iFlytek is a high-growth company that was born in and is currently prospering in the zone. The company focuses on voice supporting technologies. [Photo/iflytek.com]

On Sept 30, the Hefei National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone in East China's Anhui province launched a plan to stimulate high growth among local companies. 

The launch ceremony was attended by officials, investors, technicians, industrial insiders, and media groups. 

Lyu Changfu, deputy head of the zone's administrative committee, said that focus will be put on "gazelles" and "unicorns", two typical types of companies with high growth, in order to bring out their full potential and competitive edge. 

A special Q&A session was held during the event, introducing the criteria, preferential policies, and an online application platform. 

A gazelle company is one with an annual growth rate of 20 percent or more in sales revenue. Typically, a gazelle is a small publicly-traded company that has maintained high growth for the past four years, beginning with sales of at least $1 million. Gazelles are also known for creating many new job opportunities. 

A unicorn is a privately-owned startup registered in China that is no more than 10 years old, usually valued at over $1 billion.