Open Innovation cooperation in Shanghai

Shanghai Caohejing Hi-tech Park, a full member of IASP, signed a MoU with the Fortune Global 500 Saint-Gobain last week to better support innovation in Shanghai. 

Saint-Gobain is among the world's hundred leading industrial corporations, ranked the world 196th on the 2016 Fortune 500. The company has been present in China since 1985, providing innovative materials and construction products. The cooperation between Caohejing and Saint-Gobain is a good example for how multinational companies can work with local science park on innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Accompanied by Haofeng Lai, the General Manager of CHJ Innovation Center and President of IASP Asia-Pacific Division, the CEO of Saint-Gobain China Javier Gimeno visited the CHJ next-generation incubator, where he learned about the successful co-incubation programmes between CHJ Innovation Center and its partners, including leading incubators worldwide and multinational companies. Mr Gimeno also met with some of the startups based at the incubator, and took the time to share his insights about combining IoT technology with Saint-Gobain products.

Mr. Lai and Mr. Gimeno went on to sign the MoU, which establishes cooperation in smart city, energy saving, new materials and IoT solutions, as well as exploring the possibility of launching a CHJ-SG innovation center/accelerator programme. Watch this space for further updates!

Mr Gimeno commented: “Despite the fact that Saint-Gobain has been a traditional manufacturing enterprise, we always recognize innovation as one of the top values to keep ourselves competitive. With the MoU signed, we will closely work with CHJ to better support and grow together with all innovative start-ups in China.”

“Caohejing Hi-tech Park, a key location for technology innovation in Shanghai, committed itself to industrial upgrading and resource integration. The innovation focus of Saint-Gobain is in line with the pillar industries in Caohejing Hi-tech Park. Together with Saint-Gobain, we will enhance the innovative ecosystem in Shanghai,” said Mr. Haofeng Lai.