Life Sciences and Healthcare to China

The Going Global Export Program opens doors for NSW’s next generation of SME exporters. Through a bespoke market preparation, followed by a market-entry mission, the program will help you to increase your export proficiency and harness business growth through international export opportunities.

Applications are open

Applications are now open for eligible businesses to participate in the Life Sciences and Healthcare to China Program. The program will run from February to June 2026.

The program will consist of:

• A bespoke 6-8 week market preparation program with a targeted educational curriculum.
• A market entry mission to China to facilitate business introductions and meetings with potential partners and identify export opportunities.
• Ongoing engagement and support with Investment NSW onshore and international network.

Program dates

February to June 2026.

Key event

4 – 6 June 2026, Shanghai, China, Shanghai International Elderly Care Industry Expo (AID) 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

Eligible participants will showcase their products/services at the Investment NSW stand within Austrade’s Australian Pavilion at the 2026 Shanghai International Elderly Care Industry Expo (AID).

In-person attendance in Shanghai by a company representative is mandatory. 

Why you should apply

China is undergoing a profound demographic transformation, with its elderly population expanding at an unprecedented rate. As of 2025, more than 20% of the population is aged 60 and above, and this figure is expected to reach 28% by 2040, totalling over 400 million people. Shanghai, China's most populous and economically advanced city, is also its most aged. By the end of 2024, the population aged 60 and above in Shanghai reached 5.77 million, accounting for 37.6% of the city's total population, which is one of the highest proportions nationwide. This demographic shift strains healthcare and social systems, creating an increase of the growing old-age dependency. 

To meet the needs of its aging citizens, China’s healthcare sector has evolved into one of the largest and fastest-growing markets globally. Valued at approximately $2.5–2.6 trillion in 2024, the healthcare market includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and elderly care services. 

The Shanghai International Elderly Care Industry Expo (AID) is the leading exhibition for the fast-developing senior care market in China. Its reputation is now firmly established as the most authoritative industry trade show in the country. AID is focused on six categories: showcasing the latest service, product and technology offerings in Rehabilitation, Senior Care, Nursing Care, Assistive Devices, Age-friendly Housing and Healthcare Management. More than 550 exhibitors are expected to attend AID 2026 with the show’s floor space set to reach 50,000 square meters and attract over 90,000 professional visitors.

What types of businesses should apply

This program targets NSW-based companies (including start-ups launched by NSW universities) with scalable, export-ready products, technology and services in the healthcare for the elderly sector.

The Program is not intended for aggregators, traders, businesses that sell to exporters or companies whose products and/or services are not from NSW.

The applicant business must meet core eligibility criteria for this stream including:

1. Be a Small to Medium Enterprise (employee number between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent employees).
2. Be a new entrant to the identified market or demonstrate a need for NSW support through the Going Global Export Program.
3. Have a NSW footprint demonstrated by:
   • Business headquarters in NSW (or a demonstrated footprint in NSW and business activity that benefits NSW).
   • A valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW (or business activity that demonstrates benefit to NSW).
   • The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW (or a demonstrated footprint in NSW and business activity that benefits NSW and commitment to expand in NSW).
   • The applicant business produces and owns their own brand (the program is not for aggregators/traders or consultants).
4. Have export capability and market suitability demonstrated by:
   • A suitable product for export to the identified market.
   • Potential to compete commercially in that market.
   • Capability to grow through export activity and capacity to adapt the identified product or service for the identified new market.
5. Agree to the Terms and Conditions of participation in the program
   • This includes to be willing to participate in all components of the training program and travel to the selected market.
   • As this is a market entry program, applicants should participate in the same stream/market no more than twice.
   • If applicants have participated in other Investment NSW programs they must demonstrate commitment to participation in that program, including sharing information and reporting outcomes of their participation.

Ideal product and service categories:

• Smart Health Management Devices
• Assistive Devices and Technologies for Seniors
• Elderly Monitoring Systems
• Digital Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Devices
• Home Services Robots
• Age-Friendly Home Modification Products
• Elderly Care Software
• Elderly Care Services
• New diagnostic technologies
• Cutting-edge treatment technologies and products

Please note: Participants will be responsible for travel and accommodation costs. This program is not suitable for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters.

About the selection process

Investment NSW will select participants through a merit-based assessment process. Where there are more applicants than places available, places on the stream will be offered to those applicants most suitable for the program and new to the program/market.

Apply now

Apply now

Applications open on Monday 10 November 2025 and close on Sunday 11 January 2026.

Contact

For further information, please contact:

Helen Chen, Senior Export Adviser, Investment NSW | TradeStart Adviser: helen.chen@investment.nsw.gov.au