Shanghai Starts Turning Fuxing Island into Tech & Startup Hub

Shanghai has launched an ambitious initiative to transform Fuxing Island into a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

This announcement was made on Tuesday during the Fuxing Island Sci-Tech Innovation Incubation Conference, marking the official opening of the Fuxing Island Innovation & Incubation Hub.

Zhang Yuxin, director of the Shanghai Planning and Natural Resources Bureau, stated that the city plans to develop three key zones on the island: a future-city pilot area, an innovation and entrepreneurship cluster, and a space-intelligence test zone.

Located in Yangpu District along the lower Huangpu River, Fuxing Island is the only man-made island in Shanghai's downtown area. Historically, the island has served military, shipbuilding, and logistics purposes, playing a significant role in the development of modern industry in the city.

Yangpu District aims to establish an international startup cluster characterized by being "low-cost, fast-innovation, and open," according to Zhou Haiying, the district's director.

The district plans to offer comprehensive services, including space support, technical testing, and resource connections. Zhou stated that the island will function as a testing ground for new technologies and business models prior to their market launch.

The district has already begun recruiting global operators for the island's incubator cluster. Zhou said that Yangpu seeks organizations with a global vision, a strong international reputation, and extensive knowledge of cutting-edge technologies.

The first Fuxing Island incubation conference welcomed over 300 guests from incubators, research institutions, and investment firms. The conference also marked the commencement of the 19th Global Entrepreneurship Week China on the island.

Hundreds of guests, along with over 1,000 entrepreneurs and investors, participated in discussions centered on themes such as future intelligence, living, materials and energy, space, and health.

Roxanne Varza, head of the Station F startup campus in Paris, said that low-rent workspaces help new companies grow quickly. She said Station F hopes to work with Fuxing Island to support global startups.

The island has about 300,000 square meters of industrial buildings that can be used as low-rent startup space. Additionally, to attract young talent, the district has constructed 2,500 apartments. Entrepreneurs can find flexible and affordable options in these facilities.

The island has already installed more than 300 sensing devices and will build a digital twin system covering the whole island. Yangpu officials said these smart-city tools will help startups test applications in real urban settings.