Fu, 26, is still a graduate student majoring in computer science at Shanghai Marine College who expects to graduate this year.

Yet he has another identity as the general manager of Shanghai Bitsoft Co Ltd, one of the first firms to enter the recently opened Shanghai Pudong Software Park.

"I decided to start my own undertaking after I realized the huge market potential of the IT field," Fu said.

He began to engage in some software-related programmes sponsored by the municipal commission of science and technology as early as in 1995.

"But I found that many a research achievement ended up with an appraisal conference. They were bound to their cradles forever, never having a chance to show their vitality through going to market," he said.

"That drove me to do something to link such achievements with the market, and I wanted to brand the products with our own name."

In 1998, he started Bitsoft with 1-million-yuan ($120,000) financing, aiming at software products to improve business and legal management in China.

As a typical enterprise that is initiated by a college student, Bitsoft is now making its way in the keen market competition. By the end of 1999, its assets grew to 6 million yuan ($725,000) and the net profit amounted to 1 million yuan ($120,000).

"I don't think there's anything contradictory between my studies and running such a high-tech undertaking. I can apply what I have learned to practice," Fu said.

"Now I spend a lot of time in my company. But if I have any extra time, I concentrate on some reading to update my knowledge."

Statistics indicate that in Xuhui and Yangpu districts, two university and scientific research hubs in Shanghai, more than 3,000 local university students, often with the aid of their teachers, have stepped out of the ivory tower to venture forth into their own business.

In Yangpu technology Incubation Base, which now hosts 86 enterprises with a steady weekly increase of two companies, more than 50 per cent of the total are set up by university students and teachers.

In Xuhui, Shanghai Jiaotong University and four other universities have fostered 101 such enterprises, and more than 10 have an annual revenue of 10 million yuan ($1.2 million).

"But to start your own business is rather risky to the ambitious students, even if they have incredible scientific achievements at hand," said Ma Zhigang, project manager in the department of merchandise and technique and consulting, Pudong Software Park.

"They often need some kind of backing to run their business well," he said.

In Ma's eyes, the main backing is a favourable environment for their growth, including some special aid and preferential policy from the government.

"People should change their old thinking about such enterprises," Ma said.

"And if possible, the students need more attention. In this, Shanghai should learn from Beijing, if the city still wants to play a major role in China's IT development," he said.