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S2S China Announces 2026 Finalists, Ten Standout Teams Set to Pitch Global Investors at Westlake University

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SHANGHAI, Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The inaugural S2S China Symposium has announced the finalists of its 2026 program. Co-hosted by RA Capital Management and Qiming Venture Partners, S2S China is the China chapter of Science2Startup, an invitation-only symposium connecting top academic researchers with leading biotech investors. Ten standout biotech startup teams were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. They will refine their projects through a dedicated mentorship program and pitch to top global venture investors at an on-site event held at Westlake University on October 15.

S2S was founded in 2018 by F-Prime, SV Health and Atlas Venture; RA Capital Management, Osage University Partners and 5AM Ventures have since joined the program. It connects therapeutics researchers at top academic and research institutions with leading biotech investors, pharma scouts, and industry executives. The program provides selected teams with mentorship and a platform to present novel, proprietary science with a path toward company formation and clinical development.

This year’s S2S China drew enthusiastic participation from researchers and early-stage founders across China’s therapeutics research ecosystem. Following multiple rounds of rigorous review by an advisory group of experienced biopharma investors, the competition narrowed a large field of submissions to roughly 20 semifinalist teams, and ultimately selected ten standout teams to advance to the finals and present at the October 15 on-site pitch event.

To help the participating teams connect effectively with the capital markets and strengthen their overall project framework, the finalists will take part in a dedicated mentorship program ahead of the event. Over the coming weeks, the teams will work alongside the S2S China Symposium advisory group, made up of experienced biotech investors and industry operators, to refine their scientific plans, sharpen their commercial narratives and polish their pitch content, raising the maturity of each project and laying a solid foundation for the on-site presentations and funding conversations that follow.

This year’s S2S China Symposium is supported by prominent figures from academia and the global life sciences investment community, including Shi Yigong, President of Westlake University; Kan Chen, Partner and Healthcare Co-Lead at Qiming Venture Partners; and Josh Resnick, Partner at RA Capital Management. Their deep involvement underscores the symposium’s value as a bridge between China’s academic research ecosystem and the global biotech venture community, while continuing the model established by the original Science2Startup symposium.

The event brings together a number of globally recognized institutions and biopharma leaders, forming a powerful supporting ecosystem. This year’s S2S China Symposium would not be possible without the strong support of leading companies across the industry, including our Platinum Sponsors Goodwin, Eli Lilly and Biocytogen, as well as Johnson & Johnson (Gold Sponsor) and Sanofi (Silver sponsor). The partnership of our sponsors reflects a shared commitment to advancing early-stage, academically-derived therapeutics innovation from China onto the global stage.

Platinum Sponsors

Goodwin is a global law firm at the intersection of capital and innovation, representing innovators and investors across healthcare, investment funds & capital, life sciences, private equity, real estate, and technology.  With more than 2,800 professionals worldwide, Goodwin combines industry knowledge, legal excellence, and business advisory expertise to help clients navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing, technology-driven economy.  We represent clients throughout the full corporate lifecycle, including company formation, financings, capital markets transactions, licensing and collaborations, M&A, regulatory matters, and exit strategies.  Learn more: https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en

Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, dedicated to discovering and delivering medicines that make life better for people around the world. With a deep commitment to scientific innovation, Lilly has been an active partner to the region’s biotech ecosystem, supporting early discovery through late-stage development across a range of therapeutic areas.

Biocytogen is a global biotechnology company discovering and developing next-generation antibody therapeutics across multiple modalities. The company has built a broad portfolio of novel drug candidates spanning monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, ADCs, VHH-based therapeutics, and other antibody-based modalities, with multiple programs advancing into clinical development both internally and through global licensing partnerships. Powered by its proprietary RenMice® platforms and large-scale antibody discovery engine, Biocytogen has generated more than one million fully human antibody sequences across over 1,000 therapeutic targets and established partnerships with more than 455 biopharmaceutical companies worldwide.

Gold Sponsor

Johnson & Johnson is a global healthcare leader, headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, committed to solving the toughest health challenges and transforming lives through research, development, manufacture and distribution of medicines and medical technologies. The company’s Innovative Medicine business advances breakthrough science and develops transformational treatments in areas like oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiopulmonary. In MedTech, the company is focused on developing and delivering cardiovascular, surgery, and vision solutions.

Silver Sponsor

Sanofi is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris, France, dedicated to pursuing scientific breakthroughs that improve people’s lives. The company focuses on immunology, oncology, neurology, rare diseases, ophthalmology and vaccines, and maintains a significant R&D and commercial presence in China, where it has long invested in partnerships with local academic and biotech innovators to expand its global pipeline.

More information is available at s2schina.com/s2s/en.

About Qiming Venture Partners

Qiming Venture Partners was founded in 2006. Currently, Qiming Venture Partners manages eleven US Dollar funds and seven RMB funds with $9.5 billion in capital raised. Since our establishment, we have invested in outstanding companies in the Technology and Healthcare industries at the early and growth stages.

Since our debut, we have backed over 580 fast-growing and innovative companies. Over 210 of our portfolio companies have achieved exits through IPOs at the NYSE, NASDAQ, HKEX, Shanghai Stock Exchange, or Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or through M&A or other means. There are also over 80 portfolio companies that have achieved unicorn or super unicorn status.

Many of our portfolio companies are today’s most influential firms in their respective sectors, including  Xiaomi, Meituan, Bilibili, Zhihu, Roborock, Hesai Technology, UBTech, WeRide, HyperStrong, Insta360, Unisound, Biren Technology, Z.ai, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, Tigermed, Zai Lab, CanSino Biologics, Schrödinger, APT Medical, Sanyou Medical, AmoyDx, SinocellTech, Insilico Medicine, AusperBio, Yuanxin Technology, Medilink Therapeutics, LaNova Medicines, StepFun, among many others.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/s2s-china-announces-2026-finalists-ten-standout-teams-set-to-pitch-global-investors-at-westlake-university-302884007.html

SOURCE Qiming Venture Partners

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Xinhua Silk Road: Smart farming helps Zaozhuang chrysanthemums bloom into a lucrative industry

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BEIJING, Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In well-arranged rows of standardized greenhouses at a smart agriculture park in Shuiguo Township, Shizhong District of Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, ornamental chrysanthemums are entering their peak harvesting season, ready to be picked, packed and shipped to overseas markets.

Traditional cultivation methods often resulted in inconsistent quality and poor adaptability to market demand. With smart agriculture playing a greater role, the Shuimu Fengnian Smart Agriculture Park in Shuiguo Township has adopted a highly efficient production mode of two-crop rotation system each year, which has not only diversified the product range but also enhanced the flowers’ adaptability to different markets.

During this year’s harvesting season, a total of 130,000 freshly cut chrysanthemums were exported to the Republic of Korea, 200,000 were sold to major Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai, and another 110,000 were supplied to the local market, creating a coordinated pattern of domestic and overseas sales.

The park is now preparing to plant one million chrysanthemums for the next crop. While expanding production and introducing new varieties, it also provides nearby farmers with a full range of services, including seedlings, technical support, cold-chain logistics and diversified sales channels. These efforts have helped create jobs and increase incomes for local farmers, and further boost the local economy.

Advanced cultivation technologies have enabled the ornamental chrysanthemums in the park to form a prominent market advantage in terms of growth cycles and product quality, steadily boosting the economic returns of the specialty flower industry. 

By taking into account the different needs in flowers between domestic and overseas markets, the park precisely matches varieties and harvesting standards to specific markets and relies on refined management to achieve stable yields and higher incomes.

Powered by technological advances and mode innovation, Shuiguo Township has blazed a new path toward green, efficient and export-oriented modern agriculture. The little chrysanthemums have contributed to higher agricultural efficiency and incomes for farmers, offering a replicable model for the transformation and upgrading of specialty agriculture in Shizhong District.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352277.html

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-smart-farming-helps-zaozhuang-chrysanthemums-bloom-into-a-lucrative-industry-302883983.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

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Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow Explains Small Business Insurance Priorities in HelloNation

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The article outlines how small businesses in the Des Moines metro can prioritize insurance coverage to manage operational and financial risks.

URBANDALE, Iowa, Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What insurance coverage should a small business in the Des Moines metro secure first to protect its operations and finances? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow of Buenzow Insurance Group in Urbandale, Iowa.

The HelloNation article explains that selecting the right small business insurance coverage requires understanding the most common risks companies face. Accidents, property damage, employee injuries, and service-related disputes can all disrupt operations or create financial strain. By prioritizing key protections first, business owners can build a business insurance policy that addresses immediate risks while allowing room to expand coverage as the company grows.

According to the article, general liability insurance is often the starting point for many small businesses. This coverage protects companies against claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by business operations. The article notes that accidents involving customers, vendors, or visitors can occur at any time, and the legal costs or settlements that follow may be significant. General liability insurance helps businesses respond to these claims while maintaining financial stability.

Property coverage is typically the next priority once general liability insurance is in place. The HelloNation article explains that property coverage protects buildings, equipment, inventory, and other physical assets from events such as fire, theft, vandalism, or severe weather. Businesses operating in the Des Moines metro may face seasonal storms and wind damage, making property protection especially important for companies with storefronts, offices, or warehouses.

The article emphasizes that accurate documentation and valuation of business assets play a critical role in the claims process. Keeping updated records of inventory, equipment, and building improvements helps ensure that property coverage reflects the true value of business assets. Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow is featured in the article as a source of insights about how organized records and updated policies can reduce complications during a claim.

Workers’ compensation insurance is another key component of small business insurance for companies with employees. The article explains that workers’ compensation provides medical care and wage replacement benefits for employees who are injured or become ill due to job-related incidents. This coverage also protects employers from many lawsuits related to workplace injuries.

The HelloNation article notes that workers’ compensation premiums are influenced by factors such as industry classification, payroll levels, and prior claims history. Businesses that implement strong workplace safety practices and proper employee training can help reduce accidents and manage insurance costs more effectively.

For companies that provide services or professional advice, professional liability coverage may also be necessary. Often referred to as errors and omissions insurance, this policy protects businesses from claims related to mistakes, negligence, or failure to deliver services as promised. The article explains that professional liability coverage can help prevent legal disputes from disrupting business operations or financial stability. The article places this coverage alongside other liability protections that address internal and operational risks.

The HelloNation article also introduces employment practices liability insurance as an important consideration for businesses with employees. This coverage protects against claims related to hiring practices, workplace discrimination, and harassment. The article explains that adding this protection helps businesses manage legal risks tied to employee and client interactions while strengthening an overall small business insurance strategy.

Industry-specific risks are another factor discussed in the article. Different businesses may require specialized policies depending on their operations. Restaurants, contractors, and retailers each face unique exposures that may require additional protection. Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow is again referenced in the article as part of the discussion about aligning insurance coverage with the specific risks faced by businesses in the Des Moines metro.

Optional policies may further strengthen a company’s protection plan. The article explains that business interruption insurance can help replace lost income if operations are temporarily halted due to a covered event. Cyber liability coverage may also be important for businesses that store customer data or rely on digital systems, as it provides financial protection against data breaches and cyber incidents.

The article concludes by emphasizing that business insurance policies should be reviewed regularly. As companies grow, add employees, purchase equipment, or relocate, their coverage needs may change. Reviewing insurance policies annually helps ensure that coverage limits, deductibles, and protections remain aligned with current business risks.

What Insurance Does a Small Business in the Des Moines Metro Usually Need First, and How to Prioritize It features insights from Ben Buenzow, Insurance Expert of Urbandale, Iowa, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insurance-expert-ben-buenzow-explains-small-business-insurance-priorities-in-hellonation-302883689.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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MSITEK Participates in New York Fashion Week Retail Innovation Lab

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NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MSITEK , Global SAP partner and digital transformation company, participated in the Retail Innovation Lab by NYFW Collections and SAP in New York during New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

As an innovative SAP partner invited to participate, MSITEK brought its perspective on enterprise innovation, digital transformation and the evolving role of AI in shaping future of fashion retail. The Retail Innovation Lab is a fashion-first experience that shows how connected customer journeys and retail operations work together. The lab demonstrates how AI, customer intent, and real-time store signals can deliver relevant, personalized experiences across fashion journey.

SAP, MSITEK and a network of partners are contributing to the future of connected fashion retail through the Retail Innovation Lab.

MSITEK at the Intersection of Technology, Fashion Retail and Innovation

NYFW provides a unique backdrop for bringing together leaders from technology, retail, fashion and business to explore how innovation is reshaping customer experiences, operations and the way organizations compete.

As part of its participation, MSITEK provided an early look at its Smart Retail AI application, which was demoed during NYFW events.

Designed for retail leaders, the solution brings AI-powered intelligence to store data, helping businesses spot losses, forecast demand and turn store data into action — enabling smarter inventory decisions, leaner operations and stronger store performance.

“We are excited to be part of the Retail Innovation Lab at New York Fashion Week” said Ashoo Tuli, Co-Founder and CEO, MSITEK. “New York Fashion Week is an extraordinary platform for bringing together creativity, technology and business leadership. For MSITEK, it is an opportunity to exchange ideas, showcase our innovation and explore how AI can create tangible business outcomes for fashion retail.”

About MSITEK LLC

MSITEK is a global SAP partner with 10+ years of experience turning enterprise technology into innovation, agility and measurable business impact.

Powered by expertise in SAP Business AI platform, Business Data Cloud, S/4HANA, cloud transformation and intelligent automation, MSITEK helps organizations across North America, Europe and global markets modernize, innovate and accelerate growth. An Advanced-level partner in Business AI Platform and BDC competencies, MSITEK continues to collaborate with SAP to deliver next-generation enterprise innovation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/msitek-participates-in-new-york-fashion-week-retail-innovation-lab-302883861.html

SOURCE MSITEK Global

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