Hangzhou Shares Inspiring Stories of Talent and Urban Synergy at the International Human Resource Exchange and Cooperation Conference

On the morning of September 28, the 2024 Hangzhou International Human Resource Exchange and Cooperation Conference  officially opened.

The Hangzhou International Human Resource Exchange and Cooperation Conference commenced on September 28, 2024, aims to enhance global collaboration by attracting high-level talent and impactful projects, thus supporting China's modernization efforts. With the theme of "Open Cooperation, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship”, the event emphasizes the importance of education, technology, and talent in national rejuvenation, as highlighted by Ding Zhongli, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress. The conference serves as a platform for overseas students and professionals to engage in networking and innovation, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship in Hangzhou. It also underscores the commitment to align with Xi Jinping's directives for talent development, ultimately striving to position Zhejiang as a leading hub for diverse talents and sustainable economic growth.

On the opening day of the conference, several key questions garnered attention: What entrepreneurial opportunities exist in Hangzhou? What kind of business environment, industrial policies, and talent policies can one expect?

Representatives from the Hangzhou Investment Promotion Bureau, the Economic and Information Technology Bureau, the West Hangzhou Science and Technology Innovation Corridor, the Hangzhou Medical Port, the Xiaoshan Economic and Technological Development Zone, and the Hangzhou Talent Group took this opportunity to collectively promote Hangzhou's business environment, industrial policies, and talent policies to high-level talents and overseas students. Outstanding entrepreneurs also shared their real-life experiences of pursuing successful careers in Hangzhou.

Reasons for Choosing Hangzhou?

These entrepreneurs shared their experiences through their stories.

At the matchmaking session, four high-level talents based in Hangzhou took to the stage to answer a common question: Why Hangzhou?

For overseas PhD Wu Zhenhua, the answer lies in the swift response of policies and services.

Starting with just a backpack, Wu Zhenhua built a 200-person innovative gene drug development company in Hangzhou within five years. In early 2019, as gene therapy began to gain momentum, he selected Hangzhou Medical Port after assessing various provinces and cities across China.

“Hangzhou can quickly respond to various talent needs,” Wu recalled. In the early days of his startup, when renovations for his rented lab were delayed, the Medical Port helped them gain access to a laboratory at Wenzhou Medical University temporarily, ensuring that his company's R&D progress was not hindered. As his company grew and new space was required, the Medical Port helped secure an additional 12,000 square meters. Here, Wu established an internationally advanced gene therapy R&D and production facility and built a research team of nearly 200 people.

In the story of "foreign entrepreneur" Li Wenlong, the answer may lie in Hangzhou's unique urban charm.

“Hangzhou is comfortable, beautiful, culturally rich, and very suitable for work and entrepreneurship,” said Li Wenlong from Canada. He runs a VR technology company that is currently developing VR products centered on traditional Chinese culture, aiming to use VR technology to share this culture with a global audience. After seven years of entrepreneurship, Li's office has expanded from a few seats in an incubator to an entire building.

The answer may lie in Hangzhou's forward-thinking vision and industrial layout.

“In 2018, while many were unaware of brain-computer interfaces, leaders from Hangzhou City and Yuhang District visited Boston to assess our office there. This demonstrates Hangzhou's foresight regarding brain-computer interface technology,” said Han Bicheng, founder of China's first unicorn company in this field.

This answer is also embedded in the greater context of "timing, location, and harmony among people," filled with limitless possibilities.

Wang Xingxing, the founder of Yushu Technology, shared valuable insights from his years of entrepreneurship: “AI necessitates proactive planning and flexibility to address future development needs; one must maintain sharp awareness of both technological progress and human aspirations for a better life while consistently embracing a mindset of continuous learning.”

“Looking Forward to Sharing Global Opportunities”

Government representatives shared the “sunshine benefits” that talents enjoy in Hangzhou:

“Support for enterprises undertaking key technological R&D with rewards up to 500 million yuan.”

“A fund pool of 15 billion yuan for industry development.”

"Establishing a livable environment within a 15-minute distance for talent, addressing fundamental needs such as housing and education."

Foreign entrepreneurs sharing their inspiring stories.

At the event, leaders from various government departments passionately introduced Hangzhou's industrial environment and talent ecosystem. They detailed how talents can benefit from a wide range of services —from lifelong support for businesses to personal living arrangements—including education for children. The city's business environment, industrial policies, and talent ecosystem are continuously being optimized.

As Hangzhou's GDP surpasses 2 trillion yuan and its total number of enterprises exceeds one million—alongside its ranking as the 14th most innovative city globally—Hangzhou is increasingly eager to attract talents from around the world.

During the opening ceremony of the conference, eight talent policies supporting high-quality industrial development were announced. These include enhancing support for leading industry talents; authorizing enterprises for self-evaluation with the policies’ backing; establishing national excellence engineer practice bases; hosting 800 public recruitment fairs annually; enhancing the "FIND HZ" initiative to support overseas industry talents; creating a selection mechanism for "technology-oriented entrepreneurs" along with establishing 30 concept validation centers; leveraging municipal industry funds; optimizing digital services through "Hangzhou Talent Codes"; and ensuring comprehensive support for talent settlement including education for children and healthcare.

The conference aims not only to showcase Hangzhou’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape but also to foster deeper connections between local industries and global talent networks.