Eight high-tech companies sign to be tenants of the second phase of the Zhongguancun Frontier Technology Research Institute on March 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The second phase of the Zhongguancun Frontier Technology Research Institute starts construction in the Beijing High-end Manufacturing Base in Beijing's Fangshan district on March 22, with eight high-tech companies signed to be its tenants.

Covering a total area of 105.4 mu (7.03 hectares), the project includes 10 buildings to provide tenants with customized flexible module space, a standardized R&D center and a comprehensive technology service platform.

The project is expected to be fully operational at the beginning of 2020.

The institute will actively undertake innovative projects from Zhongguancun Science Park and overseas to support its R&D and industrial acceleration.

The second phase of the Zhongguancun Frontier Technology Research Institute starts construction in the Beijing High-end Manufacturing Base in Beijing's Fangshan district on March 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Settled companies are mainly in the new energy, new materials and smart manufacturing industries, such as intelligent vehicles, power batteries, and intelligent robots.

Li Jinwei, secretary of the administrative committee of the Beijing High-end Manufacturing Base, said that upon completion, the research institute will play an important role in gathering innovative projects and startups, fostering the growth environment of high-tech enterprises, and supporting the transformation and upgrading of regional economies.

Li Jinwei, secretary of the administrative committee of the Beijing High-end Manufacturing Base, gives a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Li hoped that the project can make good use of the resources and advantages of both Fangshan district and Zhongguancun Development Group to attract global high-end companies and develop high and focused industries in the region.

Xuan Hong, general manager of Zhongguancun Development Group, noted that the company will strongly support the construction of the project and its later operations. Together with Fangshan district, it will ensure the project becomes a new highland for innovation and entrepreneurship in the southern industrial belt of the capital.

Xuan Hong, general manager of Zhongguancun Development Group, gives a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]