Guiyang National High-tech Industrial Development Zone (Guiyang HIDZ) in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, ranked first in the province in the number of high-tech enterprises during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), with 314 high-tech firms – more than any other district, county, or development zone in Guizhou.
This achievement is underpinned by a well-developed innovation ecosystem. The zone has established a tiered enterprise cultivation mechanism covering early growth, scaling-up and strengthening, supported by a comprehensive empowerment system spanning platforms, industrial ecology and talent. Targeted policies have been introduced to form a robust support framework for high-tech enterprise development.
In alignment with national high-tech enterprise accreditation standards, the zone has streamlined processes including application intent, re-certification, intellectual property, R&D investment and financial data. Government departments work closely with enterprises, creating an efficient, coordinated support system.
Ten tailored policy measures have been rolled out to optimize resource allocation and help companies advance along the growth ladder. Early-stage startups benefit from an innovative cluster-based business registration model, allowing "multiple licenses at one address" and workstation-based registration in qualified incubators and maker spaces, significantly lowering entry costs.
To meet the technical needs of enterprises, policies encourage professional incubators to share R&D resources, attract testing and pilot services, and support leading firms in "reverse incubation" driven by market demand. Technology trading platforms, innovation contests, and project roadshows further accelerate the commercialization of research achievements.
Centered on Guizhou Science City, the zone hosts 28 national-level and 85 provincial-level innovation platforms, with more than 2,100 authorized invention patents. Several "national-level" platforms have developed products supporting major national projects.
The zone has also established the province's first government–industry–university–research joint training base, with institutions such as Tsinghua University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University providing strong intellectual support. Innovative financial tools, including "innovation credit loans", have improved access to funding for technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises.
A talent town along Shubo Avenue, combined with comprehensive housing support and overseas recruitment stations, has strengthened talent attraction.
From 2021 to 25, more than 4,000 graduates from outside the province were supported in employment and entrepreneurship, while over 11,000 industrial talents and more than 1,200 high-level professionals were introduced.
Today, Guiyang HIDZ is home to a growing enterprise ladder – from technologically-advanced firms to national "Little Giants" and industry leaders – powering the zone's shift toward high-quality, innovation-driven growth.