Scientist founder of China's "Silicon Valley" passes away
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-08-10 02:34

Chen Chunxian, who set up China's first non-governmental technology development company and laid foundation for the "Silicon Valley" in Beijing's Zhongguancun area, died Monday at the age of 70.

Chen Chunxian [newsphoto/file]

Chen was China's prestigious plasma physical scientist. He entered Sichuan University at the age of 17 and, two years later, studied at Moscow University.

Chen worked at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) for more than 20 years and helped set up the nuclear fusion base in the academy.

After China's reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, Chen, nearly in his 50s, was inspired by America's Silicon Valley and proposed to set up China's "Silicon Valley" at Zhongguancun area in Beijing in 1980.

Against various reproach and pressure, Chen left the CAS and set up China's first non-governmental technology development company focusing on plasma technology.

He took the lead among Chinese technicians to start their own business and laid the foundation for Zhongguancun "electronic street," which has nurtured many high-tech enterprises, said Ji Shiying, director of Beijing Non-governmental Entrepreneurs Association.

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