A digital economy innovation center funded by Jianggan district in Hangzhou and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Capital is put into operation on June 8. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

A digital economy innovation center funded by Jianggan district, Hangzhou and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Capital was put into operation on June 8.

The center is expected to turn scientific innovations into marketable products by taking advantage of Jianggan's solid industrial base and CAS' technological prowess and exploring cooperation between renowned enterprises, institutions and schools.

The center will bring in cutting-edge technologies and laboratories and develop into an integrated platform for program research, exchange, incubation, and exhibition.

The center is located in the second phase of Xizi Wisdom Park, which covers an area of 323 mu (21.5 hectares) and has a total investment of 1.6 billion yuan ($226 million). The park is expected to lead the transformation and upgrading of local companies and help develop Hangzhou's pivotal industries of digital economy and manufacturing.

Twenty-three key companies witnessed the opening of the park, including Sam's Club, Prosper Precision Machine Tool Co, CASIT Information Technology Co, and FrontTop Technology.