Editor's note: China is not one innovation story but many – emerging from local areas across the nation. In this series, we bring you those stories as pieces of a larger mosaic that, when put together, reveal the full picture of a country on the move.

Brain-machine interfaces are speeding up the rehabilitation of paralyzed patients, AI robots are providing emotional support to the elderly in communities, and drones are rapidly delivering medicine, setting new emergency response records. These once sci-fi scenarios are now becoming reality, as technological innovation drives progress and shapes every detail of urban development.

In September 2024, Chongqing released the "Future Industry Cultivation Action Plan (2024-2027)," prioritizing high-growth, high-potential industries. The article explores six key emerging sectors in Chongqing: aerospace information, AI, biomanufacturing, hydrogen energy storage, low-altitude economy and brain-computer interfaces, highlighting how the municipality leverages technological innovation to drive industrial transformation and secure future competitive advantages.

This story aims to challenge the stereotypical perceptions of China's inland cities by offering a unique perspective on Chongqing's emerging industries. It highlights how these industries are driving global economic growth and creating opportunities for multinational companies, while also guiding future investment and cross-border cooperation.

Aerospace info: "Beidou + 5G" solves Chongqing's navigation challenge

"Beidou + 5G" enables precise spatial-temporal positioning, transforming lifestyles. Outdoors, Beidou and 5G provide high-precision navigation, while indoors, a combination of methods, including 5G, ensures seamless integration. Chongqing is applying this technology in areas like Jiefangbei underground loop, Jiangbei International Airport and Chongqing East Station to address urban challenges and ensure smooth, safe travel for residents.

AI: Smart robots provide warm companionship for elderly

At Chongqing's First Social Welfare Institute, a smart robot uses AI psychology and multi-modal emotional models to detect elderly individuals' emotions and characteristics through facial, emotion and voice recognition. It offers services like chatting and counseling, and also enables video calls and provides digital family companions, responding warmly to these needs.

Biomanufacturing: Advancing eye drug development for corneal defects

Ophthalmic diseases affect many, impairing vision and quality of life. Beyond sight, patients urgently need clear, comfortable vision. Kerun Biopharm, based in Chongqing, specializes in therapeutic biopharmaceuticals. Its "Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor Eye Drops," the only domestic treatment for neurotrophic keratitis (NK), was approved in November 2022. It addresses NK's difficult and recurrent nature, and is the only proven effective treatment.

Hydrogen energy storage: One in five new trucks to use hydrogen power

In 2024, China sold 7,107 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with over 3,000 units produced and sold from January to July, showing a 28% and 5% year-on-year increase, confirming its lead as the world's largest hydrogen fuel cell market. By 2030, Bosch expects one in five new trucks over six tons globally to feature a fuel cell powertrain. Bosch continues to invest in China's hydrogen energy sector, with R&D and production bases in Wuxi and Chongqing.

Low-altitude economy: Drones boost emergency delivery speed

In March, Chongqing launched its first low-altitude medical supply transport project, featuring regular drone-based emergency medicine delivery. The route, from Shapingba's logistics base to Xinqiao Hospital, cuts delivery time from 45 minutes by road to just 26 minutes by drone, saving crucial treatment time.

Brain-computer interfaces: Technology empowers paralyzed patients to actively recover

Chongqing Yunnao Medical Technology's brain-computer interface system allows paralyzed patients to move their limbs with just their thoughts, enabling active rehabilitation and rebuilding neural pathways. The Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence is integrating into the "33618" manufacturing cluster to drive innovation in life sciences, focusing on brain-computer interfaces and smart healthcare.