China’s first national engineering laboratory for big data distribution and exchange technologies was officially unveiled on March 11 in Beijing, in a move to seek breakthroughs in research, application of big data and boost China’s digital economy.

Founded by Shanghai Data Exchange Corp, China Internet Network Information Center, China United Network Communications Group Co, Fudan University and China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, the national engineering lab aims to enhance China’s ability in supporting fundamental sectors of big data. Inspur Group Co Ltd also contributed to the lab’s launch.

“We are really honored to have the opportunity to lead the construction of the national engineering lab. We will work closely with our partners to promote the research of key technologies and applications of big data in different fields,” said Tang Qifeng, CEO of Shanghai Data Exchange Corp.

According to Tang, the lab will develop core technologies of big data, build application and innovation centers in terms of finance, media, energy, healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing and other areas and launch research centers to help the nation better manage big data.

Yang Shanlin, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of the national engineering lab, said the key is to further the application of big data.

“The application drives the development of both big data technologies and related industries,” he added.

In February, the National Development and Reform Commission formally approved the construction of the National Engineering Laboratory for Big Data Distribution and Exchange Technologies. Tang said about one third of the investment came from the NDRC and the rest was contributed by Shanghai Data Exchange Corp and its partners.