This Week in WND (2026/07/12-2026/07/18)

Jiangsu Party Secretary Xin Changxing and Governor Liu Xiaotao met AstraZeneca Executive Vice-President Iskra Reic in Nanjing on July 14. Following the meeting, AstraZeneca and Dizal Pharma announced an exclusive licensing agreement for sunvozertinib, a novel oral, irreversible EGFR inhibitor for lung cancer treatment.

The 2026 Aerospace Information Conference & Geovis Technology Ecosystem Partners Conference was held in Wuxi on July 16. Geovis unveiled its new intelligent product portfolio spanning space, air and ground, while WND signed an agreement with the company to establish a low-altitude safety innovation center. Multiple partnerships were also forged to build an ecosystem spanning industry, technology, capital and application scenarios.

Siemens Healthineers executives visited Wuxi on July 16, as construction began on the company's new R&D and manufacturing base. The expansion will boost production of high-end CT and cardiovascular X-ray tubes and high-voltage generators, with an expected additional annual capacity of 5,500 high-voltage generators – supporting Wuxi's drive to build a leading biomedical innovation hub.

WND is stepping up efforts to drive high-quality growth in the service sector. A three-year action plan has been drafted, a dedicated investment promotion center has been launched, and agreements for 18 projects spanning producer, consumer and functional services have been signed.

WND held a conference on advancing education development on July 16. The district is refining its 15th Five-Year Plan for education and a three-year action plan, building a clear roadmap from long-term vision to annual tasks and laying the foundation for high-standard, people-centered education.

WND welcomed 600 young students from universities throughout China and abroad for the 2026 summer program of its Industrial Sci-Tech Innovation Talent Training Academy on July 13. The district also signed credit-transfer agreements with four leading universities, strengthening university-industry collaboration and building new pathways to attract and cultivate top talent.

WND leaders conducted inspections of flood and typhoon preparedness on July 11, calling for early deployment and thorough preparations to strengthen safety measures and protect people's lives and property.

StepFun launched STEPX, the world's first large-scale AI-native terminal brand for the agentic era, in Shanghai, on July 13, along with the world's first agent-native OS Step AOS, a new-generation personal AI agent Amoo, and the world's first agentic AI phone STEPX Neo. In January, two of WND's State-owned units joined StepFun's equity round and have invested over 1 billion yuan ($147.45 million), together with other Wuxi investors.

The world's largest known eVTOL just rolled off the production line in WND. On July 15, Muyu Sky's AT8000 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft completed assembly, set to power the future of heavy-duty low-altitude logistics and accelerate commercial applications of next-generation aerial transport.

The 2026 Aerospace Information Conference & Geovis Technology Ecosystem Partners Conference opened in Wuxi on July 16. Five participating companies from WND showcased the district's strong capabilities across the full commercial aerospace industry chain – from rockets and satellites to networks and terminals – as well as the low-altitude economy.

A new channel for industrial circulation has opened in the Wuxi Hi-Tech District Comprehensive Bonded Zone. Under customs supervision, 20 processor boards repaired under the bonded maintenance program were sent to a downstream company, processed into laser transceiver modules and exported overseas. This is the first such operation to be carried out in Jiangsu.

More than 400 companies joined leading scientists and industry pioneers in synthetic biology, protein engineering, metabolic engineering and AI-driven enzyme design at the 2026 Future Biomanufacturing & Novel Protein Technology and Industry Forum, held in WND on July 12-13. The event explored breakthroughs and emerging opportunities shaping the future of biomanufacturing.

Three tech companies from WND have been named to the 2025 China Unicorns List, released by Greatwall Strategy Consultants on July 16. The district ranked first in Wuxi for the number of listed unicorns, highlighting its leading role in nurturing high-growth companies.

Three companies from WND are set to lead the development of provincial key laboratories in integrated circuits, 6G and embodied intelligence, according to a recent notice from the science and technology office of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee. The district accounts for half of Wuxi's selected projects, ranking first citywide and underscoring its strength in enterprise-led innovation.

A new landmark for sports and recreation is coming to life in WND! On July 15, the Wuxi Olympic Sports Center opens its first venues – the swimming, badminton and table tennis halls – offering world-class facilities and professional services for those looking to be more active.

WND has launched its 2026 AI Comic Drama Innovation Week at the Wuxi Symphony Hall. With more than 20 comic-drama and short-drama companies, hit productions such as One Thought, and annual industry revenue expected to exceed 500 million yuan ($73.79 million), WND is building a strong foundation for this emerging AI-powered creative track.

WND has launched a new intellectual property services hub and a one-stop IP protection center in the Wuxi National Software Park, further strengthening its innovation support ecosystem. By integrating district-wide IP resources, the new platform on the second floor of Cygnus Building D provides comprehensive services covering IP creation, commercialization and protection, making it easier for innovators and businesses to turn ideas into real economic value.

The opening ceremony of the Hongshan Site Exhibition was held at the Baishili Cycling Station in Binhu district on July 15. This special exhibition brings exquisite replicas of Yue State cultural relics from WND's Hongshan Site Museum from the indoor gallery into the lush outdoor setting of the cycling station, allowing citizens and visitors to enjoy the stunning views of Taihu Lake while experiencing 2,500 years of history.

WND is rolling out nine targeted traffic improvement measures to ease congestion around the West Zone of Wuxi MixC. The upgrades, scheduled to begin in early August and finish by the end of September, will optimize traffic flow and create a smoother, more efficient travel experience through a series of precise, small-scale road improvements.