Excellence First Enterprise Consultancy Ltd (EFEC) continues to play a pivotal role in bridging the UK and China across education, talent, and innovation ecosystems, with a particular focus on life sciences and healthcare technology. At the 2025 UK Medical Technology Innovation Expo (MTI Expo 2025), EFEC’s activities underscored its position as a key facilitator of cross-border innovation and partnership.
Strategic Position and Recent Activities
Since its founding in 2006, EFEC has specialised in connecting UK and Chinese stakeholders to foster collaborative opportunities for win-win partnerships, and recently with a focus in life sciences sector. As a strategic partner for China of Medilink Midlands, EFEC hosted dedicated 1-2-1 business talks at MTI Expo 2025, introducing the unique strengths and opportunities of the Chinese market to UK and European enterprises. These sessions attracted a diverse group of participants—including corporate representatives, government agencies, and UK regional life sciences ecosystem providers—demonstrating strong interest in cross-border collaboration and ecosystem integration.
Laying the Groundwork for 2026: UK-China Life Sciences Innovation Hub
Looking ahead, EFEC is preparing for the 2026 launch of the UK-China Life Sciences Innovation Hub, coinciding with its 20th anniversary. This initiative aims to serve as a central platform for connecting, empowering, and growing UK and Chinese life sciences enterprises, supporting technology innovation, market entry, and industry collaboration. The Hub will also benefit from EFEC’s recent launch of CognateUK, an emerging platform intended to leverage AI and immersive technologies to support Chinese talent in exploring UK life sciences careers and to connect UK research excellence with China’s market scale. CognateUK is in its early development phase, with further features and partnerships expected to roll out later in 2025.
Additionally, EFEC is working with MTI Expo organisers to plan a dedicated “China Pavilion” for 2026. This initiative will provide a structured and scientifically guided route for Chinese companies seeking to enter the UK market, ensuring precise matching with the UK’s life sciences ecosystem and fostering deeper bilateral engagement.
Expanding a Robust Partnership Network
During MTI Expo 2025, EFEC engaged in constructive discussions with several prominent UK organisations, each expressing interest and willingness to explore new opportunities that benefit the organisations that EFEC serves. Highlights include:
- Mills & Reeve: As a leading law firm with international life sciences experience, Mills & Reeve expressed interest in supporting Chinese companies entering the UK market with legal, IP, investment, and compliance expertise. Partner & Head of Life Sciences for Mills & Reeve, James Fry, recognised EFEC’s cultural and management strengths, aligning with the firm’s global outlook and collaborative ethos. Mills & Reeve have also supported numerous UK businesses in transactions with Chinese companies, providing legal and strategic guidance across cross border deals.
- Health Tech Enterprise: Specialising in helping MedTech companies navigate the complex healthcare landscape, including the critical NHS channels, Health Tech Enterprise discussed potential collaboration with EFEC to provide tailored services to Chinese MedTech innovators.
- TBAT Innovation: A leader in innovation funding, excels in securing UK and EU R&D grants, tax incentives, and investment opportunities, aligning seamlessly with EFEC’s cross-border enablement model to support Chinese enterprises accessing UK funding. Their strategic partnership with EFEC fosters enhanced collaboration. Future opportunities include joint webinars to explore UK and European grant funding, promoted via TBAT’s newsletter for maximum engagement.
EFEC’s Core Advantages
EFEC’s strengths include:
- Precise Ecosystem Bridging: Through platforms and services such as IN2UK and IN2CHINA, EFEC enables tailored market entry, regulatory navigation, and partnership development for both Chinese and UK companies.
- Comprehensive Empowerment: EFEC provides regulatory guidance (including MHRA and EU requirements), market strategy, and investment support for Chinese firms, while helping UK partners understand Chinese policy and market dynamics.
- Sustained Growth: Leveraging a cross-border resource network, EFEC facilitates two-way innovation flow—supporting Chinese companies expanding in Europe and UK innovations entering China.
Driving the Next Wave of Global Innovation
The success of MTI Expo 2025 marks a significant milestone for EFEC and sets the stage for further expansion in 2026. Under the leadership of CEO Lily Lin and Chief Networking Officer Costa Philippou, EFEC is poised to deepen UK-China cooperation, accelerate the global deployment of innovative life sciences technologies, and create a mutually empowering ecosystem for industry growth.
“EFEC is proud to be developing the UK China Life Sciences Hub, set to launch in 2026. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovative, human-centric partnerships between the UK and China.”
By taking a collaborative and transparent approach, EFEC continues to create new opportunities and foster meaningful connections for the benefit of the businesses and partners it serves.
photo left to right: Lily Lin – EFEC, Jo Rudzki – TBAT Innovation, Costa Philippou – EFEC
Featured image: EFEC colleagues with Mr Max Bardwell, Head of Business Development @ Health Tech Enterprise
Article provided by LIly LIn, EFEC. Contact: [email protected]