The 2026 South Shanghai Technology and Innovation Conference, themed "Strengthening power by technology, leading the future with intelligence," was held in Shanghai's Fengxian district on Jan 26.

Focusing on the integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, the conference attracted more than 300 participants from government, industry, academia, research institutions, and the finance sector, aiming to strengthen the innovation ecosystem by fostering new quality productive forces.

The conference showcased a range of outstanding technological innovation achievements and launched recruitment for the 2026 South Shanghai Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, which also serves as a sub-competition for the "Shanghai Talent+" and "Startup in Shanghai" contests.

In recent years, Fengxian has been committed to creating a first-class innovation ecosystem. During the conference, local key enterprises such as RAAS, Chando, and Runnest signed collaboration agreements with universities, including Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. A total of 10 institutions, including the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Addor Capital, were recognized as ecological partners of the South Shanghai Science and Innovation Center. Fengxian also appointed a group of experts from universities, industries, and investment sectors as entrepreneurship mentors.

The district also released its supportive policy package covering multiple areas, including enterprise cultivation, achievement transformation, and talent recruitment. For instance, Fengxian will provide up to 10 million yuan for approved construction projects such as common technology platforms, concept validation centers, pilot-scale amplification platforms, joint innovation centers, and key laboratories. For disruptive technology R&D and core technology breakthroughs, eligible projects undertaking national major science and technology programs will receive up to 10 million yuan in funding support.

Fengxian continues to place scientific and technological innovation at the core of its overall development. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), the number of technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises grew to 5,667, including 2,012 high-tech enterprises, and the revenue of science and technology service enterprises above a designated size doubled.

Fengxian has gradually formed comparative advantages characterized by an excellent industrial ecosystem, practical policy services, and comprehensive supporting facilities.

Source: Shanghai Observer