During an UpLink event in 2021, Declan Mc Adams, Co-founder and Deputy Chairman of Pinovo (an UpLink Venture that has developed technology for dust-free abrasive vacuum blasting of industrial and marine surfaces), met REV Ocean’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nina Jensen. Four years later, in August 2025, that relationship led to a breakthrough collaboration deploying Pinovo’s clean blasting technology on REV Ocean’s vessel in the Netherlands.Case study 4 From an UpLink event to REV Ocean’s shipyard Being part of the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem provides ventures with a platform to amplify visibility, connect with key ecosystem actors and engage on the global stage. Ventures highlighted access to the UpLink and World Economic Forum networks, participation in topical events, and digital visibility and reach as the most valued benefits. These opportunities boost credibility, helping ventures build trust, attract investors and open new avenues for collaboration. Engagement with peers and fellow entrepreneurs, along with personal introductions, was also highly valued and ranked just below the top three benefits.SEED Nature began its collaboration with Duomei Nature Network after first meeting at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC). What started as a single conversation has evolved into a long-term partnership focused on building commercially viable, biodiversity-based industries across China. The initial phase in Shangri-La is progressing, with efforts focused on eco-tourism, nature education and new nature-based industries such as alpine biomedicine and ecological agriculture. In 2025, the collaboration will enter its second phase in Lijiang, expanding into biotechnology, biomedicine, education, tourism and biodiversity finance. Together, the partners aim to create a scalable national model for sustainable development rooted in biodiversity.Case study 5 The Annual Meeting of New Champions ignites nature collaboration across China’s biodiversity hubs Uplink Annual Impact Report March 2026 14

UpLink Annual Impact Report 2026