Technology manager emerges in Anhui to bridge research, application

In East China's Anhui province, a burgeoning group of technology managers is playing a pivotal role in commercializing achievements in scientific research. These professionals facilitate the transition of mature projects from laboratories to industry, much like matchmakers, aligning technology with market needs.

Dong Minhui, a senior manager at the technology transfer center of the Grand Union of Innovation (GUi), an innovation hub in Hefei, said that technology managers are crucial in understanding both the progress and advantages of research projects and the specific market demands.

A notable example is the team's collaboration with Zehui Future, a new material technology company specializing in nano-catalysts. The company was persuaded by Dong's team to settle in Hefei through comprehensive support, including policy guidance, financing, and worksite selection. This effort culminated in securing millions of seed funding and continued support in loans and talent recruitment.

The role of a technology manager requires sensitivity to policies and market dynamics and a keen awareness of ongoing technology trends. But most importantly, strong communication skills are needed. Technology managers must navigate between universities, businesses, government, and investors, aligning their needs and ensuring precise connections.

For many research teams, the challenge is bridging the gap between laboratory experiments and market needs, often referred to as the "valley of death", where technologies are not yet mature enough for commercialization.

GUi's Technology Manager Office is established in June. [Photo/GUi]

Technology managers are key in navigating this path, ensuring a smooth transition from research to market-ready solutions. Dong outlined the stages from laboratory and concept validation to pilot testing, scaling, and access to market, saying that each step involves increased investment and risk.

Hefei stands out nationally for its systematic approach to technology transfer, supported by five dedicated task forces and a structured service chain.

The city has cultivated over 2,700 technology managers, gathered more than 18,000 technological projects, facilitated the establishment of over 3,400 enterprises,and established a relatively mature system for technology transfer services.

Moving forward, Hefei aims to enhance its ecosystem by connecting professionals with market-driven services to ensure that scientific breakthroughs are converted to industrial applications, according to the city's bureau of science and technology.