Australian start-up, The International Rehabilitation Institute (IRI), has established a footprint in Nanjing in China thanks to its success in a lucrative Australia-China start-up competition.

International Rehabilitation Institute Logo

In early 2019, Australia-China Association of Scientists and Entrepreneurs (ACASE), City of Melbourne and City of Nanjing launched the Nexus start-up competition for Victorian startups looking to enter and establish Chinese market.

Ten companies were offered attractive incentives by Nanjing’s K-Pouch (short for Kangaroo Pouch) accelerator program. As part of the program, Nanjing brings the Australian start-ups (the joeys) into the warm pouch of the Pukou District in Nanjing to help establish, nurture and grow them.

Over three days in May 2019, over 400 participants attended the start-up pitch competition, investors’ forum, business matching and Jiangsu-Victoria mayors’ forum. 60+ start-ups from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Frankston, Gippsland, Bendigo and Wangaratta, also two from CSIRO, submitted their applications. 15 were invited to the Nanjing Summit, and seven won the top prize of $100,000 AUD.

At a virtual signing ceremony for the successful Australian start-ups, Bill Lang, Chairman of IRI, spoke on behalf of the Victorian companies:

“We have chosen Nanjing and Pukou district for 2 reasons: one, the 40-year relationship between Victoria and Jiangsu and the high level of trust built between Nanjing and Melbourne. Second, the professionalism of the Pukou District team so excellently led by Mr Ding. Xie Xie Ding Shuj.”

Bill added that this was very much a ‘Team ACBC Victoria’ result. “Our success wouldn’t have been possible without the Victorian government china team, Shinewing Australia, City of Melbourne team, Erjiang Fu and the ACASE team, Charles and the Chin Communications team, use of the ACBC facilities and the many individuals from and in Jiangsu, Nanjing and Melbourne.”

In coming months, the IRI Executive, led by CEO Dr Greg Li, will be adding to its Melbourne and Nanjing teams.

Learn more at irehabinstitute.com.