GUi catalyzes YRD's tech innovation ecosystem

To mark its third anniversary, the Grand Union of Innovation (GUi) hosted a strategic promotional event in Shanghai, cementing Anhui province's pivotal role in the Yangtze River Delta's technology innovation network. The June 6-7 summit coincided with regional leadership meetings focused on developing new quality productive forces, demonstrating GUi's alignment with national innovation strategies.

Established on June 13, 2022 under Anhui's provincial government initiative, GUi has rapidly evolved into a comprehensive innovation platform. With over 200 investment funds managing 250 billion yuan ($34.82 billion), the ecosystem provides full lifecycle support from incubation to commercialization.

Dr Xu Weiwei gave up his job in Silicon Valley, the United States and established Chengling Microelectronics at GUi. The enterprise quickly completed finance and achieved success in high-performance power management chips.

Nowadays, more and more overseas talents like Xu are gathering in GUi, where has been intensifying efforts in talent attraction, utilization, and rational mobility.

Lingguang Infrared Technology, which develops cutting-edge semiconductor analysis equipment surpassing imported alternatives, was among the companies attracted by GUi's advantages. "GUi's excellent business environment here provides comprehensive support—from site incubation to policy consulting and brand promotion," said Professor Hou Dazhi, the company's founder and a USTC researcher.

Haifang Technology, an lithium battery developer founded in 2018, has chosen to establish operations in GUi due to its exceptional ecosystem. "GUi provides unparalleled advantages as a national innovation hub," said Li Jin, head of the company. The zone connects companies with USTC's academic resources and while offering government incentives like tax breaks and subsidies. These benefits create a competitive environment for tech firms, Li added.

In addition, GUi launched the “Enterprise Partner” initiative, establishing a tiered incubation system that supports companies through all growth stages—from startups to industry leaders — assisting over 300 enterprises.

Startups like Virtual Oasis have halved their research and development cycles through GUi's shared infrastructure and rapid industry connections, with Founder Guo Yudong reporting "three major client contracts secured within 90 days of joining the ecosystem."

Within just 1 percent of Hefei's urban area, GUi attracted 2,500 technology companies in three years, becoming a gathering place for technology-based enterprises not just in the province but the Yangtze River Delta region as a whole.