Combining the wisdom of entrepreneurs with people's basic needs, projects displayed at an event in Beijing are promoting the application of technological innovations and the enthusiasm of startups to solve problems of everyday life, according to local officials.
The 2019 National Mass Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week was held from June 13-19 across China.
During the event, a program titled "the 2019 Wenjiyumin - Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Benefiting People's Lives" was launched in Beijing, seeking technological solutions to 29 problems regarding local residents' lives in areas such as public services, environmental protection, healthcare and agriculture.
Candidates can submit their entries via an online platform, which is open to applications through the end of 2019.
The program aims to solve hot spot issues related to people's lives by using Beijing's rich science and technology resources.
First launched in 2017, the program was organized by local government departments. They include the Beijing Commission of Development and Reform, the Beijing Association for Science and Technology and the Beijing Commission of Urban Management. Over the past two years, the program has tackled 55 problems relating to locals' lives and the public. It has collected 226 solutions, 34 of which have been judged excellent.
This year, 18 government departments and companies participated as solution seekers. They publicized various needs, Of them, the Beijing Commission of Urban Management wants a hotwater meter solution based on the internet of things and the Beijing Health Commission needs a long-distance emergency cooperative solution based on 5G technology.
For grassroots units, the Fangzhuang office in Beijing's Fengtai district said it needs a comprehensive platform for community governance. A company in Changping Science Park said it wants solutions using big data technology to promote industrial development and a jobs-housing balance in traffic-congested areas.
Other examples include coal company Beijing Jingmei Group's need for convenient mobile bath chairs for elderly people and Beijing Municipal Bridge Maintenance Management Group's need for a quick-response patrol to ensure the safety of road facilities.
This year, Beijing will evaluate the feasibility of the application and popularization of selected solutions and choose demonstration projects. The city plans to increase incentives for startups and entrepreneurs and improve the standard of award appraisal.
Beijing is expected to offer favorable policies in recognition of new technologies and products. It is also expected to strengthen financial support and services in the application of excellent solutions.
An intelligent facility for climbing steps is an excellent solution from the program in 2017. It is designed for senior people who live in buildings without elevators. To date, some 300 sets of the facility have been installed in apartment buildings in Beijing.
