This Week in WND (2025/07/14-2025/07/18)

WND shared its experience at Jiangsu's "dual-high synergy" promotional meeting, an initiative aimed at fostering collaborative innovation between hi-tech zones and higher education institutions, in Nanjing on July 17. As the province's only hi-tech zone representative, WND was also named among the first pilot zones to implement the initiative. It will deepen ties with Jiangnan University and China Pharmaceutical University in an effort to drive organized research and technology commercialization, advancing sci-tech and industrial innovation integration.

The summer session of the WND Industrial Sci-Tech Innovation Talent Training Academy was launched recently, welcoming 750 students for two months of practical training. The academy also signed credit recognition deals with 18 universities, expanding its network to 30 and better aligning talent development with industry needs.

The signing ceremony for Yunly's intelligent robotics research and development headquarters was held in WND on July 11. The project, with a total investment exceeding 1 billion yuan ($139.46 million), will consist of a 55,000-square-meter R&D center and focus on technological research and industrial applications. It is intended to enhance smart manufacturing capabilities and drive industrial upgrading.

Dizal Pharma held the global launch event for Zegfrovy on July 16, marking a key step forward in its international expansion efforts. Approved by the US FDA on July 2 under priority review, Zegfrovy is the first drug for non-small cell lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations developed in China to receive US approval. In the next 3-5 years, Dizal Pharma aims to release more globally competitive products, accelerating its full industry chain layout and helping Wuxi's biomedical industry go global.

The Wuxi Xin'gang Integrated Circuit Equipment and Components Industrial Park in WND is booming. Home to major companies like South Korea's Gigalane, the park's occupancy rate surged to 90% in just six months and is now almost fully occupied after just a year.

A total of 97 companies from WND have been recognized as 2024 city-level Eagle, Gazelle, and Potential Unicorn enterprises — setting a record high and ranking first in Wuxi. These startups and expanding firms, 80% of which are recognized for holding an average of nearly 20 authorized patents each, are fueling innovation across high-end equipment, IC, IoT, new materials, new energy, and biomedicine.

Three new schools in WND are ready to welcome students this September! The expanded Hongshan Experimental Primary School has been completed and is awaiting final approval. Shixin Experimental School, with 12 classes per grade in middle school and 7 classes per grade in primary school, will enroll around 3,690 students. Wenbo Experimental Middle School, offering 36 classes across all grades, will enroll about 1,800 students.

Aldi's first store in WND is coming soon! The new 1,280-square-meter location at Meicun Wuzhou International Plaza, Aldi's third in Wuxi, is set to open this October. Known for quality products at low prices, Aldi will meet local demand for affordable global brands and complement the plaza's shopping zones, offering residents a fresh shopping experience.

The Wuxi Symphony Orchestra wrapped up its 2024/25 season with the final note of the La Boheme concert version on July 12. Throughout the season, the orchestra held over 60 performances, including 22 season concerts, featuring a variety of styles from classical mainstays to innovative cross-genre works. This inaugural full season brought a rich artistic experience to audiences and showcased the orchestra's growing excellence and dedication to their craft.

Renowned writer Shen Fuyu hosted a Wu culture-themed reading session at the Bodu River Cultural Center on July 12, drawing over 200 literature lovers for a vibrant cultural exchange. This lively gathering highlights WND's dedication to fostering a thriving cultural scene through community reading. WND continues to spark cultural vitality through tradition and innovation.