A researcher works at Wuhan Zhongguancun Hard Space Technology Co – a pilotscale experiment platform based in OVC. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The pilotscale experiment is a significant link in the technology commercialization process, and to a great extent determines whether the product involved can enter the market. A group of pilotscale experiment platforms in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, has begun to deliver amazing results.

Wuhan Zhongguancun Hard Space Technology Co in the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) is one such platform. Since it began operating in February, more than 100 corporate clients have benefited from its services, and it has completed over 20 technology transfers.

The company has invested 80 million yuan ($11.94 million) in its first-phase construction, while phase two and three will begin soon, focusing on the "optics, IC, displays, terminals and internet" industrial cluster, the net-generation IT, auto spare parts and AI.

"The sample we produce will then be sent to the testing laboratory on the first floor," said a researcher from the company. The product function testing report that includes relevant suggestions on product research schemes will then be submitted to the enterprises involved, offering the space and direction for product improvement.

The pilotscale experiment platform has worked out a set of plans to help firms accelerate technology transfers, running through project initiation, systematic framework design, software and hardware development and sample testing.

"We previously had to go to Shanghai or Shenzhen to place customized pilotscale experiment orders, now it can be done in Wuhan, saving on money and time," said an official from a local auto maker.