Innovation station opens in Hefei's Shushan district

The Sci-Tech Innovation Station Anhui Medical University Station opened on Oct 17 in Shushan district of Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province. This modern innovation hub, transformed from a former campus, marks a new chapter in collaboration between the university and government.

An aerial view of the Anhui Medical University Station. [Photo/GUi]

Spanning 6,245 square meters, the facility integrates research, incubation, and industry exchange, becoming a vital catalyst for regional high-quality development.

Located near institutions like the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Anhui University, and Anhui Medical University, the innovation station facilitates the conversion of scientific and technological research achievements into industrial applications.

At the opening ceremony, Anhui Medical University and the Shushan district government signed a strategic cooperation agreement, with both sides planning to establish a dual-list mechanism for research outcomes and enterprise needs. This initiative aims to accurately connect academia and industry, accelerating the growth of the life sciences and high-end medical equipment sectors in Shushan.

Zhang Zhi, vice-president of Anhui Medical University, highlighted that the station provides a testing ground for student and faculty entrepreneurship, linking policy initiatives with market resources to help overcome challenges such as securing space and linking these resources efficiently.

Yuan Zhou, chief scientist of the Renwei (Beijing) Medical Technology Development, emphasized the region's close access to academic resources, as well as Shushan's broad development opportunities and favorable business environment, as major attractions.

At the station, a trainer operates a minimally invasive robot. [Photo/GUi]

Medical students conduct simulation training on medical equipment that integrates AI technology. [Photo/GUi]

The station is part of a broader trend, with other innovation spaces, including 1986 Innovation Park, Hefei AI Building, and New Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park, all contributing to an urban innovation ecosystem.

Supported by the full-chain services of the innovation station — including workspace, financing, legal, and intellectual property support — several startups founded by USTC PhD teams, such as Sci Visual, have grown into promising tech enterprises within GUi.

An official from the Shushan district science and technology bureau said: "Our efforts go beyond mere physical space transformation; we are providing systemic empowerment to allow the sci-tech industry to take root and thrive in this fertile ground."