In the heart of north China’s Hebei Province, a new hub of innovation is emerging. The Xiong’an New Area, dubbed the ‘city of the future’, is attracting high-tech companies eager to be part of its dynamic growth.
Stepping into the exhibition hall of Mech-Mind Robotics, visitors are greeted by a robotic arm that responds to voice commands, precisely grasping intricate objects. This unicorn company specializes in equipping traditional robotic arms with cutting-edge ‘eyes’ and ‘brains’, exporting products to over 50 countries and regions.
“Our company has grown from zero to one, and from one to ten. We believe Xiong’an is the place for us to scale from ten to one hundred, or even ten thousand,” said Zhang Dan, head of the president’s office at Mech-Mind Robotics. The company recently relocated its headquarters from Beijing to Xiong’an, aiming to thrive in this innovative environment.
Established in 2017 as part of a strategy to promote coordinated regional development, Xiong’an is designed to be a smart, livable city that is innovative, green, and free from “urban ills.” Its allure has drawn many high-tech firms to the Xiong’an New Area Zhongguancun Science Park, which has already attracted over 140 companies.
One such startup is Xiong’an Xingyuan Technology Co., Ltd., making strides in fields like the metaverse, large-scale virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). CEO Gong Wentong praises the business-friendly environment, noting swift business registration and valuable networking events that connect startups with established enterprises.
“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,” Gong shared.
For Wang Ling, deputy general manager of Zhijue Intelligent, the collaborative atmosphere and favorable policies have been game-changers. Her company focuses on LiDAR technology applications, and the support from local authorities has boosted their growth.
“We feel that we are being propelled forward by the opportunities here,” Wang said. She’s even encouraged friends to explore the possibilities in Xiong’an.
Xiong’an is committed to fostering innovation through incentives that attract talent in aerospace information, AI, new materials, and other cutting-edge industries. Competitions and supportive measures have helped startups like Wang’s team thrive.
“This year, we will intensify efforts to build an industrial cluster featuring AI and robotics,” said Liu Jingjing, general manager of the science park. More companies are expected to join, contributing to Xiong’an’s scientific and technological innovation.
