Innovation contest drives success with 395 projects taking root

A bird's-eye view of Nantong. [Photo provided by Peng Changqing to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The conclusion of the fourth Nantong Jianghai Talent Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition was a great success. Across four editions, over 2,300 projects participated, with 395 projects settling in Nantong, underscoring the city's strength in attracting talent and encouraging innovation.

Having chaired the judging panel for three consecutive editions, Ye Xiaoming, chairwoman of Jiangsu Qianrong Investment Holding Group, observed a clear trend in the competition. She pointed out the ongoing improvement in project quality and the rise of innovative breakthroughs each year. This trend shows Nantong's growing reputation as a hub for talent, where the competition serves as a key driver for attracting and developing skilled individuals.

The competition's careful design and strategic partnerships have turned scattered resources into a unified force. Various government departments involved in technology, industry, human resources, and finance have collaborated to support projects from start to finish. This combined effort has not only brought together physical resources but also highlighted the city's collective spirit.

Nantong is at a pivotal point in boosting industrial efficiency and speeding up its transformation. The city aims to develop new quality productive forces and establish a dynamic innovation hub. This includes showcasing exemplary projects as models, having key enterprises take the lead in the industrial ecosystem, and supporting emerging companies to seize new opportunities. Ye highlighted the distinct characteristics of Nantong's projects, focusing on their local origins and leveraging existing strengths. These projects are carefully aligned with Nantong's industrial growth, spanning traditional industries like shipbuilding and emerging fields such as new materials and advanced information technology.

The competition, an essential part of the Jianghai Talent Entrepreneurship Week, has fostered a strong ecosystem that attracts, develops, and keeps talent. By addressing talent's various needs, from housing to skill development, Nantong makes sure that talent not only settles there but also thrives within its borders.

As of June this year, the projects from the past three editions have collectively invested 1.73 billion yuan ($240.88 million). These investments led to sales revenue of 1.32 billion yuan and a profit of 55.77 million yuan. A total of 844 invention patents have been applied for, with 556 patents granted, resulting in the development of 38 provincial-level high-tech enterprises.

With a strong focus on excellence and innovation, Nantong is well-positioned to lead in science and technology, driven by its dedication to introducing talent and advancing industry.