Global Medical Innovation Showcase Bridges Investors and Innovators: The 7th VB100 Global Healthcare Innovation Roadshow Concludes Successfully

On May 5 and May 7, 2023, the Global Roadshow Project, hosted by VCBeat VB100 and jointly supported by the Commercial Section of the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai, the Foreign Trade Administration of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry, the China-Israel Chamber of Commerce, the New South Wales Government Trade & Investment Office (Australia), the Shanghai Representative Office of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Flanders Investment & Trade of the Flemish Government (Belgium), the Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Shanghai and the UK Department for Business and Trade, and Bolang Tianxia, was successfully held in Zhangjiang, Shanghai.

This global roadshow focuses on fostering international exchange and collaboration in healthcare, sharing advanced technologies and clinical treatment experiences, further promoting the coordinated development of the global healthcare industry, actively advancing innovative medical technologies, providing higher-quality and more reliable healthcare services to patients worldwide, and jointly exploring the future of medical technological innovation.

The country-specific promotion representatives for this roadshow project include: Mr. Hai Benji, Economic and Commercial Consul of the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai; Ms. Zhang Jingyi, Commercial Officer of the New South Wales Government Trade and Investment Office of Australia; Mr. Li Daiyong, Section Chief of the Project Division at the Korea Trade Center; Mr. Peter Tanghe (Tang Aihai), Technical Counselor of the Flanders Investment & Trade Agency of Belgium; and Mr. Raj Maan (Ma Ruijie), Commercial Consul of the British Consulate-General in Chongqing. Also present were outstanding investors from various institutions, interactive guests, and team representatives of the roadshow projects.

Figure 1. On-site of the Global Roadshow Project

Introductory Remarks by Mr. Hai Benji, Economic and Commercial Consul of the Commercial Section at the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai

As cooperation between China and Israel deepens across economic, technological, and cultural sectors, the healthcare and wellness industry has emerged as a key area of collaboration. As an innovative nation, Israel is a global leader in the healthcare and wellness sector and has garnered widespread international acclaim.

In his remarks, Mr. Hai Benji noted that Israel’s pillar industries include biomedicine, digital health, and certain medical devices, with numerous domestic healthcare companies securing increased funding to support their expansion. Medical technology is a leading high-tech sector in Israel and has maintained a consistent growth trajectory.

Subsequently, four companies from Israel each presented their respective medical innovation projects.

Figure 2. Hai Benji, Economic and Commercial Consul, Commercial Section of the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai

Ruiluo Technology is a technology company focused on neuroscience and cognitive science, dedicated to creating innovative brain technology products and solutions to improve human cognition and governance. Meanwhile, Ruiluo Technology also provides multiple advanced technical solutions for the medical and healthcare industry, such as using neuroimaging data combined with machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies for multidimensional diagnosis and rehabilitation treatment of ADHD, offering accurate and efficient medical services to a wide range of patients.

Figure 3. Rahamim Rami Horesh, CEO of Raylo Tech

INSIGHTEC is a technology-driven medical device company focused on the development and manufacturing of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) therapy technologies. The company’s innovative product is a real-time MRgFUS therapy system that enables non-invasive procedures for treating a variety of conditions, including both benign and malignant tumors.

Figure 4. Ms. Shen Ziyu, spokesperson for INSIGHTEC

In her remarks, Ms. Shen Ziyu highlighted that INSIGHTEC is currently the global leader in non-invasive brain surgery. Its technology primarily employs high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance to thermally ablate target tissue structures without causing neural damage. This technique has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease, and has also achieved major breakthroughs in the management of psychiatric disorders and dystonia.

Mego Afek AC Ltd. is a company dedicated to the development and manufacture of systems for the treatment of lymphedema, aiming to improve the health and quality of life for patients suffering from chronic lymphedema, venous insufficiency, non-healing wounds, and other peripheral circulatory disorders. Its innovative technology is pneumatic compression therapy for lymphedema.

Figure 5. Ms. Ma Ziyan, Spokesperson for Mego Afek AC Ltd.

In her address, Ms. Ma Ziyan stated that Lympha Press is Mego Afek’s brand for lymphedema treatment. Its products are designed based on medical principles to mimic Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) techniques, featuring a 30% overlap design. Each air chamber is equipped with sensors to ensure uniform and consistent pressure application to patients. By applying pressure to the superficial skin layers based on simple yet effective physical principles, the system effectively alleviates edema in patients with lymphedema.

Alpha Omega (China) – Guangzhou Alpha Medical Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in providing systematic solutions for neurodegenerative diseases, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, precision therapy, and home-based health management.

Figure 6. Li Zhifeng, Spokesperson for Alpha Omega (China) – Guangzhou Alpha Medical Technology Co., Ltd.

In his remarks, Mr. Li Zhifeng noted that with advances in medical technology, there are increasingly diverse therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past 31 years, Alpha Company has developed numerous new technologies, including tools for basic scientific research and electrophysiological navigation for deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation surgery. The company has launched Neuro Omega, an integrated clinical and research electrophysiology platform, which is the only technology worldwide certified by both the NMPA and the FDA for use in human brains for clinical and research purposes.

Ms. Zhang Jingyi, Commercial Officer of the Trade and Investment Office of the New South Wales Government, Australia, delivers a promotional speech

As a modern and highly developed economy, Australia possesses unique core competencies and immense potential in the healthcare and wellness industry.

In her remarks, Ms. Zhang Jingyi highlighted that the healthcare system in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, ranks among the best globally, with more than 200 public hospitals and over 200 private hospitals, as well as clinical network research institutions and integrated health translation centers spanning every corner of the state. Meanwhile, NSW boasts strengths in biotechnology, medical technology, viral vector manufacturing, clinical trials, digital health, and nanotechnology, underpinned by world-leading R&D capabilities. As a premier global destination for clinical trials, NSW enables rapid, efficient, and high-quality trial execution, demonstrating particular advantages across early-, mid-, and late-phase clinical studies.

Subsequently, two companies from Australia respectively introduced their innovative projects.

Figure 7. Ms. Zhang Jingyi, Commercial Officer at the New South Wales Government Trade and Investment Office in Australia

Uscom (Yousikang) is a non-invasive medical device company founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1999 by Professor Rob Phillips of the University of Queensland. Uscom focuses on original technological innovation in the fields of cardiovascular and respiratory care, providing efficient, precise, and non-invasive medical monitoring solutions for clinical practice.

Figure 8. Ms. Guo Tianran, General Manager of Uscom China

In her remarks, Ms. Guo Tianran stated that Uscom’s flagship product, the USCOM 1A Hemodynamic Monitor, utilizes USCOM’s ultrasound cardiac output monitoring technology to comprehensively support volume management and medication guidance. It is safe and non-invasive, with no risk of pain, infection, or complications, while providing real-time, continuous, and sensitive measurements with accuracy comparable to the invasive gold standard, the Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC). Uscom has also launched innovative products, including the BP+ Blood Pressure Monitor and the SpiroSonic Spirometer.

Cogniant is a digital health company focused on biomarkers for neurodegenerative and mental health disorders, with a particular emphasis on developing diagnostic support tools and therapeutic solutions for neurological conditions. Leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, and drawing upon clinical practice datasets and the latest global medical research findings, the company provides patients with more effective neurological treatment plans. It is also actively promoting the digital and intelligent transformation of the healthcare industry.

Figure 9. Ms. Wang Xiangling, Spokesperson for Cogniant

In her remarks, Ms. Wang Xiangling noted that Cogniant leverages multimodal biomarkers to deliver superior solutions for patients. The company focuses on four major categories of digital biomarkers, proactively and passively collecting daily patient data across domains such as gross motor function, fine motor skills, eye movements, sleep, and speech. This enables comprehensive behavioral analysis and daily activity profiling to support disease monitoring, prediction, and assessment. Cogniant’s products have demonstrated robust clinical validation in the areas of neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Notably, the Cogniant app achieves a patient engagement rate of over 76% after three months of use, significantly outperforming the typical 5% engagement rate seen with most competing apps over the same period. Consequently, Cogniant delivers greater clinical value to patients, healthcare institutions, and researchers.

Mr. Li Daiyong, Section Chief of the Project Division at the Korea Trade Center, Delivers a Promotional Speech

Against the backdrop of economic globalization, as the economies of China and South Korea continue to integrate and interact, the healthcare and wellness industry has increasingly become a highlight of bilateral cooperation. South Korea has accumulated valuable experience and practical insights in the field of healthcare and wellness, which are of paramount importance for strengthening medical collaboration between the two countries.

In his remarks, Mr. Li Daiyong mentioned that Invest Korea is a specialized investment promotion agency under KOTRA and the sole national investment promotion center in South Korea. It is responsible for trade, commerce, and investment affairs, serving as a bridge for cooperation between Chinese and South Korean enterprises. Osong City in South Korea is a biomedical hub that hosts an annual biomedical exhibition in collaboration with KOTRA.

Subsequently, two South Korean companies presented their respective innovative projects.

Figure 10. Mr. Li Daiyong, Chief of the Project Section at the China Trade Pavilion

LILLYCOVER is a renowned South Korean cosmetics brand positioned as a preventive beauty brand, dedicated to preventing, organizing, and resolving skin concerns through personalized skincare solutions. LILLYCOVER develops tailored skincare regimens and launches customized products based on each user’s specific skin issues, thereby achieving precise and effective skin management.

Figure 11. Mr. Jing Kai, Spokesperson for LILLYCOVER

Mr. Jing Kai stated in his speech that LILLYCOVER’s flagship listed product is an AI-powered intelligent manufacturing system for personalized products. The company also utilizes a portable real-time skin detection device called “miuli” to perform basic skin analysis based on big data algorithms. This analysis is directly integrated with the ENIMA intelligent robotic manufacturing system, which can formulate personalized cosmetics within three minutes. The system achieves an accuracy rate of 93% and can identify approximately 40 different skin types. The intelligent manufacturing system is capable of producing around 25,000 customized cosmetic combinations on-site.

Ewhaon is a South Korean medical aesthetics brand headquartered in Seoul. The brand prioritizes users’ holistic health, emphasizing the dual benefits of wellness and beauty. Among its product offerings, Barry Nery Raspberry Tea, Barry Nery Raspberry Juice, and Rubus Raspberry Seed Oil have gained widespread popularity among consumers.

Figure 12. Ms. Kim Ji-hyun, Spokesperson for Ewhaon

In her remarks, Ms. Kim Ji-hyun stated that Ewhaon primarily produces health products rich in nutrients, such as raspberry tea, raspberry juice, and raspberries. The company secured exclusive rights to specific raspberry varieties in 2018. In 2022, it published research findings highlighting the antiviral effects, hepatoprotective properties, and immunomodulatory activity of raspberries, and has collaborated with several universities and hospitals in South Korea to develop health and wellness products.

Keynote Address by Mr. Peter Tanghe, Technical Counselor of the Flanders Investment & Trade Agency

As a key innovator in medical technology and equipment, Belgium demonstrates strong competitive advantages in the healthcare industry, boasting advanced medical technologies, superior medical device manufacturing capabilities, a mature healthcare market, and continuously advancing medical research.

In his remarks, Mr. Tang Aihai introduced the Flemish Region of Belgium, which is at the forefront of innovation in life sciences and medical devices and is home to more than 300 biotechnology companies. The Flemish Region has demonstrated outstanding performance in pharmaceutical exports, with vaccine exports valued at approximately €30 billion. It also leads globally in research and development, with more than 1,800 drugs currently under development. The region boasts a strong talent pool and is among the leaders in clinical trials.

Subsequently, three companies from Belgium each presented their respective medical innovation projects.

Figure 13. Mr. Peter Tanghe, Technical Counselor at Flanders Investment & Trade

Andu Biologics is a globally leading next-generation CRO specializing in translational and clinical development, boasting unparalleled expertise and experience in the field of clinical trials. The company collaborates with clients to help them complete the drug development cycle rapidly and cost-effectively, mitigate development risks, and accelerate market entry. Committed to optimizing drug R&D processes and enhancing efficiency, Andu Biologics strives to achieve faster and more successful product launches, thereby advancing global healthcare development and improving human health outcomes.

Figure 14. Ms. Lin Ying, Senior Director of Business Development at Andu Bio

In her remarks, Ms. Lin Ying highlighted that Andu Bio boasts a team of experts dedicated to facilitating the successful translation of drug candidates from preclinical stages through clinical development and up to Phase II clinical trials. With a strong focus on new drug R&D and translational science, the company helps enterprises significantly improve their success rates in new drug development. The Andu Bio team members each possess over 20 years of experience in global new drug R&D overseas, enabling them to assist domestic companies in rapidly advancing their drug candidates through clinical development and guiding pharmaceutical firms on how to enter European and American markets.

Vaccinopolis, located in the Flanders region of Belgium, is primarily dedicated to the development and production of biotechnology-based medical vaccines, providing comprehensive support and services for global vaccine research, development, and manufacturing. In addition to focusing on the research, development, and production of COVID-19 vaccines, Vaccinopolis also covers the manufacturing and study of other vaccines, thereby enhancing the stability of global new vaccine production and supply.

Figure 15. Zeng Su, Chief Representative in China of the Province of Antwerp, Belgium, speaking at Vaccinopolis

Mr. Zeng Su mentioned in his speech that the University of Antwerp’s Technology Incubator is a facility established to serve global enterprises, with a total area of 130,000 square meters and a wide range of functional amenities. The incubator focuses on developing key sectors such as cell and gene therapy, respiratory systems, and advanced pharmaceuticals. Housed within the incubator is the University of Antwerp Vaccine Engineering Test Center in Belgium, which is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The center provides comprehensive, end-to-end engineering services for vaccine research and development to countries worldwide, including testing and clinical trial support.

Molecubes was founded at Ghent University in Belgium. Its entire development team has specialized in image reconstruction for 20 years, with 15 years of experience in Monte Carlo simulations and 10 years in the research and development of imaging equipment.

Figure 16. Mr. Chen Xin, Sales & Business Development Manager at Molecubes

Molecubes is an imaging laboratory spun out from Ghent University in Belgium, with over 20 years of experience in software and hardware development. It focuses on preclinical experimental animal models to facilitate drug research and development, accelerating the entire drug discovery process through preclinical imaging. Molecubes offers three modules: CT for bone imaging, and SPECT and PET for functional imaging.

Introductory Remarks by Mr. Raj Maan, Commercial Consul, British Consulate-General in Chongqing

The United Kingdom has long maintained a global leadership position in investment and research and development within the healthcare sector, standing as a key player in the global biopharmaceutical market. The UK is home to a cohort of outstanding biopharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and healthcare organizations. These entities not only undertake domestic clinical trials and pharmaceutical manufacturing but also provide cutting-edge basic research and technologies to the global healthcare community.

In his remarks, Mr. Ma Ruijie noted that the United Kingdom ranks second in medical research, home to four universities among the world’s top ten in health sciences and two among the top three in life sciences, as well as more than 80 Nobel laureates with contributions related to the life sciences. The UK has an outstanding track record and a history of innovation in medicine, including DNA sequencing, the invention of mRNA technology, biotechnological developments involving TE technology, and the birth of the world’s first “test-tube baby.”

Subsequently, two UK-based companies presented their respective medical innovation projects.

Figure 17. Mr. Raj Maan, Commercial Consul of the British Consulate-General in Chongqing

PHASTAR is a CRO specializing in statistical analysis for clinical research. Headquartered in Glasgow, UK, it maintains offices and research centers in the United States, Asia, and Europe. PHASTAR’s statistical analysis services encompass data management, statistical design of clinical trials, sample size calculation, data analysis, and biostatistical consulting.

Figure 18. Mr. Zhang Bingzhong, General Manager of PHASTAR China

In his remarks, Mr. Zhang Bingzhong noted that PHASTAR specializes in the final stages of clinical trials, encompassing data collection from patients, data analysis, and data submission. As a data science-focused CRO, PHASTAR delivers a combination of services and technology. Its future direction is to apply existing and emerging technologies to its services, and even transform them into user-friendly products for clients.

LIG Nanowise is a leader in the fields of nanoparticles and high-resolution microscopy, possessing the technical capability to produce various functional nanoparticles. Furthermore, the company specializes in cutting-edge high-resolution microscopy techniques, including Super-Resolution Microscopy and Scanning Probe Microscopy.

Figure 19. Mr. Guo Wei, Spokesperson for LIG Nanowise, UK

In his address, Mr. Guo Wei introduced microsphere lens-based super-resolution optical microscopy, a technique that enables direct observation of specimens entirely through optical means. In 2011, Professor Li and his team achieved direct optical observation with a resolution below 50 nanometers using microsphere lenses. This technology improves the resolution of conventional optical microscopes from tens of micrometers to 50 nanometers, potentially replacing electron microscopy for certain applications. It facilitates large-area imaging as well as the observation of biological or live specimens.

SHENG Enterprises is a renowned consulting group dedicated to cross-border investment, business development, and technology transfer between China and Israel, with over 20 years of experience in the Chinese market. Over the past decade of operations, SHENG Enterprises has facilitated transactions totaling more than $2 billion between China and Israel. Ms. Ma Ziyan, Business Manager at SHENG Enterprises, introduced three Israeli enterprise projects: Arineta, Medical Electronic Systems, and Amorphical.

Figure 20. Ms. Ma Ziyan, Business Manager at SHENG Enterprises

The first company, Arineta, develops and manufactures innovative cardiovascular imaging solutions. Its flagship product, CardioGraphe, is the world’s first CT system based on proprietary volumetric CT technology. Arineta has obtained regulatory approvals in major markets worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, China, Australia, and Israel. The system has been commercially installed in the United States, Europe, China, and Australia, with a global installed base of 23 units.

The second company, Medical Electronics Systems (MES), is a technology firm that has established the gold standard in sperm analysis. Its comprehensive portfolio spans human and livestock breeding applications, as well as clinical and home-use settings. MES features a high-volume sample testing capability of 450 microliters. By integrating optoelectronic detection with advanced algorithms, it can precisely quantify motile sperm. The system offers rapid analysis, completing all required sperm parameters within 75 seconds.

The third company, Amorphical, is a biotechnology startup whose core technology involves the synthesis of stable, naturally rare calcium via bionanotechnology, known as amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). Amorphical’s ACC can more than double calcium absorption rates, ensuring excellent bioavailability. In addition to enhancing calcium uptake, scientists at Amorphical have discovered that ACC nanoparticles can also modulate pH fluctuations in the acidic microenvironment surrounding individual cells. Its currently mature product portfolio includes DENSITY, an innovative breakthrough product for preventing calcium deficiency and osteoporosis, and PH Gastrilex, a therapeutic product for enteritis.

In recent years, competition in the global healthcare market has intensified, with a continuous emergence of new technologies and business models. Innovation in the healthcare industry has also taken on new characteristics, shifting from purely pharmaceutical and device-based treatments to more personalized approaches encompassing treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation. The transition from traditional medical services to digital and intelligent healthcare solutions has not only propelled the industry toward smart healthcare and internet-based medicine but also transformed the mindsets and operational models of healthcare enterprises and institutions. At this global project roadshow, three presenters showcased eight outstanding healthcare innovation companies, covering areas such as brain health, neurology, lymphatics, mental health, and dermatology, demonstrating many advanced technologies and equipment. Looking ahead, we anticipate more high-quality healthcare innovation projects, enabling us to jointly create a brighter and healthier future!