Shenzhen has speed, product power, and one of the world’s strongest supply chains. Europe has markets, capital, talent, and deep industry networks. The real question is: how can Shenzhen founders find the right entry point into Europe — and how can Berlin founders use Shenzhen as a launchpad to understand Asia, accelerate product execution, and scale globally?

On June 25th, Startup Grind Shenzhen brings Berlin-based startup teams from Expansion Lab to Shenzhen for a focused founder and ecosystem exchange across AI, ICT, digital health, creative technology, talent mobility, data compliance, retail, M&A, and innovation consulting. Initiated by AsiaBerlin and betahausX, Expansion Lab helps Berlin founders and ecosystem builders enter high-potential Asian markets through structured preparation, ecosystem access, and local partnerships. As super connectors within Europe’s innovation ecosystem, these teams offer Shenzhen founders a practical gateway into Germany and broader Europe — from trusted partnerships and industry access to investor networks, compliance, channels, talent, and cross-border opportunities.

At this event, we are also co-organizing with Berlin Business Desk China (BBDC) and Shenzhen Foundation Model AI Eco-hub, to give Berlin founders a unique entry point into Asia’s innovation landscape. Through Shenzhen, they will gain a closer look at the latest trends shaping one of China’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems, as well as its strategic position connecting Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and broader Asian markets. For Berlin teams exploring opportunities in Asia, Shenzhen is more than a market — it is a real-world testing ground to validate ideas, find manufacturing and industry partners, understand Chinese and Asian users, and accelerate global product execution.

And beyond the business conversations, this will also be a relaxed and fun meetup to make friends, exchange ideas, and enjoy the energy of Shenzhen.

GROUP DISCUSSION TOPICS

From China-Made to Europe-Ready: What Shenzhen Products Must Fix Before Entering Germany and Europe

New Tech, Different Markets: How China and Germany Adopt AI, Payment, Marketing, and Customer Technologies

Compliance as a Competitive Advantage: Turning Law and Compliance into Accelerators and Guardrails for Shenzhen–Berlin Collaboration in the AI Era

AI-Native One Person Companies: How Shenzhen Turns Solo Builders into Real Businesses

CO-ORGANIZERS

Shenzhen Foundation Model AI Eco-hub is the first, largest, and most vibrant AI large-model incubation ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area.

Under the guidance of the Shenzhen municipal and district governments, led by the Nanshan District Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, and co-built in depth with Leaguer Group and other ecosystem partners, the Eco-hub is committed to a strategic mission: providing 100,000 square meters of innovation space, incubating 100 innovation-driven entities, catalyzing 1,000 AI-powered applications, and unlocking trillion-yuan-level economic growth.

The Berlin Business Desk China (BBDC), established in 2018, is the first overseas economic office set up by Berlin’s Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and  Public Enterprises. We officially represent the economic interests of the German capital in  China. BBDC represents the German capital region in the People’s Republic of China and aims to promote economic communication and cooperation between China and Berlin. As a bridge between the economy of China and Berlin, BBDC works closely with the Chamber of Commerce (IHK Berlin) and Berlin Partner, the economic promotion agency of Berlin.  On the one hand, BBDC supports Berlin’s companies and start-ups to enter the Chinese market and guides them in market expansion. On the other hand, we advise the Chinese government, institutions, and enterprises as a first point of contact in China on investment opportunities in the Berlin. Chinese enterprises looking to invest in Berlin will find the  BBDC to be their primary point of contact for any inquiries within China. Whether seeking economic information about Germany's capital, data on innovation landscapes and investments, funding opportunities, or connections to business networks in Berlin, the  BBDC is your trusted partner in China.

BetahausX

BetahausX is a co-initiator of Expansion Lab and supports the program’s structured market-entry and ecosystem-access approach. Together with AsiaBerlin, betahausX helps Berlin-based founders and ecosystem players prepare for Asian market exploration, connect with local partners, and engage directly with innovation communities in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen.

AsiaBerlin

AsiaBerlin is one of the key initiators behind Expansion Lab. Through this program, AsiaBerlin supports cross-border connections between Berlin’s innovation ecosystem and high-potential Asian markets, helping founders, investors, research institutions, and ecosystem builders build meaningful access to local partners and business communities in Asia.

EVENT INFO

📅 Date & Time

Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

📡 Format

Offline Event

📍 Venue

Event Hall, Shenzhen Foundation Model AI Eco-hub6/F, Yunkeji Building / Cloud Technology BuildingNo. 50 Liuxin 1st Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (For Directions, see below)

👥 Language

English+Chinese

🏷 Tickets

Early Bird ¥59.9 Late Bird ¥79.9 Fee includes refreshments and drinks

AGENDA

PART 1

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Check-in & Welcome

PART 2

7:00 PM - 7:15 PM

Opening by the Host

PART 3

7:15 PM - 8:10 PM

Ecosystem Sharings

PART 4

8:10 PM - 8:20 PM

Break

PART 5

8:20 PM - 9:00 PM

Group Discussion

PART 6

9:00 PM - 9:10 PM

Group Photo, Networking & Refreshments

Photo Notice

There will be photographers at the event! Your photos might be used in the organizer’s future promotions, social media, or branding activities. By joining, you agree to the use of your photos for these purposes.