China's Speech Valley. [Photo/hf365.com]

Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone – China's Speech Valley had a fruitful 2018, with the zone's annual output value reaching 65 billion yuan ($9.71 billion). 

At the same time, a total of 430 enterprises have set up bases in the zone, up 102 percent year-on-year. 

Artificial intelligence and intelligent voice interaction have become hallmarks of Hefei. The valley has given rise to over 130 AI products, including big data algorithms and speech and facial recognition systems, for use in education, medical care and service industries. 

To link products with customers, platforms such as experience centers have been established to help enterprises expand their markets. 

"We try to solve problems in sale links by constructing an intelligent and interactive environment for users to get to know how to use our products," said a director of the Speech Valley. 

The zone has set up funds to facilitate fast-growth companies. A total capital of 5 billion yuan for the development of smart speech and artificial intelligence industry has been provided to support the development of related projects.