An aerial view of Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

The Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China (IAT-USTC) is a regional research institute for industrial technology innovation.

It is a joint facility created by the Anhui provincial government, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Hefei municipal government and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).

The first-phase project occupies an area of 552.94 mu (36.86 hectares), with 335,000 square meters already completed.

The institute has become a key base for Anhui province and Hefei to explore reforms to scientific and technological systems, and is a significant part of USTC's efforts to upgrade itself into a top global research university.

Through years of development, the institute has produced 293 patents and many of its inventions, especially in the field of quantum technology, have won international awards.

The institute has already fostered 271 enterprises, 60 of which are national high-tech companies. It has also built 62 joint laboratories and key national platforms, including an innovation institute for quantum information and technology, a national engineering lab for brain technology, and an equipment project for future network testing. Test platforms covering electronic technology, future information, new material and advanced manufacturing and bio-medicine have also been developed.