UK Healthy Ageing Innovation Market Access Programme · Guangdong, China · July 2026 - February 2027
Guangdong Gateway
ScrollAbout the programme
Guangdong Gateway is a structured market access programme connecting UK-registered companies with a product or service relevant to healthy ageing, longevity or the silver economy, with partners, buyers and investors in Guangdong Province, China, one of the world’s fastest-growing longevity economies, home to over 15 million older adults. SHOULD WE HAVE OVER 60?
Delivered by NICA at Newcastle University and funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the programme gives selected UK companies a fully supported pathway into the Guangdong market.
NICA will cover flights and accommodation for the in-market visit. There is no programme fee.
Our Guangdong partners
NICA delivers this programme in partnership with the Guangdong Silver Industry Association (GDSIA). GDSIA is a leading non-profit provincial organisation dedicated to advancing the ageing care industry in Guangdong Province, China. Established with the approval of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Civil Affairs, GDSIA brings together industry experts, enterprises, and service providers to promote innovation, professional training, standards development, policy research, and international collaboration. The Association also supports the development of high-quality ageing care services and the silver economy I AM NOT SURE WHAT WE MEAN HERE through industry evaluation, capacity building, and cross-sector partnerships.
How it works: two stages
Stage 1: China Market Readiness (Open to all)
Free, no commitment.
Open to any UK health longevity company operating in the sectors below, curious about China.
The program offers:
- Remote market briefing sessions - August 2026
- China Readiness Assessment - post session
- Access to UK–China Healthy Ageing Network
- Optional: attend Guangdong inward delegation visit to UK (autumn/winter 2026)
- Access to Guandong Market Intelligence Report
- First to hear about future opportunities
Stage 2: Guangdong Market Access Visit
For companies with live in market product or services, ready to explore moving into Guangdong.
Must have completed Stage 1 and apply to Stage 2 - Up to 6 companies selected
The program includes:
- Flights & accommodation
- Pre-arranged business meetings
- IP & regulatory preparation
- attendance to GSIA Healthy Agegin Conference
Programme Timeline
1
July 2026
Stage 1 applications open
Remote market briefings
2
August 2026
Stage 2 applications open and close
Companies selected
Preparation sessions delivered
3
September 2026
Guangdong Business Showcase and matchmaking visit
Market intelligence report published
4
Autumn / Winter 2026 (TBC)
Guangdong delegation inward visit to UK
Stage 1 + 2 companies welcome to attend
Follow-up surveys for stage 1 and 2 companies
5
January 2027
Market Access Intelligence Report published and disseminated
6
February 2027
Programme close
UK-China Healthy Ageing Network continues
Who should get involved?
Stage 1 is open to any UK-registered company with a product or service relevant to healthy ageing, longevity or the silver economy – at any stage of development.
Stage 2 is for companies whose product or service is already live in at least one market (UK or international) and who are ready to have serious commercial conversations in Guangdong, China.
Sectors we are looking for
Digital Health
Assistive Technology
Care Services
Rehabilitation
Dementia & Brain Health
Preventative Health
Nutrition & Wellbeing
Smart Ageing
Housing
Mobility & Gait
Other Healthy Longevity Related
Application Forms
Stage 1 Application Form: Apply Now
Stage 2 Application Form: Open soon