The 2026 Lin-gang Sci-tech Innovation City Conference convened on Jan 21 at the Lingang Center in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area.

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

Under the theme "Lin-gang, Your Innovation Partner", the event unveiled a series of measures — from building sci-tech innovation communities to introducing a comprehensive policy support framework — aimed at turning the area into a world-class sci-tech innovation city.

To better support startups, four sci-tech innovation communities were launched, 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 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.

Agreements on 11 "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.