For startups, easing early-stage pressures can pave the way for longer-term, steadier growth. Recently, Fengxian District has launched a "Startup Rent Guarantee" mechanism to support startups. New businesses can delay rent payments for an agreed period, adopting a "use first, pay later" model. This initiative eases cash flow strains in the early stages, supports asset-light operations, and fosters a "zero-burden takeoff" environment for small and micro innovation companies.

Since its launch, the policy has approved six startups, including Yisheng Skincare and Zhuozai Technology, for over 1,600 square meters of rent-guaranteed space. It prioritizes companies with core technologies, clear business models, and broad market prospects, registered for about two years. Eligible companies can defer rent on up to 300 square meters for up to five years. Their core teams also enjoy public housing discounts, up to seven days of free stays at the "Xianlai Inn" annually, and free access to shared facilities. They receive one-stop services like entrepreneurial guidance, IP support, and financing.

Yang Liu, Chief of the Science and Technology Development Promotion Section of the Fengxian District Science and Technology Commission, noted: "The number of tech innovation companies in Fengxian has been rising annually. These policies inject fresh vitality into incubators." Since 2019, the district's innovation carriers at the municipal level and above have grown from 7 to 21, with incubation space topping 160,000 square meters. Star companies like BioGerm, Biolong Biotech, and Arfysica Intelligence have emerged, signaling a maturing regional innovation ecosystem.

Yang added: "Over the next three years, we aim to provide 50,000 square meters of specialized incubation space, prioritizing companies under the 'rent guarantee' policy. We hope this support will attract and nurture promising, hard-core tech companies, creating an innovation cluster to boost Southern Shanghai's tech innovation zone."