Chengdu is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse of technological innovation and industrial advancement. From aerospace and low-altitude economy to robotics and new energy vehicles, the city’s high-tech sectors are gaining momentum and making a mark globally.
Recent data from the Chengdu Bureau of Statistics highlights this growth: from January to May, industrial investment surged by 73.7% year-on-year. Investment in high-tech manufacturing saw an even more impressive rise of 154.8%, accounting for a significantly larger share of the city’s total investment. The added value of high-tech manufacturing above a designated size increased by 13.0% during the same period.
These achievements are not just numbers—they represent a fundamental shift in Chengdu’s economic engine, driven by innovation, strategic investment, and a thriving ecosystem for research and development.
Innovation in Action: From Research to Real-World Impact
Chengdu has established itself as a national hub for technological collaboration and international technology transfer. The city’s innovation output is staggering, with eight patents authorized every hour, four new high-tech enterprises established daily, and high-tech industry revenues exceeding $200 billion in 2024.
Behind these figures are stories of dedicated researchers and innovators. Dr. Shi Kecheng from the University of Electronic Science and Technology Robotics Research Center is one such example. His work in brain-computer interface technology has been applied by Buffalo Robotics Technology (Chengdu), including the development of brain-controlled exoskeleton robots.
"Currently, the brain-controlled exoskeleton robot is in the clinical trial stage and is expected to receive Class III medical device certification by the first half of 2026," Dr. Shi noted. He emphasized the significant potential of brain-computer interfaces in medical applications.
The journey from laboratory breakthrough to market-ready product is becoming increasingly streamlined in Chengdu. Initiatives like the "Sci-Tech Tianfu · Smart Chengdu" technology achievement transformation series have played a key role. Since its launch in October last year, the program has facilitated the release of nearly 2,500 corporate demands, over 6,000 scientific achievements, and close to 1,000 innovative products. More than 300 projects have been successfully signed and implemented.
Companies like Chengdu Mingtu Technology have expanded into international markets through collaborations with universities and research institutes. Similarly, Suzhou Zhihua Automotive Electronics plans to relocate its R&D and manufacturing headquarters to Chengdu High-Tech Zone, targeting China’s smart connected vehicle industry.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Technological Growth
A critical factor in Chengdu’s innovation success is its focus on creating a supportive intermediate experimental (mid-test) environment. The city has introduced a "Mid-test + Park" model, releasing a demand list covering 23 cutting-edge fields—including brain-computer interfaces and humanoid robotics—across 11 industrial parks.
To date, Chengdu has established 142 national, provincial, and municipal mid-test platforms. These are supported by the Sci-Tech Tong platform, which links over 10,000 large-scale instruments and equipment for shared use, significantly reducing R&D costs for enterprises.
This ecosystem ensures that innovation moves efficiently from conceptual validation and mid-test refinement to industrial application. It acts as an accelerator for technological transformation and a core support for high-quality development.
Breakthroughs in quantum technology illustrate this progress. Researchers from the University of Electronic Science and Technology and the Tianfu Jiangxi Laboratory recently unveiled the world’s first gallium nitride quantum light source chip. Dubbed the "heart of the quantum internet," this innovation offers new solutions for quantum information transmission and hardware development.
In artificial intelligence, Chengdu High-Tech Bee-Ning Advanced Intelligent Technology has developed AI-powered cooking robots that are already in use. "One person can manage four machines, and efficiency has improved by 60% compared to traditional kitchens," remarked a kitchen manager. The company has already deployed its first batch of 300 robots and established a mid-test production line.
Addressing funding challenges, Bee-Ning also initiated and manages Chengdu’s first mid-test achievement transformation venture fund, with an initial size of ¥100 million. This "Mid-test + Incubation + Investment" model extends beyond traditional mid-test functions, creating a full-service innovation chain.
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Collaboration and Policy: Driving Sustainable Innovation
The synergy among scientists, entrepreneurs, and government bodies has been essential to Chengdu’s innovation narrative. Recent policy directives, such as the "Opinions on Supporting Chengdu to Strengthen Its Core Functions and Accelerate High-Quality Development" issued by the Sichuan Provincial Committee and Government, emphasize improving the online-offline service system for sci-tech innovation.
Chengdu’s Sci-Tech Ecological Island is being developed as a physical hub for achievement transformation, integrating intellectual property, technology transfer, and other core services. Online, the Sci-Tech Tong platform connects over 68,000 tech enterprises, 179 universities and research institutes, and 1,133 service agencies, providing support in policy matching, talent recommendation, and technical collaboration.
This dual approach—combining institutional innovation with technological advancement—has enabled landmark achievements. These include the "Hualong One" third-generation nuclear power unit, the new-generation "Artificial Sun" China Circulation III, and breakthroughs in medical technology such as the first successful live pig kidney transplant in Asia using gene-edited technology.
These stories reflect Chengdu’s identity as both a "City of Intelligence" and a "City of Innovation," where cutting-edge research is rapidly translated into real-world applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key high-tech industries in Chengdu?
Chengdu’s innovation landscape is dominated by sectors such as aerospace, low-altitude economy, robotics, new energy vehicles, and quantum technology. The city has also made significant strides in AI and biomedical applications.
How does Chengdu support startups and tech enterprises?
The city offers a robust mid-test platform network, funding opportunities, and policy incentives. Programs like Sci-Tech Tong provide online-offline services including resource sharing, talent matching, and achievement transformation support.
What role do universities play in Chengdu’s tech ecosystem?
Local universities and research institutes are central to R&D and talent cultivation. They collaborate closely with industries through projects, mid-test platforms, and technology transfer initiatives, driving both innovation and practical application.
How is the government promoting international tech collaboration?
Chengdu actively engages in global partnerships, hosting international innovation exchanges and facilitating cross-border technology transfers. Recent events include tech collaboration conferences in Germany, enhancing Chengdu’s role in global innovation networks.
What makes Chengdu attractive for tech investment?
A supportive policy environment, advanced infrastructure, talent pool, and thriving mid-test ecosystem make Chengdu a leading destination for technological innovation and industrial investment.
Are there resources for scaling tech innovations commercially?
Yes, Chengdu offers integrated services for commercialization, including funding, incubation, mid-test support, and market access. Initiatives like the achievement transformation venture fund help bridge the gap between research and market readiness.