From VCD player and microcomputer to quantum communication satellite and quantum computer, the past few years witnessed remarkable development of future-oriented industries in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone.

CAS Center for Excellence in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics is located in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

The Hefei high-tech zone is home to 34 national incubators and mass innovation spaces, covering more than 6 million square meters of sci-tech incubation carriers. New energy vehicle chips can be used for more than 500 vehicle types around the world, injecting new impetus into Hefei's automotive industry.

The development of advanced manufacturing is inseparable from transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. The Hefei high-tech zone changed local manufacturing from traditional to intelligent, optimized industrial structure, and provided policy support to digital development.

The zone follows a "2+3+X" approach to develop its future-oriented sectors. The "2" refers to quantum information and aerospace technology where Hefei already boasts significant strengths. The "3" includes next-generation artificial intelligence, fusion energy, and synthetic biology, where the city enjoys certain advantages. The "X" means to explore cutting-edge and game-changing technologies and look for new fields in future-oriented industries.

The zone is accelerating the construction of three 100-billion-level industrial clusters in information, manufacturing, and service sectors, and one 50-billion-level industrial cluster in the healthcare field. The zone has served as incubators and accelerators for more than 2,000 gazelle and unicorn companies and specialized and sophisticated enterprises that produce new and unique products in the zone. 

In the face of a new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, the zone will continue to follow the principle of "developing high technology, realizing industrialization," give priority to innovation, and foster new industries, new models, and new drivers of growth.