Tsinghua startup lab teams with Global Green Connect

Tsinghua's X-lab, a university-based education platform, teamed up with Singapore-headquartered organization Global Green Connect to launch a business accelerator program to foster creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The program, namely the TXG Sustainability Business Accelerator Program, will focus on helping high-quality startups by connecting them with businesses and capital, engaging and empowering the next generation through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Specifically, the program will foster at least 25 mature startups per year from Tsinghua to grow outside of China along economies in Asia participating in the Belt and Road Initiative through partnership with businesses, government and investors.

"The program is a natural path for us, because we have accumulated resources from both business and investing partners in our sustainability eco-system," said Christina Lee, founder and CEO of Global Green Connect.

"We want to see more innovative sustainability solutions, such as clean technology, water treatment and green building technology, to be deployed in Asia through these startups. In return, these startups could benefit from this program by increasing their valuation from engaging businesses, investors and policymakers," she said.

According to Lee, the program will accelerate high-quality startups from Tsinghua X-lab to deploy innovative sustainability solutions through exchanges, coaching and business and capital matching. Global Green Connect will match partnered venture capital, private equity and other investors in funding Tsinghua X-lab startups.

To garner more attention, the program will also organize events and roadshows in the Greater Bay Area and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for Tsinghua X-lab teams to participate.

Pearl Mao, executive director of X-lab, said as a bridge to promote sustainable development, the program helps startups connect with major enterprises overseas, so their innovative achievements find better application and promotion.

Xiao Pengfei, founder and CEO of startup company Neatrition, said: "Thanks to the help of X-lab, the awareness of entrepreneurship has been deeply rooted in the hearts of students. Every student from Tsinghua that carries a dream is able to participate and find their own ways to start a business."

"We are looking forward to participating in the program, getting connected with enterprises overseas, applying our innovative products in a broader range and having better international visions," he said.