Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

After completing a five-month testing phase, Xiangzhou's Tsinghua Innovation Incubator began full operation at Nanping Science and Technology Industrial Park on Dec 22.

The incubator began its pilot run in August with the goal of developing scientific and technological startup companies by providing comprehensive services. The pilot test was sponsored by the Xiangzhou District government and Tsinghua Science Park in Zhuhai.

Visitors check out the Xiangzhou Tsinghua Innovation Incubator on the day of its official launch on Dec 22. The incubator is aimed at developing scientific and technological startup companies, by providing comprehensive services.[Photo/zh.house.qq.com]

The incubator was developed against the backdrop of a national drive towards mass innovation and entrepreneurship and the district's requirment for ecnomoic upgrade.

"Xiangzhou still lacks professional platforms for startups," said Yan Haobo, secretary of Xiangzhou's Party committee early this year during an intervew with Zhuhai TV News. He added that the level of quality of Xiangzhou incubators is too low to attract and retain top talent.

The Xiangzhou Incubator of Tsinghua Science Park, occupying an area of more than 3,800 sq m, is an integrated professional incubator offering office space, entertainment, catering and management services.

Experts give lectures to entrepreneurs at the Xiangzhou Tsinghua Innovation Incubator during its test operation. [Photo/zh.house.qq.com]

A 150 million yuan ($22 million) fund will finance high-end scientific statups. The first phase of funding is underway, with 60 million yuan ($417 million) allocated. Around 10 startups and 8 projects secured funding during the trial operation.

Entrepreneur teams at the incubator will also enjoy professional guidance from a group of experts in field of tax, laws and finance. At the opening ceremony, sponsors awarded 10 experts with tutor certificates.

Xiangzhou District of Zhuhai has been pushing innovative development by introducing a slew of policies and lucrative incentives, and building financial service centers and maker spaces.