College nerds undertake a long journey to become entrepreneurs

For many researchers and technologists, starting a business involves a painful transition to maturity.

For example, when Jiang Yiliang and three colleagues started Xi'an Jinhua Ecological Technology Co, the first thing they did was rent a nicely decorated office in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, in an attempt to impress customers and attract orders.

However, Jiang, the CEO, quickly discovered that the office was not an issue for potential customers. Instead, before they would consider placing an order they demanded demonstrations of the company's new technologies as proof that they would help their businesses.