogen gateway to northwest Europe. Meanwhile, China has also made major investments across the hydrogen value chain, including electrolyser manufacturing and large-scale green hydrogen production projects. In this context, the Netherlands Innovation Network China organised a fact-finding mission for Dutch hydrogen experts Herbert Krajenbrink, Jörg Gigler, and Ruben Hortensius with the aim to bridge the knowledge gap and explore China's recent developments in electrolyser manufacturing, government policies and international collaboration potential. First stop? The Beijing region; where a kick-off session and internal consultation meetings were organised at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China. The delegation also visited the National Energy Administration (NEA) and participated in a policy discussion. In addition, they visited Jing Hui Gas and the Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone, which includes key facilities such as one of Sinohytec 's fuel cell assembly factories and the Hyper Hydrogen Refuelling Station. The Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone, located in Beijing, serves as a major hub for hydrogen energy development in China. It focuses on advancing hydrogen technologies, including fuel cells, hydrogen production, and related infrastructure. The zone promotes the growth of hydrogen-powered transportation and aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for hydrogen energy, supporting China's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and foster green energy solutions. A sincere thank you to Mattia Bertolini 潘鴻明 and paheerya yushan for their contribution to the organisation of the Beijing part of the programme and visits. For the past few years, the Netherlands Innovation Network China has actively promoted the Dutch hydrogen sector in China, while staying engaged with China's rapid progress in the field of hydrogen. Recent events, such as AeroDelft 's (https://lnkd.in/gY5fT-TN) visit to China and the participation in the FCVC in Shanghai (https://lnkd.in/ggFu8iCz), highlight two recent examples of our ongoing commitment to this topic. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on China's hydrogen developments and our efforts to support the Dutch hydrogen sector. Freek Jan Frerichs | Nicole Dirksen | Fons Klein Tuente | Roderick Wols | Huub Buise | Maria Fleuren | Ernst Prosman | Stefan Van Wanrooij | Levi van Loenen | Baour A. | Bas G. Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) | Netherlands Enterprise Agency | Topsector Energie | Ministerie van Klimaat en Groene Groei | RMI

Welcome to the team – Karim Megaiz Meet our new rijkstrainee, Karim Megaiz! The young diplomat from the Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport joined the office at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai for the upcoming five months as part of the Netherlands Innovation Network China. Karim has a background in communications and public administration, including a minor in journalism. He previously worked as a teacher at the University of Applied Science and as a communications employee. His interest in China began during his studies: "When I studied communications, I started taking Chinese classes out of curiosity. I really liked the culture and language, so I decided to do more with it. And I am glad I did; the colleagues of the Netherlands Innovation Network China and the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai are very kind, they helped me organise everything, and I am glad to be part of this team." During his stay in Shanghai, Karim will be focusing on the topics of circular economy and medical technology. "Both are subjects I want to learn more about, because I also work at the Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport in the Netherlands," he explains. Both topics are important also for the Netherlands Innovation Network China, shown also by the recent activities of the PIB Medtech ( https://lnkd.in/gF_mHFRT) and the Innovation Mission on Green Chemistry and Circular Plastics (https://lnkd.in/gpK2hcKJ). Outside of work, Karim is a big movie fan, enjoying a wide range of genres. Movies that are his favourites? "Manchester by the Sea, Inception, Fight Club, Forrest Gump and Gone Girl". Karim also enjoys life outside away from the screen: "I like to explore the city in my free time, and in the Netherlands, I enjoy going to the beach for a walk or a run." he says, reflecting his love for both relaxation and exploration. The Netherlands Innovation Network China stimulates international cooperation between Dutch and Chinese companies, research institutes and public authorities in the fields of innovation, technology and science. The network's activities help implement the international knowledge and innovation agenda of the Dutch government. We address national and global challenges, aiming to further develop key enabling technologies through international cooperation and a network of offices in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Nicole Dirksen | Freek Jan Frerichs | Maria Fleuren | Ma Qing | Sarah Paardekooper | Jason Jin | Sjoerd Dikkerboom | Vincent Vial | Wielande Li | Fons Klein Tuente Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) #NetherlandsChinaInnovationTeam

The Partners for International Business (PIB) programme on medical technologies in China - #PIBMedTechChina - is on the way! As the demand for effective, affordable, and accessible healthcare continues to grow, it’s clear that innovation is key to overcoming challenges that both the Netherlands and China face, like an ageing society and shortages of labour in the field. With the PIB Med Tech China programme, the Netherlands Innovation Network China supports the consortium with exploring innovative business opportunities through matchmaking, promotion and opening doors in the Med Tech market in China. This week was the first time the PIB Med Tech China members visited China together with the support of the Netherlands Innovation Network China and the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai. In a nutshell: Visits to companies such as Microport, Sagebot Intelligence, and Dongmai Medical Technology provided the consortium with a broad overview of the opportunities for collaboration across the full range of Medtech companies in China. A reception at the Residence of Marjo Crompvoets was organised where Sachi Claringbould spoke about how the Netherlands China Network can support businesses, after which Sjoerd Dikkerboom introduced the innovation landscape and the rapidly developing medical technology market in China. A matchmaking event was hosted by COWIN and offered further opportunities to connect with relevant companies in Suzhou. Finally, at the Medtech China Fair, where Marc van der Linden, Counsellor for Health, Welfare & Sport at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China, delivered an opening speech and welcomed the audience, as the companies showcased their capabilities and innovative solutions. The Medtech China Fair, first held in Shanghai in 2005, is a leading event for the medical technology industry, showcasing the latest innovations and developments in medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare solutions. The consortium looks back at an interesting week in China and looks forward to future activities and exploring more opportunities as part of the PIB programme.   PiB programmes, an instrument of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency , enables Dutch businesses to form public-private partnerships to achieve their international goals. Doing business abroad can be challenging due to trade barriers, limited knowledge among local authorities, or restrictive local laws. By collaborating with other businesses and the Dutch government, companies are better positioned to succeed. Nicole Dirksen | Juri Roerink | Freek Jan Frerichs | Jason Jin | Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) | AAE | Neways Electronics International NV | Sioux Technologies | VDL Groep | Starodub BV | Brainport Eindhoven | NBSO China #PIBMedTechChina

Welcome to the team – Sarah Paardekooper Meet our new Officer Manager, Sarah Paardekooper! The young and enthusiastic professional joined the office at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China in our team of the Netherlands Innovation Network China. Sarah joins the team with an extensive background in international relations and business development. In her own words, she shares: “I have a background in international relations and business development. Most recently I was working as a Business Development Manager at MVRDV Architects in Rotterdam, focusing mainly on the Southeast Asian market and gaining valuable experience in the Asian business world.” Before this, Sarah's career started in international relations with previous roles at the Belgian Consulate in New York and the New York City Mayor's Office for International Affairs, where she developed her expertise in building international partnerships and navigating diplomatic environments. Sarah’s interest in China’s innovation policies began during her studies: “My interest in China’s innovation policies began during my MSc in Urban Governance, where I explored China’s ‘eco-city’ initiatives. I’m looking forward to taking on this new role and immerse myself in China’s rich and dynamic culture.” Sarah is excited to combine her passion for international relations with her expertise in business development in her new role, where she will play a key part in supporting the team of the Netherlands Innovation Network China and fostering innovation collaborations between the Netherlands and China. Outside of work, Sarah has a number of hobbies that keep her engaged and inspired. “Outside of work, I am passionate about graphic design and in my spare time I enjoy running and learning languages,” she says, reflecting her creative and active lifestyle. The Netherlands Innovation Network China stimulates international cooperation between Dutch and Chinese companies, research institutes and public authorities in the fields of innovation, technology and science. The network's activities help implement the international knowledge and innovation agenda of the Dutch government. We address national and global challenges, aiming to further develop key enabling technologies through international cooperation and a network of offices in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Nicole Dirksen | Freek Jan Frerichs | Maria Fleuren | Ma Qing | Jason Jin | Sjoerd Dikkerboom | Vincent Vial | Karim Megaiz | Wielande Li | Fons Klein Tuente Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) #NetherlandsChinaInnovationTeam

The Netherlands Innovation Network China wishes everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated all over China today. The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September or October. It is second in importance only to the Chinese Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). The festival marks the harvest and symbolises family reunion and togetherness. People celebrate by eating mooncakes, lighting lanterns and enjoying the full moon. Like ancient Chinese innovations, such as the lunar calendar and water clocks, which helped people organise festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, today’s advancements in technology and sustainability bring countries together. China and the Netherlands, both leaders in innovation, have opportunities to work closely in areas like energy, sustainability and chemistry. The Netherlands Innovation Network China helps build these partnerships, driving shared progress and solving global challenges together. Anyone in our network ever tried mooncakes before? Freek Jan Frerichs | Maria Fleuren | Faron Melisse | Ma Qing | Fons Klein Tuente | Wielande Li | Jason Jin | Sjoerd Dikkerboom | Sarah Paardekooper | Vincent Vial | Karim Megaiz Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) | Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China | Consulate General of the Netherlands in Guangzhou | Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai

Day 8 - Green Chemistry and Circular Plastics Innovation Mission – Last day of a fruitful week China is the world's largest producer and consumer of both chemical products and plastics. Besides, it is prioritising the decarbonisation of its chemical industry to reduce its footprint as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Quality of research is increasing rapidly and opportunities for scaling up technologies are present, making collaboration worthwhile to explore: Solving global challenges together. Within this context, a delegation focused on green chemistry (biobased chemistry and CCUS) and circular plastics is in China this week, consisting of a diverse group of 29 participants from Dutch companies and knowledge institutes, together with representatives of the government and industry. Saturday was the final day of the dynamic 8-day mission which included two company visits. One group of delegates visited PhaBuilder, a company with advanced synthetic biotechnology. PhaBuilder was founded in 2021 by Professor Chen Guoqiang of Tsinghua University and produces a variety of high-value-added products such as PHA - a biodegradable material, ectoine - a pharmaceuIcal intermediate, and cadaverine - a Nylon 56 precursor. Twenty years of research lead to a more tolerant strain, using seawater and a simpler production process to solve common challenges PHA producers face. The other group of delegates visited the CCUS pilot project of BBMG's cement production site in Beijing. This 100,000 t/year project shows China’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions in the energy intensive ‘hard-to-abate” cement sector. The project just started its operations this summer. The innovation mission ends with a wide variety of follow-ups identified. the Netherlands Innovation Network China looks forward to taking this further with the co-organisers of this mission; ChemistryNL, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency , the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat. Special thanks to them for making it happen together! Stay connected with us to keep updated on the latest developments in Green Chemistry, Circular Plastics Innovation, and more. For further details on the delegation programme, please click the links below. Day 1: https://lnkd.in/gpK2hcKJ Day 2: https://lnkd.in/giNHenDF Day 3: https://lnkd.in/gMA8k-jy Day 4: https://lnkd.in/g6vTJWtH Day 5: https://lnkd.in/g7RYTqUJ Day 6: https://lnkd.in/gpPQhRvY Day 7: https://lnkd.in/g3DMxJMk Day 8: https://lnkd.in/gsQctqbR Floris Lantzendörffer | Nicole Dirksen | Juri Roerink | Freek Jan Frerichs | Wielande Li | Sjoerd Dikkerboom | Ma Qing Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) | Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China #innovationmission2024 #innovationmission2024china

Day 7 - Green Chemistry and Circular Plastics Innovation Mission – Last stop: Beijing China is the world's largest producer and consumer of both chemical products and plastics. Besides, it is prioritising the decarbonisation of its chemical industry to reduce its footprint as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Quality of research is increasing rapidly and opportunities for scaling up technologies are present, making collaboration worthwhile to explore: Solving global challenges together. Within this context, a delegation focused on green chemistry (biobased chemistry and CCUS) and circular plastics is in China this week, consisting of a diverse group of 29 participants from Dutch companies and knowledge institutes, together with representatives of the government and industry. Today, Friday, September 13, the delegation is in Beijing for the Netherlands - China Green Chemistry and Circular Plastics Seminar, co-organised with the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST). The seminar focused on connecting Dutch and Chinese organisations on potential future collaborations like public-private partnerships. Netherlands Ambassador to China André Haspels opened the seminar after which Karlo Van Dam and Sandra Onwijn highlighted Dutch government policies related to sustainable industry and circular economy. Jacqueline Vaessen shared about the focus of ChemistryNL. The session was moderated by Esmé Cartens. MOST is responsible for developing and implementing China's science and technology strategies, promoting innovation, coordinating research, managing national programs, and facilitating international cooperation. Last year, an MoU on science and technology cooperation was signed between China and the Netherlands (https://lnkd.in/geZsWa6A). This seminar was an important follow-up step in exploring further collaboration in sustainable chemistry and circular plastics. After the seminar, the mission debrief session took place at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China. It focused on the delegates' reflections of the week and next steps. A long list with follow-ups was created with a focus on actions for the companies, researchers and policy makers. Ambassador to China André Haspels attended the session as well to interact with the delegation. Stay connected with us to follow the delegation programme and stay informed on future developments in Green Chemistry, Circular Plastics Innovation and more. Day 1: https://lnkd.in/gpK2hcKJ Day 2: https://lnkd.in/giNHenDF Day 3: https://lnkd.in/gMA8k-jy Day 4: https://lnkd.in/g6vTJWtH Day 5: https://lnkd.in/g7RYTqUJ Day 6: https://lnkd.in/gpPQhRvY Floris Lantzendörffer | Nicole Dirksen | Juri Roerink | Freek Jan Frerichs | Wielande Li | Sjoerd Dikkerboom | Ma Qing Innovatie Attaché Netwerk / IA (Netherlands Innovation Network) #innovationmission2024 #innovationmission2024china