Hefei: Green tech surge in high-quality development

As China's 14th Five-Year Plan advances, Hefei, a dynamic sci-tech hub in eastern China, has emerged as a pacesetter in integrating technological innovation with green transformation. By leveraging cutting-edge research, efficient tech transfer, and collaborative ecosystems, the city has carved a distinctive path that accelerates scientific breakthroughs while prioritizing sustainability.

Part 1: Technological breakthroughs – Machine scientists revolutionize research

A paradigm shift in scientific exploration

At the State Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), a fleet of AI-powered "machine scientists" is redefining the boundaries of chemical research. Equipped with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for elemental analysis, these intelligent systems have achieved unprecedented efficiency: screening millions of meteorite formulas in just two months (a task once requiring millennia) and developing high-entropy catalysts in five weeks – down from 1,400 years of traditional trial-and-error.

This revolutionary progress is rooted in Hefei's robust sci-tech ecosystem. Backed by the city's Comprehensive National Science Center, the lab leverages world-class supercomputing resources and major scientific facilities to seamlessly connect computing power, algorithms and experiments. "Our machine chemist integrates theoretical big data with experimental small data, creating a 'theory-practice integration' model that solves the disconnect between academic research and real-world applications," explains a core team member. The platform's capabilities span intelligent literature reading, high-throughput computing and fully autonomous experimental operations, covering the entire chemical research lifecycle from synthesis to characterization and testing.

Green innovation translating to real-world impact

Beyond academic breakthroughs, the machine scientist platform is driving tangible green development outcomes. Through collaborations with enterprises, the lab has transformed phosphorus mining practices – reducing waste and environmental impact while cutting costs. Innovations include a novel single-atom pesticide validated in field trials across 30 provinces and a flame-retardant material capable of withstanding 1,300 degrees Celsius surface temperatures (with the backside remaining at just 30 degrees Celsius for hours), now poised for industrial use in new energy batteries and fire safety equipment.

In the energy sector, the team's fuel cell catalyst outperforms commercial alternatives by reducing overpotential by 60 percent, cutting energy consumption by 10 percent and increasing carbon emission reduction by 10 percent – aligning with national goals for low-carbon hydrogen production outlined in the "Medium and Long-Term Plan for Hydrogen Energy Industry Development (2025)." These applications demonstrate how Hefei’s scientific innovations are directly addressing pressing environmental and industrial challenges.

Part 2: Tech commercialization – 'Science Translators' bridging lab and global audience

From campus project to national recognition

SciVisual, a startup incubated by USTC, has emerged as a key player in translating hardcore scientific achievements into accessible digital experiences. Over three years, the interdisciplinary team – combining science, engineering and art – has partnered with hundreds of scientists, dozens of national scientific facilities and nearly 100 cutting-edge research platforms to transform complex scientific data into interactive 3D models.

Their flagship achievement lies in data visualization: compressing 2.57 billion grids of nuclear fusion simulation data to just 1 percent of its original size with an error margin under 0.05 percent, creating high-fidelity digital twins of national scientific infrastructure. "Scientists dedicate years to visualizing complex processes mentally – we make those invisible concepts tangible," says the founding team. Each visualization involves rigorous paper analysis and multiple design iterations to balance scientific accuracy with artistic appeal.

Global showcase of Chinese sci-tech

SciVisual’s work extends beyond empowering researchers. Its 3D digital model ecosystem allows users to disassemble quantum computers in VR and observe cosmic phenomena through dynamic demos, democratizing access to scientific knowledge. "Our mission is to make China's hardcore science visible to the world," notes the team, emphasizing their role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and public understanding.

Part 3: Collaborative ecosystem – synergy driving sustainable growth

The power of open innovation alliances

Central to Hefei's success is the Intelligent Scientist Ecosystem Alliance, led by USTC's precision chemistry lab. Bringing together over 40 research institutions and more than 10 leading enterprises, including iFLYTEK, Sugon, and Cambricon, the alliance strengthens scientific databases, deepens multi-scenario AI applications and nurtures interdisciplinary talent. This collaboration has accelerated tech transfer by breaking down silos between academia and industry.

The alliance's impact is amplified by Hefei's supportive policy environment, which prioritizes tech commercialization and open innovation. In 2023, the alliance launched the world’s first machine chemist instruction set, operating system, experimental template library and federated learning algorithm system. Deployed across Hefei, Suzhou and Zhengzhou, the federated learning model enables "data immobility while models move," protecting data privacy while fostering collaborative innovation.

Looking ahead: Charting the course for the 15th Five-Year Plan

As Hefei prepares for the 15th Five-Year Plan, the city's focus on technological upgrading and green development remains unwavering. Hefei's journey demonstrates how a city can drive high-quality development by merging scientific excellence with practical application and collaborative ecosystems with green priorities. As the city continues to innovate, it sets a replicable model for leveraging technology to build a more sustainable and prosperous future.