The Hubei Science and Technology Innovation Supply Chain "Tianwang" Platform operates on a model where enterprises submit demands, and various research institutes in universities respond accordingly. This "research tailored to demand" approach ensures precise matching of tech needs, fostering numerous successful tech partnerships.

Currently, the platform hosts 38,704 enterprises with a total of 21,172 demands. A total of 9,786 projects are in the process of being matched, with 5,773 projects already completed. This tech innovation system, oriented towards practical application, is bridging the gap between universities and enterprises, transforming Hubei's educational advantages into innovation and industry strength.

The webpage of the Hubei Science and Technology Innovation Supply Chain "Tianwang" Platform. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Zhang Junlong, general manager of Wuhan Ganwei Technology Co, shared his experience: "We submitted an order on the platform, hoping to address our need to develop a 'high-integration industrial-grade infrared optical gas sensor'. We had a budget of 1 million yuan ($140,660.83). Surprisingly, we received a response from Professor Liu Huan's team at the Optics Valley Laboratory the next day." Smooth communication led to the small-scale production of the sensor.

Wan Xia is the deputy general manager of Hubei Science and Technology Innovation Supply Chain Co, the operator of the "Tianwang" platform. She said that in 2023, the enterprises based in the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) undertook 63 projects for technology transformation from Huazhong University of Science and Technology alone. These projects amounted to 56.72 million yuan, marking an 85.7 percent increase year-on-year.

In April, the "Tianwang" platform launched its city and prefecture-specific zones, extending its reach to 17 cities and prefectures within the province, the Greater Bay Area, and overseas. Through platform facilitation, scientific achievements transition from labs to production lines, fostering precise matching between technology innovation and industry.