An event celebrating the work of Hechuanghui, an innovation and entrepreneurship brand, is held at the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone on Dec 6. [Photo from WeChat account hefeigaoxinfabu]

An event celebrating the work of Hechuanghui, an innovation and entrepreneurship brand, was held at the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone on Dec 6. 

Answering the central government's call to promote start-ups and innovation among the general public, the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone began working with Hechuanghui in 2016, offering all-round support to rising businesses. 

More than 100 companies have benefited from the zone's support, with 20 of them having obtained financing worth totaling 450 million yuan ($65 million). 

The world's first innovation index on the quantum industry was issued at the event, detailing the welcoming and inspiring climate the zone has created for the local quantum industry. As of 2017, the zone has settled five major quantum technology enterprises, with 29 others engaging in related fields. 

The zone's endeavors for a digital environment were also displayed at the event, showcasing the setting up of an online pool of enterprise legal persons and artificial intelligence facilities. 

The event also witnessed the launch of a new batch of Hechuangquan, a kind of redeemable electronic bond issued by the zone government last year, to encourage investment in small and medium-sized enterprises. 

Plug and Play and 36Kr, two major platforms for mass start-ups and innovation, unveiled their local branches at the event. The zone will ride the wave of these global groups and attract more international resources.

The world's first innovation index on the quantum industry is issued. [Photo from WeChat account hefeigaoxinfabu]

Plug and Play and 36Kr, two major platforms for mass start-ups and innovation, unveil their local branches. [Photo from WeChat account hefeigaoxinfabu]