Join us on this exclusive study trip to the technology and innovation hotspots in the Zhejiang province with a population of 100 million and a GDP of US$ 1.3 trillion. Discover the forefront of digital innovation through lectures and discussions with leading academics and industry experts. Visit some of China’s most pioneering companies, including Alibaba Cloud, Ant Group, Deep Robotics, WeDoctor, Zeekr. Gain first-hand insights into big data, AI, humanoid robotics, biometrics, smart health, new energy vehicles, ecosystems, social commerce, and super apps.

The program is hosted by the Executive Education of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with Zhejiang University in Hangzhou (ARWU ranking 24th globally).

This executive program delivers a distinctive learning journey, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge academic research with deep industry insights from leading companies.

Participants learn directly from top faculty and startup founders, senior executives, and policymakers, whose real-world perspectives bring strategy, innovation, and leadership to life.

You will gain exposure to China’s most dynamic technology and innovation ecosystems, complemented by inspiring discussions and keynotes and curated cultural experiences that deepen your global leadership perspective.

The program connects you with an exclusive executive community, fostering meaningful and lasting relationships.

For more information about the transformative journey through innovation and leadership, see last year'ssummary.

The program (7 days) provides a great platform to learn from lecturers, field trips, company visits, and cultural excursions.

Saturday/Sunday, June (tbd) 2027, Shanghai

• Arrival at Shanghai Pudong Intl. Airport; check-in at hotel *****
• Sunday afternoon: History & culture of the city 

Day 1 – Monday, Shanghai

• Morning: Xihui Innovation District (China's most ambitious AI and robotics cluster); Deep Robotics; Presentation by a Venture Capitalist about investing in China  
• Afternoon: Visit at WeDoctor (data governance, AI hospital, smart health) 
• Evening: Special welcome dinner

Day 2 – Tuesday, Hangzhou

• Morning: Zhejiang University opening ceremony
• Afternoon: Lecture by renowned Zhejiang professors (culture of technology, innovation, and practices)
• Evening: Check-in at hotel *****

Day 3 – Wednesday, Hangzhou

• Morning: Zhejiang University Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Lecture by institute head (innovation, entrepreneurship, startup-ecosystem)
• Afternoon: Zeekr production in Ningo (smart manufacturing, efficiency, AI, robotics)

Day 4 -  Thursday, Hangzhou

• Morning: Ant Group headquarter (digital finance, AI, biometrics, avatars, healthtech, super app, big data, cyber security, )
• Afternoon: MYBank headquarter (fintech, super app, sustainability)

Day 5 – Friday, Hangzhou

• Morning: Hangzhou City Brain (big data, governance, security, smart city)
• Afternoon: Alibaba Cloud headquarter (technology, innovation, sustainability)
• Evening: Farewell dinner with traditional food

Day 6 – Saturday, Hangzhou

• Morning: Wensli headquarter (hight-tech AI-driven and sustainable silk design and manufacturing)
• Afternoon: West Lake tour 

Sunday, Shanghai 

• Departure from Shanghai Pudong Intl. Airport

June, 2027 (exact dates to be announced)

• 15 - 20 participants
• Executives from all sectors

Shanghai and Hangzhou, China

Students enrolled in UZH courses may earn 2 ECTS credits for the trip. This is subject to successfully completing an examination. The eligibility of the credits must be coordinated in advance with the program director.

CHF 5'000 - 6'000, for academic program, company visits, lunches, excursions, transportation. Excluded: hotels, intercontinental flights.

February 28, 2027

Download the program flyer (PDF, 1 MB).