Representatives of high-growth enterprises in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone receive recognition from the local government. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

A record high 711 enterprises in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province, made the zone's 2021 High-growth Enterprises List.

Unveiled on Nov 11, the list includes 342 eagles (innovative enterprises that gain market recognition within 10 years of registration), 223 gazelles (enterprises that have overcome obstacles to enter a period of fast-growth), 129 enterprises that will be cultivated into gazelles, two unicorns (startups with a valuation of more than $1 billion), 12 potential unicorns and three platform-based leading enterprises.

All enterprises on the list have robust development momentum and are mainly from industries such as artificial intelligence, integrated circuits and equipment manufacturing.

The zone has been striving to incubate high-growth enterprises which, represented by eagles, unicorns and gazelles, have become a strong force behind the development of the zone due to their innovation and momentum.

The local government has taken the lead in the province to carry out the incubation plan of cultivating enterprises from eagles to leading enterprises through a six-grade upgrading process. Authorities have also been taking measures to optimize the innovation and entrepreneurship environment to provide a solid foundation for the development of high-growth enterprises.