Dutch Design Workspace Shanghai

This incubator programme in Shanghai opened on 17 September 2010 and supports Dutch design companies aiming to enter the Chinese market. Dutch companies working within the fields of design, fashion and architecture are offered support through the incubator programme by accompanying them in their first steps in this new and challenging environment. Current participants include KCAP, MVRDV, Five Spices and NorthernLight. New applications are welcome!

Start flexible in China: Creative Incubator Programme in Shanghai 

Dutch Design Workspace is an incubator programme that provides support to Dutch design firms setting up in China with two important elements; a plug and play shared office space and a special support program to make their start in the Chinese market more efficient. The aim of Dutch Design Workspace is to create a bigger business momentum by having designers from different disciplines work together for an exchange of knowledge/expertise and to provide the much needed guidance for beginning or expanding companies/designers in China. 

Dutch Design Workspace assists participants with issues such as local marketing and promotion, communication with Chinese government, relationship management and more practical issues like company registration in China. The programme is also open for Chinese designers who are interested in developing a closer relationship with the Netherlands. 

THE PROGRAMME

Pre-incubator programme 

This is a preliminary phase of the regular incubator programme in which DDWS provides preparatory services before Dutch design firms/individual designers set up their office in China. The services vary from market research to matchmaking with potential clients and/or partners. As part of the pre-incubator phase, participants can use the office space and its facilities on a short stay basis. 

Incubator programme

The incubator programme is for Dutch creative companies that open their office in China. The incubator is a multidisciplinary programme where design companies from different fields work together in a shared office space. Each participant is provided with a customized support program based on their business plan for China. For new participants a checklist serves as an outline to see if they match the program considering aspects such as team composition and long term vision. Dutch creative companies in the field of Design Fashion and Architecture can apply through the website.

More information on the WorkSpace, the application and selection procedure is published on the Dutch Design WorkSpace website. For inquiries contact Ms. An-Ya Chan:  anya@dutchdesignworkspace.com