[China] - Development grows in N China's 'city of the future'Stepping into the

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Stepping into the exhibition hall of Mech-Mind Robotics, a Chinese unicorn company, visitors are captivated by a robotic arm that responds
to voice commands and precisely grasps intricate workpieces.With its expertise in equipping traditional robotic arms with "eyes" and
"brains," Mech-Mind Robotics has become one of the leading enterprises in its field, exporting products to over 50 countries and
regions.Last year, the company relocated its headquarters from Beijing to the Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province, aiming to
thrive in this "city of the future.""Our company has evolved from 0 to 1 and from 1 to 10, and we believe Xiong'an is a good place for us to
advance from 10 to 100, or even 10,000," said Zhang Dan, head of the president's office at Mech-Mind Robotics.In April 2017, China decided
to establish the Xiong'an New Area as part of a strategy to promote the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region
Xiong'an was designed to be a smart and livable city that is innovative, green and free from "urban ills."This futuristic city, with an
urban landscape that has gradually taken shape since April 2017, has a strong appeal for high-tech companies like Mech-Mind Robotics, with
many opting to locate themselves in Xiong'an New Area Zhongguancun Science Park.Founded less than two years ago, the science park has
already attracted more than 140 companies
Carrying forward the innovative spirit of Beijing's Zhongguancun, once known as "China's Silicon Valley," it is striving to become a
paradise for businesses of all sizes seeking to break new ground.One such startup is Xiong'an Xingyuan Technology Co., Ltd., which has
quickly made its mark in this burgeoning science park
Since launching a year ago, the company has been developing advanced technologies, including metaverse, large-scale virtual reality (VR) and
artificial intelligence (AI).Gong Wentong, CEO of Xiong'an Xingyuan, has been impressed by the business-friendly environment encountered at
this location since his company's inception
He recalled obtaining his business license on the same day the company was registered, and noted that the science park facilitates
networking events linking startups and established local enterprises, thereby helping entrepreneurs like him access potential business
opportunities.Through such interactions, Xiong'an Xingyuan has developed cooperative relationships with enterprises in need of technological
support
"We plan to cooperate with an elderly care service company, using our VR technology to help senior citizens enjoy immersive travel
experiences and social activities," said Gong.Gong's satisfaction was echoed by Wang Ling, deputy general manager of Zhijue Intelligent, a
small company focusing on the application of LiDAR technology.In an interview, Wang not only referred to multiple opportunities to
communicate with her peers in the science park, but also spoke highly of the favorable policies issued by local authorities.In recent years,
Xiong'an has responded to the national call for innovation-driven development through a raft of incentive measures to pool talent from
various sectors & especially those involved in aerospace information, AI, new materials, and other cutting-edge industries & aiming to build
a high-standard platform for innovators.As part of these efforts to foster entrepreneurship, competitions have regularly been held to
support outstanding innovation projects
Wang's team won one such competition, receiving housing subsidies, workspace allowances and extra bonuses as a reward.There was a time when
living conditions in Xiong'an were a great concern for Wang, but the rapid development of the city has since dispelled her doubts and
worries
With a batch of public facilities, including schools and hospitals, gradually opening up, people like Wang are now able to relocate their
entire families to this city & thus embarking together on a new life journey."We feel that we are being pushed forward by the surrounding
opportunities here," Wang said, adding that she even introduced her friends to new possibilities in this area.Wang's experience epitomizes
the dynamics of innovation shaped by collaboration between government and market entities & a process that delivers benefits to all
stakeholders, with companies thriving, talent converging and all citizens enjoying the fruits of innovative development."This year, we will
step up efforts to build an industrial cluster featuring AI and robotics," said Liu Jingjing, general manager of the science park
He noted that more companies are expected to arrive in Xiong'an and contribute to its scientific and technological innovation.(With input
from Xinhua)