Five years after its launch, Shenzen's Peacock Plan is gaining ground, as the city is now emerging as a leader in the development of cutting-edge technologies across the globe.

The Peacock Plan - a campaign spearheaded by the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission to attract tech talent - aims to develop Shenzen into a key zone for innovation and the development of modern services in the region, reported the China Daily.

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So far, the commission has brought in 64 "peacock" teams to the city, most of which have now blossomed into leading high-tech enterprises such as DJI Innovation Technology Co, KuangChi, Royole and BGI.

Under Shenzen's Peacock Plan, these teams have each received tens of millions of yuan from the Chinese government to support their research and development activities.

A solid proof of the plan's success is KuangChi Science Ltd, an innovative start up based in the city, which has already received 300 orders for its Martin Jetpack, the world's first practical and commercial jetpack to be developed.

The jetpacks, which are priced at 2 million yuan  ($308,640) each, was created by Chinese students who returned to the mainland after completing their studies abrod. 

"Our buyers are from all over the world," shares  Zhang Yangyang, the company's CEO. "For example, a rescue team in Dubai ordered about 30 units because the jetpack is easier to operate than helicopters in a city full of skyscrapers."

The jetpack is powered by a gasoline engine which drives the twin ducted fans, producing sufficient thrust to lift the aircraft and a pilot in the air, and enable sustained flight.

But what makes the aircraft revolutionary is its ability to operate close to or between buildings, near trees and in confined spaces, things which other conventional aircraft will be unable to do.

The groundbreaking jetpack can is capable of carrying commercial payloads of up to 120 kilograms. It has a maximum flying time of 45 minutes and can fly at speeds of up to 80 km per hour.

The aircraft is currently being produced in New Zealand, but plans are already underway to transfer its manufacturing facility to China.

"In the beginning, almost everyone was very skeptical of the concept of the personal jetpack," Zhang said. "It was Shenzhen's recognition that makes our technological development and research possible."

With KuangChi Science Ltd's success, more start-ups are expected to take part in Shenzen's Peacock Plan. 

TagsShenzen Peacock Plan, Shenzen, china