The Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone – located in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province – continues to be known for its pioneering efforts in science and technology innovation.

As such, it's witnessed rapid development in the biomedical sector in recent years.

With over 400 resident biomedical enterprises, including over 260 high-growth companies, the zone has established a comprehensive industrial ecosystem.

In 2022, it ranked 14th among 211 biomedical industrial parks in China in terms of comprehensive competitiveness and seventh in terms of technological competitiveness, according to a report released by the China National Center for Biotechnology Development.

An aerial view of the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat ID: hefeigaoxinfabu]

To further boost the sector, the fourth Anhui Medical Device Innovation Competition was held on Aug 18 to cultivate outstanding medical device innovation projects.

To support these projects, the organizing committee created a prize fund and a linkage mechanism to provide financial support. Shortlisted projects were recommended to relevant innovation and venture capital funds, venture capital institutions and financial institutions, ensuring access to financial resources.

Xu Fuxin, deputy director of the Anhui Provincial Bureau of Pharmaceutical Supervision, lauded the agency's commitment to advancing the biomedicine sector.

In line with this objective, it has implemented several policies that support the development of medical devices, including establishing a fast-track channel for innovative medical devices, to expedite the registration process in the Yangtze River Delta region.