This program is meticulously crafted to encompass engaging activities, from official participation in the fair to matchmaking sessions with Chinese companies to visits to Swiss and Chinese companies to understand both internationalization and innovation strategies. Through a one-week trip in Shanghai, we aspire to bring updated insights on China and foster understanding and relationships among key stakeholders and potential partners.

China has quickly climbed up the value chain, moving its capacities from reproducing to adapting locally, to creating world-class innovation. China has become one of the world’s most dynamic markets. While Chinese companies compete intensively for domestic market share, in a dynamic that has been referred to as involution, they also actively search for partnerships with foreign companies and entities to strengthen their capacities domestically, co-create innovation, and facilitate their expansion globally.

For Swiss companies, this offers various opportunities. For the Chinese market, the acquisition of Chinese companies offers an efficient way of gaining market shares and developing a strong footprint, while collaborating with companies on R&D can offer a fast and cost-effective ground for innovation. For international markets, global Swiss companies are one foot ahead of their Chinese competitors thanks to their network and understanding of the various markets. Collaborating with innovative Chinese technology companies then becomes a smart way to acquire the latest breakthrough before they make it internationally.

We seize this momentum to showcase the core competencies of Vaud and Switzerland, represented by participating companies and institutions. Equally important, we seek to gather invaluable business insights from China-based experts, which will serve as a fertile ground for nurturing our future endeavors in a forward-thinking manner.

There are some highlights in the program:

• Official participation in the 12^th CSITF: We will organize a landmark Pavilion for the City of Lausanne and the participating Swiss entities. Each participant will have a dedicated stand within the pavilion to showcase their company or institution and meet with professional visitors.
• One Guest of Honor Theme Day: An exclusive afternoon crafted around the Swiss participation, with high-level officials from Shanghai and Lausanne, including a tailored matchmaking session between the Swiss participants and Chinese entities.
• Visit of Chinese innovative companies: Exclusive visits of leading high-tech companies in our focus sectors will offer a glimpse into the latest innovations and technological advancements in the country.
• Visit of well-established Swiss companies: Visits of Swiss companies to understand their challenges and internationalization strategies.
• Business networking events: Business networking events will provide an informal yet vibrant setting for participants to mingle, share ideas, and establish lasting professional connections.

You may find more information and program about the CSITF here. 2026 CSITF Swiss Pavillion

This trip is co-organized by Swiss Centers and Innovaud and supported by Biopole,  EPFL innovation park, S-GE and the Section romande de la Société Suisse-Chine (SRSSC).

Best regards,

Swiss Centers team