Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area has introduced a series of measures to develop a world-class science and technology innovation hub.

The special area aims to create a supportive environment for global entrepreneurs by building sci-tech innovation communities and implementing a comprehensive policy support framework.

These measures were announced at the 2026 Lin-gang Sci-tech Innovation City Conference, held at the Lingang Center in Shanghai on Jan 21.

Lingang Center, the venue for the 2026 Lin-gang Sci-tech Innovation City Conference. [Photo/lingang.gov.cn]

To better support startups, four sci-tech innovation communities were launched on-site, including Dishui Lake Financial Bay, designed to lower barriers by optimizing spatial coordination and aggregating key resources, providing early-stage ventures with affordable workspace.

Meanwhile, the upgraded Lin-gang makers' hub mini-program and the innovation ecosystem map offer an offline-to-online platform that connects entrepreneurial talent with comprehensive services.

The upgraded Lin-gang makers' hub mini-program is launched at the 2026 Lin-gang Sci-tech Innovation City Conference. [Photo/WeChat ID: shlgguanweihui]

The conference also unveiled three startup support funds to assist enterprises at different stages of growth, and expanded Lin-gang's innovation incubation network with 12 new sci-tech stations, offering both sufficient workspace and comprehensive support services.

Industry engagement was strengthened through multiple salons and project roadshows in areas such as integrated circuits, embodied robotics, AI, and software, and one-person companies, bringing together industry leaders, universities, and research institutions, as well as financial and investment organizations.

Eleven "grant-to-investment" projects from top universities, including Fudan University and Tongji University, were signed at the event, putting breakthrough technologies with strong market potential on the fast track to commercialization.