Zhongguancun industrial zone in Haidian, Beijing has been transformed into a nationwide incubator for entrepreneurship and innovation. [Photo Provided to China Daily]

In the beginning, even his parents tried to talk him out of the idea. Yet nothing could change his mind.

Many of his friends had given up playing guitar without even really trying, because they found it too hard to learn. "Why not develop an easy-to-play smart guitar," he thought.

His confidence and courage were stimulated by the government's encouragement for mass entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.

Vigorous efforts were made in China to implement the innovation-driven development strategy, such as the promulgation of the Outline of the National Strategy of Innovation-Driven Development and the launch of programs for major science, technology and innovation projects toward 2030.

In May 2016, the "poputar" (a smart guitar) launched its first crowdfunding through e-commerce and received rave reviews. In one month, 4,000 guitars were sold with more than 3 million yuan ($435,600) raised. Six months later, Zhang's other product, the "populele" (a smart ukulele), also succeeded in its crowdfunding with 6,000 sold out in 10 hours.

"The hot sale of the 'poputar' and 'populele' has expanded the traditional guitar consumer market," said Li Wei, the company's market director.

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