Nansha sharpens tech edge for industrial growth

Nansha outlined its science and technology priorities for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030)  at a press conference on Aug 13. The plan aims to strengthen the district's role as an innovation hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and turn research strengths into industrial growth.

The district has made solid progress in building innovation platforms. The Mengxiang ocean drilling vessel, China's first to be domestically designed and built, was commissioned in Nansha. The Cold Seep Ecosystem Research Facility is under construction, and the Guangzhou Marine Laboratory has entered the national laboratory system. R&D intensity rose from 3.67 percent to 5.23 percent, while the number of high-tech enterprises reached 1,350 and valid invention patents approached 12,000.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

To strengthen its innovation capacity, Nansha will accelerate the development of Nansha Science City, a major platform for large scientific facilities, and the second phase of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), a flagship Guangdong-Hong Kong cooperation project in higher education. The district will also push ahead with a new energy device recycling project this year. Marine science remains a priority, with the Mengxiang vessel and Cold Seep facility supporting joint laboratories and pilot testing between research institutes and companies. The district will deepen cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao through initiatives that bring research achievements from the two regions to Nansha for commercial application and encourage Hong Kong and Macao talent to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in the district.

Through these efforts, Nansha aims to strengthen its innovation capacity, solidify its industrial foundation and play a more prominent role in the Bay Area.