Changde exploits biotech to boost development

Thanks to the light industry foundation, gathering production factors, as well as research and development strengths and talents, Changde in Hunan province is emerging in the field of synthetic biology manufacturing.

In the 1970s, Changde's Jinshi region formed a relatively complete light industry category. Products of the companies in the region, such as mosquito coils, monosodium glutamate and amylase, once enjoyed nationwide acclaim.

After more than 50 years of development, the city's synthetic biology manufacturing industry is becoming a prominent force in driving local development. Currently, there are 28 companies engaged in the industry in the city, with core players such as Leadsynbio and Hongjian Biotech kicking off production. In 2023, the total industrial output value reached 9.93 billion yuan ($1.36 billion).

There are two provincial-level chemical industrial parks, Jinshi High-Tech Zone and Changde Economic Development Zone in the city, covering an area of over 533 hectares. The Changde Economic Development Zone has formed an industrial layout dominated by light industry textiles, new energy materials and a special focus on biopharmaceuticals.

The industrial structure in the zone meets the market requirements in healthcare, beauty and skincare, food and beverages as well as chemical energy sectors, and possesses strong supporting capabilities in the synthetic biology manufacturing industry.

Hongjian Biotech has established a provincial-level R&D and technology commercialization pilot base for bioengineering strains. The Jinshi bio-manufacturing pilot base, with an investment of 50 million yuan, has been granted as one of the first batch of provincial-level technology transformation pilot experiment bases.

Centering on building up cooperation platforms and constructing an open and collaborative industrial innovation ecosystem, the city has been cooperating with various business insiders.

In September, at a conference on the city's synthetic biology manufacturing industry, a scientific and technological innovation advisory committee announced its establishment. With the participation of diverse experts and researchers, the committee guides the direction for the development of the industry in the city.

The city is also seeking cooperation with institutions such as the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, striving to establish a technology transfer center in Changde.

Currently, the city is home to more than 230 high-profile talents in synthetic biology-related fields and has trained more than 2,600 technicians through university-enterprise cooperation.

"After choosing Changde to land our business, the city government provided sufficient support in various aspects such as factory construction, facility investment and talent introduction. From factory land approval to factory construction, we are refreshing the industry's speed record," said Jiang Xianzhi, head of a biotech company.

liyou@chinadaily.com.cn