The Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone released an implementation plan on Sept. 15 to further drive the development of the synthetic biology sector. 

According to the plan, the zone will introduce more innovative applications of synthetic biology in biomaterials, biopharmaceuticals, bio-agriculture, and bio-food, aggregating resources to propel high-end and eco-friendly industrial transformation, and foster a leading synthetic biology cluster in the country.

The zone is about to introduce a series of financial support measures, providing subsidies, interest rate relief, and direct investments, and establishing a specialized industrial fund exceeding 3 billion yuan ($422.11 million). It will deepen cooperation with financial institutions to create multiple innovative financial products including intellectual property mortgage. 

It will also increase policy support in key areas like research and development and platform construction, so as to promote healthy and rapid industrial development.

At present, the zone is home to more than 30 leading enterprises, such as Anke Biotechnology, Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical, and Hechen Bioworkx. They cover core areas including antibody drugs, novel vaccines, chassis cell research and development, and bioactive raw materials. Fourteen industrial platforms were established, with various focuses including gene sequencing, pilot-scale engineering, and achievement transformation.

Synthetic biology is hailed as the third major revolution in life science following the discoveries of the DNA double helix and genomic technologies. The synthetic biology industry utilizes the functions of organisms such as microorganisms, animal and plant cells, and enzymes to produce a wide range of products that could replace traditional petrochemical raw materials, fuel and materials, as well as chemicals, while boasting benefits such as low carbon emission, high efficiency, and sustainability.