Shanghai recently unveiled an implementation plan to develop high-quality proof-of-concept (POC) platforms centered on cutting-edge science and technology, future industries, and strategic emerging sectors.

According to the plan, these POC platforms will play a pivotal role in the city's sci-tech innovation strategy and management reform. Funding support of up to 30 million yuan ($4.18 million) will be provided to accelerate the incubation and transformation of sci-tech advancements.

POC plays a crucial role in transforming innovative ideas and basic research into commercially viable outcomes. By testing both technical and market feasibility, POC helps reduce R&D risks, increase technological maturity, and attract investment.

To align with international standards and reinforce its position as a sci-tech innovation hub, five municipal authorities, including the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, jointly issued the plan to systematize POC platform development, improve specialized services, and promote high-quality scientific achievements.

The plan calls for reforms to existing POC platforms in key fields such as integrated circuits, biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and green technologies, enhancing their capabilities. New platforms will be established in emerging industries like brain-computer interfaces, cell and gene therapies, and fourth-generation semiconductors. Additionally, POC platforms will be planned and reserved for cutting-edge areas including quantum science, spatiotemporal information, and regenerative medicine.

The city will promote the clustering of POC platforms within Zhangjiang High-tech Industrial Development Zone, with a particular focus on areas such as Zhangjiang Science City and the Lin-gang Special Area in Pudong, as well as the Grand NeoBay in Minhang. The aim is to build a number of demonstration platforms that can attract technological outcomes, top-tier talent, and investment.

The plan also emphasizes building comprehensive POC service systems encompassing innovation support, early-stage verification, laboratory testing, and market-oriented full-process verification. Institutions like universities and medical centers will establish achievement pools and conduct regular assessments to identify promising "seed" projects. Laboratory outcomes with high potential will undergo prototype testing and small-scale trials supported by dedicated verification mechanisms.

Shanghai will actively involve funds and project managers in POC platform construction and management. Financially, the city will provide up to 30 million yuan to newly built POC platforms in strategic and emerging industries, and offer annual subsidies of up to 3 million yuan to outstanding self-built platforms by innovation entities, based on comprehensive evaluations. To further support growth, the city will also leverage credit, insurance, funds, and market mechanisms.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, Shanghai Observer

Note: This content is for reference only. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.