A bionic hand performs a melody on an electric piano in Longjing, Jilin. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

In the exhibition hall of BrainCo at Land Best Sports Holiday Town in Longjing, Jilin province, a bionic hand played a melody on an electric piano and grasped objects using brainwave control.

"Mind control is no longer science fiction; it's now a key to helping people with disabilities regain independence," said Guo Tao, head of the project, as he watched the bionic hand in action.

Jilin's "Youth Entrepreneurship in Border Regions" initiative is introduced to the media. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Behind these futuristic scenes lies the spark of innovation ignited by Jilin's "Youth Entrepreneurship in Border Regions" initiative. Launched in August, it has fostered a favorable environment for young innovators through supportive policies, strong industrial foundations, and comprehensive services. The program has attracted many young people to return to or settle in Jilin's border areas.

At the heart of this initiative is the province's first youth border vitalization incubator that focuses on specialty agriculture, rural tourism, digital commerce, social services, and technology empowerment. It offers startups free move-in space, along with one-stop services including policy implementation, financing, branding, marketing, licensing, taxation, legal consultation, and human resources support.

Wang Shilin, a participant in the initiative, opened a cafe in Longjing. "Starting a business in the border area has its challenges – high labor and logistics costs – but with the government's support on rent and utilities, we've been able to grow," he shared.