The Grand Union of Innovation (GUi), a sci-tech innovation hub in Hefei, East China’s Anhui province, has emerged as a pioneer in fostering a vibrant ecosystem for sci-tech innovation, thus contributing to the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta.
The Yangtze River Delta G60 Science and Innovation Corridor and GUi High-Quality Technological and Industrial Integration Development Conference was held in Hefei from May 31 to June 1. The corridor, which involves nine cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hefei, has developed into an important national platform driving the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region.
This conference marked the first gathering of the nine cities following the nation decided to establish the Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta) International Science and Technology Innovation Center in December 2025.
During the conference, the Yangtze River Delta G60 Science and Technology Innovation Corridor Technology Service Industry Alliance was launched.
Since joining the corridor eight years ago, Hefei's economic output has doubled from 718.6 billion yuan ($106 billion) to 1.42 trillion yuan. The number of high-tech enterprises has quadrupled, and the output value of strategic emerging industries accounts for 64 percent of the industrial output generated by the enterprises above the designated size. It features a combination of basic research, technology commercialization, and industrial application.
As a pioneering institution for institutional reform in the field of science and technology in Anhui, the GUi, supported by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and its worldwide alumni network, is becoming a dynamic hub for technology commercialization, startup support, and industrial development in the region.
Over the past three years, the GUi has attracted over 7,000 tech enterprises and innovation service organizations, along with more than 80,000 entrepreneurial talents. Observers note that Hefei's distinctive advantage lies in its ability to create a robust innovation ecosystem, driving the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation.
The GUi enhances Hefei's soft power in scientific and technological innovation, said Chen Junyong, deputy general manager of the Winsoul Capital-GUi Innovation Unit.
A professional team of nearly 200 technology managers of GUi is collaborating with universities such as Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, and Nanjing University to facilitate the technological achievements transformation.
Capital is increasingly favoring early-stage investments. A 30-billion-yuan ($4.4 billion) fund established by the GUi supports small, early-stage, long-term, and future-oriented investment in the sci-tech sector, and has partnered with social capital to establish 27 sub-funds, providing over 2 billion yuan in equity financing to more than 200 tech projects.
Globally, Hefei has established 13 innovation centers and 17 liaison offices across 26 countries, creating a broad network to continuously attract innovation resources.
To strengthen innovation services, Hefei has launched a platform bringing together 21,000 data items to create a one-stop service matrix. The GUi hosts a "dream station," offering comprehensive support for entrepreneurs such as sharing startup experience, free accommodation, policy consultations, and site visits.
At a recent industry meeting in the GUi, executives from major energy storage companies and financial institutions gathered to explore how large scientific facilities can transition from frontier research to industrial innovation.
The Yangtze River Delta G60 Science and Innovation Corridor and GUi High-Quality Technological and Industrial Integration Development Conference is held in Hefei from May 31 to June 1.
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