Interwoven ambitions

Feng Xinyu, a 34-year-old PhD graduate in cryptography and software engineering from Peking University, is among the wave of talented people being drawn to Xiong'an.

He founded Zhonghe Tech (Xiong'an) Co, a business focused on AI data security, after considering offers from major tech companies in Beijing. Feng made the choice to settle in Xiong'an, in part, because of the emerging industrial ecosystem.

"In the new city, the concept of 'upstairs and downstairs as upstream and downstream' is real," Feng said.

"Our work touches on multiple aspects, including AI models, computing power and chips. Here, there's a whole industrial chain in the AI sector."

His company is located in an AI industrial park that focuses on next-generation theories and application innovations relating to artificial intelligence. It has attracted more than 60 enterprises since June.

"People on the upper and lower floors often visit each other and exchange ideas. Sometimes conversations can lead to new ideas, creating a great entrepreneurial atmosphere," Feng said, adding this was the advantage that attracted him to Xiong'an.

The city is now positioning itself as a hub for three flagship industries — satellite internet and aerospace information, AI, and new materials. More than 200 companies have gathered to work in these sectors.

"You can feel that the new city is a quickly emerging innovation hub and an entrepreneurial hot spot," Feng said.

He also appreciates the quiet environment that Xiong'an can provide. "We used to work at a lab in a place that was busy and bustling. Here I can focus better. Xiong'an gives you that space for scientific research," Feng said.