A researcher operates machinery at the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, April 9, 2016. [Photo by Liu Junxi/Xinhua]

The growing city has also incubated startups with a wide array of supporting policies, relieving their financial and personnel burdens. 

Han Dongchao, who was in his second year of a master's in education in 2014, had never imagined his technological breakthrough would one day be turned into a substantive investment of eight million yuan ($1.15 million). 

The young man's idea was taken up by Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone and he started his own business, Easpeed Technology Co, in 2016, with full financial support from angel investors. 

"We can afford manufacturing facilities and will realize mass production by the end of this year," Han said.