On September 4, 2026, the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) and the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL) hosted a joint meeting with Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) in Shenzhen. The two sides held in-depth discussions on basic research, translational research, technology transfer, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship, exploring pathways for future collaboration.

The BI delegation was led by Dr. Lamine Mbow, Head of Global Discovery Research, and included Dr. Scott DeWire, Head of Global BD&L, Dr. Detlev Mennerich, Head of Global Venture Fund, Dr. Remko Bakker, Head of Global Eye Health, and other senior executives. Representing SMART and SZBL were Prof. Nieng Yan, Founding President of SMART and Director of SZBL, Dr. Karen Tu, Vice President of SMART and Deputy Director of SZBL, along with principal investigators and representatives from Bay Charm incubator startups.

Prof. Yan introduced the founding vision and development positioning of both institutions. She shared Shenzhen’s journey in building biomedical research capacity from scratch, as well as its success in attracting global talent and creating a “worry-free” research environment. She expressed her hope to deepen collaboration with BI and other pharma companies to explore innovative paths from basic research to clinical applications.

BI representatives presented an overview of the company’s global R&D and business strategy. As a top-20 pharmaceutical company, BI operates across human health, animal health, and biopharmaceuticals, with a focus on cardiovascular-renal-metabolic, Immunology and respiratory, neuroscience and mental health, oncology and eye health. In recent years, BI has significantly stepped up its external innovation efforts, and this visit reflects its growing commitment to strengthening ties with Chinese research institutions.

The two parties shared scientific insights across multiple frontier areas and held open discussions on collaboration models, technological innovation, and translation of research outcomes.

This visit lays a solid foundation for future cooperation in drug discovery, technology translation, innovation and entrepreneurship. It also highlights Shenzhen’s growing openness and global connectivity in biomedical innovation.