The "SparkHer: AI Trailblazes Dreams" initiative is launched in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat ID: hefeigaoxinfabu]

On March 6, the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone launched the "SparkHer: AI Trailblazes Dreams" initiative, aimed to empower women innovators and entrepreneurs.

The program focused on providing a platform for women in technology and innovation as well as female entrepreneurs so that they can better access resources, as part of the zone's efforts to make women a driving force in the development of the zone and beyond. 

The efforts have been beginning to pay off, as more female engineers and researchers have emerged, with women accounting for nearly 20% of high-caliber personnel in the zone.

The Hefei high-tech zone is home to a number of renowned institutions, such as Institute of Advanced Technology of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and Deep Space Exploration Lab, as well as a range of leading enterprises like Sungrow and iFlytek.

At present, 560,000 people work in the zone with more than 50% of them holding bachelor's degrees or above. 

Looking forward, the zone will foster a high-end innovation ecosystem, enhance talent cultivation, deepen the integration of human resources, innovation, industries, and capital, and establish a diverse exchange platform.