The Institute of Advanced Technology of the University of Science and Technology of China is located in the High-tech Area of the "USTC Silicon Valley". [Photo/WeChat ID: hefeigaoxinfabu]

Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone recently unveiled work plans in response to the Anhui provincial government's implementation plan for the construction of the "USTC (University of Science and Technology of China) Silicon Valley".

The "USTC Silicon Valley" is expected to become an innovation hub with a global influence and is designed to consist of the Core Area, the High-tech Area, iFlytek Town and the Shushan Area. The Core Area, the High-tech Area and iFlytek Town  are all located in the Hefei high-tech zone and account for 90 percent of the valley's total area.

The Core Area will lay out a number of high-quality innovation and entrepreneurship platforms, and the High-tech Area will take advantage of leading research institutes to focus on alumni's business incubation and achievement transformation.

According to the zone's economic and trade bureau, the first phase of iFlytek Town is scheduled to be put into use by the end of August 2023 and completed in the first half of 2024. After completion, iFlytek Town will house iFlytek's corporate headquarters and focus on the artificial intelligence industry.

More high-quality living facilities covering schools, health service centers, hospitals, reading spaces and fitness facilities will be built in the valley. For example, a 5,000-square-meter community health service center has been built in the Core Area and will be put into use by 2023.

A slew of supporting policies for talents to innovate and start businesses in the valley have been released. For example, university students in the province are allowed to retain their academic status for a certain period of time while they take a break to start their own businesses in the valley, and can still enjoy the university's entrepreneurial resources and services.

One-stop talent services for people from around the world are also available in the valley. Hefei International Talent City in the zone will provide immigration policy consultation, legal aid and other services to foreign residents.