中国加大对为高科技人才的支持力度

Biomedicine, one of the fastest growing fields in China, often comes with high costs and plenty of frustrations. But for enterprising individuals who want to make a difference, the Chinese government is now providing more support.

Li Xiang finished her master's degree in the US. But she decided to return to China and, at the age of just 26, started her own company. Now, seven years later, that company is working on a Virus Detection System for Ebola.

"This is a nucleic acid testing box we designed for testing the Ebola virus. It has already been taken to West Africa. And this is China's first hi-tech product recommended by the WHO," Li says.

She hopes to apply her company's advanced genetic testing method to develop more portable equipment, which would allow people to quickly identify the disease.

"When I was studying in the US, the molecular biology field saw great achievements and rapid development. But it was rarely applied to daily life. That's why I wanted to bring what I learned back to China, to make products with it and finally change people's lives," Li says.

To encourage more young entrepreneurs like Li to return home, the Chinese government has started more than 260 hi-tech business incubators.

One incubator, the Overseas Students Pioneer Park, gave Li's company a 1 million yuan fund to support and foster their growth.
 
"For returnees who want to start their own business, the most difficult problems are about the start-up capital, site and registration. We can help them by offering consultation and favorable policies on research fund and tax revenue," says Zhao Xinliang, director of Beijing Overseas Students Pioneer Park.

Li's company has registered 14 core patents in genetic testing in China. And there could be more on the way for both Li and other Chinese entrepreneurs with big dreams.