Institute transforms sci-tech achievements into industrial results

East China's Anhui province, vibrant in its sci-tech development, has unveiled its own measures for transforming scientific and technological achievements into industrial results. A key initiative is the Hefei Institute of Technology Innovation, established in June 2014 through a partnership between the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Hefei municipal government. This institute, located in Hefei, the province's capital, has incubated over 400 tech firms, becoming a continuous source of innovation.

According to Xie Chengjun, head of HFITI, the institute focuses on the digital economy and health sectors, acting as a bridge between scientific and industrial innovation. It has created an innovation ecosystem that integrates the chains of innovation, industry, talent, capital and services. By combining technology development, technology transfer, business incubation, and venture capital, it has become a hub for sci-tech innovation and industrial development.

The institute supports promising research teams in commercializing their technologies and transitioning from the laboratory to the market.

Zhang Jian, the institute's deputy, said many research teams initially lack market knowledge.

"We offer guidance and consultation, providing support without interfering in business management, to help them bridge the gap from scientific discovery to industrial application," he explained.

Ye Conglei, marketing manager at CAS Gbo-Qua, a quantum technology firm, noted that their current products are developed from laboratory results. The team received initial funding of 12 million yuan ($1.77 million) from various authorities in Anhui. The institute's support extends beyond financing to include management assistance, offering comprehensive nurturing support.

Xie said that the institute aligns its innovation efforts with Anhui's industry chains, focusing on problem-solving and market needs. It allocates resources to enhance industry chain and has established applied R&D centers with leading enterprises to address technological bottlenecks.

The intelligent connected electric vehicles industry exemplifies the institute's strategy of aligning Anhui's innovation and industry chains. The institute has proactively extended innovation into the industry, incubating over 60 strategically significant enterprises, including Zhongke Meiluo, a data asset management solutions provider, Juche, an autonomous-driving vehicle provider, and Zhongke Zhonghuan, an intelligent equipment manufacturer.

Anhui has developed a clear, multi-faceted strategy by strengthening its competitive industries and fostering future sectors, thereby enhancing its economic resilience.

lihuixian@chinadaily.com.cn