Another China’s ‘Silicon Valley’ equivalent, and it’s not in Shenzhen.
Everyone knows about Shenzhen’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) — its GDP topped $396.8 billion in 2019…
But there’s another kid on the block — Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park — China’s other “Silicon Valley”.
Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park is Shanghai’s most important SEZ project — founded in 1992 in Pudong District, the area is focusing on AI software, Semiconductors, and biotechnology — industries considered as key targets for economic development.
The area covers 37,2 km2 of preferential business policies with 400+ R&D facilities and 1000+ hi-tech companies registered
It is home to science projects representing 18.38 billion RMB in investments — including the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Research Center for Quantum Sciences, the Supercomputer Center, and the X-Ray free electron laser facility
It also holds some impressive stats:
In 2018: Zhangjiang had 577 inventions patents per 10,000 people, 12 times the average of Shanghai, with 86 incubators and 2600 startups, IC, biopharma, and AI. It is currently home to 166 foreign-funded R&D centers
So when you’re deciding where to host your next tech start up, don’t just make a beeline line to Shenzhen…
Consider Shanghai — its rich connections and innovative minds make it an attractive place to grow in one of the world’s most digitally connected countries — China.
