PwC launches Shanghai Innovation Centre to create a new ecosystem

PwC China has launched its Shanghai Innovation Centre located in Xintiandi Shanghai, marking the official start of the Alliance of Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation (ASSTI), initiated by the firm.The centre is designed to create an innovative ecosystem to enable resource sharing and drive mutual benefits among stakeholders, and it also aims to help develop Shanghai into a technology-driven innovation hub with global influence.The new centre will have five functional areas: incubator, emerging tech lab, catalyst workshop (sandbox), experience centre, and a video and creativity centre.[gallery link="file" ids="166907,166908,166909,166910,166911,166912,166913"]PwC is hoping to combine its resources and expertise from both home and abroad with the demand of both start-up companies and mature companies that seek to restructure their business through innovative business models.By screening and evaluating these start-ups, ASSTI aims to make them commercially successful more quickly. It will tailor strategies for them in business model optimisation, capital operations, marketing, international development and many other areas.Elton Huang, senior partner of PwC China in Shanghai, said, “We hope that the Shanghai Innovation Centre will not only provide work space for entrepreneurship, but integrate different strengths in the innovation ecosystem to prompt resource sharing. The launch of ASSTI will make this goal more achievable and will help Shanghai to develop in new, exciting ways.”