Researchers seen in an enterprise research center in Tongzhou. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Talents have in recent years become a significant engine for high-quality development in Tongzhou district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-21) period, Tongzhou welcomed 455 high-profile talents and developed 78 talents in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Over the past decade, the "510 Talent Plan" that was launched to attract high-profile talents has funded 329 talents projects, with the funding exceeding 300 million yuan ($41.39 million).

Tongzhou has also provided interest-free loans of up to 300,000 yuan to encourage young talents to start businesses in the district.

Since 2014, a total of 21 projects by college students in Tongzhou have been rated as provincial excellent graduate entrepreneurial projects.

To provide talents with better services, Tongzhou had earlier this year launched a program that aims to construct 600,000 square meters of apartments for talents within three years.

In addition, a housing subsidy of up to two million yuan has been unveiled to attract high-end talents.

The establishment of industrial parks has also boosted the introduction of talents.

For example, the Nantong Nantional High-tech Industrial Development Zone has formed an industry cluster for integrated circuit companies that has attracted more enterprise and projects to the zone. 

Tongzhou has also been focusing on facilitating cooperation between enterprises and research institutions to develop more talents.

Today, the district has 13 national postdoctoral facilities and 73 provincial enterprise research centers for engineering and technology.