The cutting-edge 2020 Quanzhou numerical control (NC) demonstration project was recently launched, according to local officials in the port city in East China's Fujian province.

Officials said they will guide businesses to accelerate the development of NC mechanical products, promoting the leapfrog development of the city's equipment manufacturing industry.

They added that the deadline for companies to apply to join the NC demonstration project is March 27.

The scope of the project includes key aspects such as automation, numerical control, intelligent equipment (industrial robots), intelligent sensors and control systems.

In terms of conditions, applications must come from  an enterprise or public institution that is registered in the administrative areas of the city.

Also, the products applying as demonstration projects should have had breakthroughs in key technologies and their performance and main technical indicators should be at an advanced level in the domestic industry.

In addition, the companies should possess R & D technical personnel and have strong capabilities in product development, design and manufacturing, as well as have requisite production sites and equipment.

They must obtain relevant patents and their application for an invention patent must currently be in the pipeline.

Products that have been included in the 2019 list of the Quanzhou NC demonstration project products have already included in the 2020 list, according to the Quanzhou municipal bureau of industry and information technology.

Officials said Quanzhou is also encouraging the purchase of domestically produced intelligent equipment.

Enterprises buying intelligent equipment, that are included in the list of Quanzhou NC demonstration project products, will be granted subsidies based on 20 percent of the total purchase invoice price (excluding tax) and 10 percent of the total sales invoice price (excluding tax).