The first phase of the Science and Technology Innovation Industrial Park, specializing in aerospace information technology and located in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, commenced construction recently.

A rendering of the first phase of the Science and Technology Innovation Industrial Park in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

The first phase covers an area of approximately 211 mu (14.07 hectares) and boasts a floor space of about 460,000 square meters. Its construction is funded by Hefei STIP Co., a company run by the zone, and this phase has an investment of approximately 3.4 billion yuan ($470 billion). The construction mainly includes the establishment of production facilities, research and development laboratories, as well as supporting amenities.

The project is divided into the eastern and western sections. Construction of the eastern section, focused on smart manufacturing, is already underway and scheduled for completion by September 2026. Meanwhile, the western section, committed to research and development, is set to start construction in August 2024, targeting completion by August 2027. 

With a structured layout featuring one corridor, four zones, and multiple cores, the park aims to forge a comprehensive aerospace information industrial chain spanning satellite manufacturing, launch services, ground equipment manufacturing, and data application. This holistic approach will streamline services for resident enterprises, encompassing research and development, office functions, production testing, and integrated assembly. This will help expedite resource aggregation and industrial clustering, and foster industries of the future.

A rendering of the eastern section of the first phase of the Science and Technology Innovation Industrial Park in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

In recent years, the zone has been steadfast in its efforts to propel the growth of the aerospace information industry, attracting nearly 120 enterprises across the industrial chain. It has fostered 11 innovative platforms and public service institutions, including the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory and Jianghuai Frontier Technology Coordination and Innovation Center, forming a complete satellite industrial chain covering satellite manufacturing, core component development, operation of low, medium, and high orbit communication, navigation, and remote sensing satellite constellations, as well as satellite data application services. Upon the completion of the phase, it is expected to accommodate over 150 companies, with an annual output of approximately 2 billion yuan.

Looking ahead, the zone aims to further strengthen and support the aerospace information industry chain, expand its industrial scale, and establish a new powerhouse for the development of the industry, characterized by leading technological capabilities and robust strength.