The OVC talent development pilot zone construction conference. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

This year, nine academicians' research projects and 13 leading industrial figures have settled in the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) since the valley began establishing itself as a talent development pilot zone in July 2022.

"In the artificial intelligence (AI) era, China's industrial software industry is expected to experience exponential development. The widespread and in-depth application of AI technology is set to provide a breakthrough for solving design problems in the manufacturing industry and addressing cutting-edge disciplinary issues. The country needs me, so I came to OVC. From the current perspective, the comprehensive conditions here are the best," said Chen Shiyi, one of the nine academicians.

OVC has invested 3 billion yuan ($417.9 million) in special funds for talent, having collected four Nobel Prize winners, 81 Chinese and overseas academicians, and nearly 400 specialists.

About 74.3 percent of OVC's area is now included in the scope of Wuhan New City. On Sept 25, the Hubei government put forward that by 2025, the province is expected to introduce and cultivate 90 world-top scientists and gather 5,000 high-level innovative talent.

The valley released its global talent recruitment initiative as early as 2021, in which OVC's leading enterprises and research institutions issued positions with annual salaries above 1 million yuan.

Gifted international personnel taking the positions are set to be admitted into the valley's 3551 talent program. It anticipates being subsidized at 50 percent of its annual pay for three consecutive years, with the top subsidy being 10 million yuan. The maximum subsidy for strategic scientists is 100 million yuan.

The first Optics Valley Talent Station was put into use in Shanghai this April. It was designed to be the first stop for talent outside the valley to learn about OVC. So far, the station has matched more than 80 high-end talent with over 30 enterprises.

In 2021, the valley launched the Optics Valley Digital Talent Card, which breaks the limitations of time and space and provides immersive services in government services, medical services, children's education, leisure and vacation, and financing connections. Up to now, 808 high-level talents have obtained the card.