Hangzhou aims to lead in synthetic biology

The Hangzhou Synthetic Biology Industry Policy Release and Industry Matchmaking Conference took place in Xiaoshan district on Dec 13, announcing initiatives to position the city as a provincial leader in the synthetic biology sector.

During the event, eight synthetic biology projects were signed into effect, and eight experts, including Academician Deng Zixin from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, were appointed as chief consultants for the Hangzhou Synthetic Biology Expert Advisory Committee.

As the first municipal-level synthetic biology policy in China, the newly-released Measures to Support the High-Quality Development of the Synthetic Biology Industry in Hangzhou focus on enhancing innovation and research capabilities, promoting industrial gathering, and establishing a comprehensive service system.

The measures provide financial support for synthetic biology innovation R&D, industrialization, industrial parks, and public service platforms, with funding reaching up to 100 million yuan ($14 million).

Unlike traditional biotechnology, synthetic biology involves the creation of non-natural organisms, similar to assembling a car through a series of components, devices, modules, and chassis. It has applications in various fields such as medicine and chemicals.

Recognized as one of the nine rapidly-developing future industries in Zhejiang province, Hangzhou plans to integrate its advantageous resources and support key development zones like Qiantang, Xiaoshan, and Xihu districts, striving for the creation of a provincially-leading industrial zone.

Xiaoshan, for example, will leverage the Aviation Economy Demonstration Zone and Jiangnan Sci-Tech City as primary platforms to advance the entire industrial chain. The district has already attracted over 100 top scientists, returnee PhD holders, and entrepreneurs in underlying technical fields like gene editing, protein design, gene detection, and high-throughput genome optimization.