Ten new high-end research and development (R&D) institutions were officially awarded licenses at the launching ceremony of an activity sponsored by Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau on May 27. The activity follows the theme of scientific research institutions facilitating the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

According to the interim measures for the administration of new R&D institutions in Chongqing implemented in December 2020, new R&D institutions refer to independent legal entity institutions, including new (startup) institutions and high-end institutions.

With the aim of meeting the sci-tech innovation needs of Chongqing, they focus on such key fields as big data intelligence, electronic information, automobiles and motorcycles, artificial intelligence, and the healthcare industry.

Engaging in scientific research, technological innovation, R&D services, and achievement transformation, new R&D institutions feature diversified investors, including a modern management system, a market-oriented operation mechanism, and a flexible employment mechanism.

Moreover, focusing on fields like autos, intelligent manufacturing, medical treatment, and green development, the 10 new high-end R&D institutions include CISDI Technology Research Center Co., Ltd., and Chongqing Precision Medical Industry Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., etc.

Up to now, Chongqing has introduced and cultivated 142 new R&D institutions, including 85 new (startup) institutions and 57 high-end ones.

Based on the demand of traditional industries and strategic emerging industries in Chongqing, the new R&D institutions in the city have actively facilitated breakthroughs in key and core generic technologies and achievement transformation.

In 2020, the income of scientific research activities totaled two billion yuan (about 314.2 million U.S. dollars) and the expenditure reached 1.75 billion yuan; the construction of 657 scientific research projects was approved and 38 provincial/ministerial awards were obtained.