At the 2025 University Technology Transfer and Transformation Conference, held alongside the 2nd Suzhou International Sci-Tech Innovation Conference and the 17th Suzhou Entrepreneurship Week, the "2024 Most Promising Startups Founded by Returnee Entrepreneurs" list was officially announced. Two companies from Zhangjiagang were included, making the city the leading county-level city in China for the number of award-winning startups.
Xtalsong Semiconductor Co, founded by Dr Huang Yong—an alumnus of Georgia Institute of Technology—was honored as an outstanding company. Attracted to Zhangjiagang in 2021 by its innovative ecosystem and supportive policies, Dr Huang established his business in the specialized area of III-V compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers. His team pioneered the first domestic mass production of a unique product, achieving yield rates above 95 percent while reducing costs. With a strong technical advantage, Xtalsong has experienced over 300 percent annual sales growth since 2022.
Another standout is Zentek New Materials Co, founded by Dr Chen Wei, a returnee holding a PhD from the University of Minnesota. Over four years, Dr Chen has guided the company to file 20 invention patents and 12 utility model patents, demonstrating robust R&D capabilities and innovation strength.
Mu Jiantao, general manager of Zentek, said, "We have received one-on-one support from Zhangjiagang in areas such as talent recruitment, facilities, and ecosystem services, which has eliminated operational hurdles and created more development opportunities for us."
The optimism among these entrepreneurs mirrors the business-friendly environment and the specific support Zhangjiagang provides to returnee founders.
In recent years, the city has developed several high-level innovation platforms, such as a national overseas entrepreneurship park and postdoctoral research stations. It also introduced an industrial investment fund exceeding 10 billion yuan ($1.39 billion) to support ventures by overseas talent, with top teams qualifying for up to 100 million yuan in comprehensive aid. Returnees can receive up to 5 million yuan in housing subsidies and benefit from support in healthcare, taxes, and children's education. A round-the-clock service system has also further boosted the city's appeal as a hub for talent.
An aerial view of Zhangjiagang. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]