Big data has become one of the largest sectors in technology and local governments in less developed areas like Guizhou are trying to leverage it to bolster their economies.

If you're looking to build a computerized data center, Guizhou Province ticks all the boxes. It has a stable geological structure, ample energy sources and dry, cool temperatures year round. Big data is a major strategy for the provincial government. But experts there say what is lacking is talent.

"Talents follow good projects, and good projects thrive on a good industry environment. Therefore, to attract good projects here, we need to build a good environment," said Lian Yuming, director Big data strategy lab.

The Guizhou government has hosted big data business model competitions in the provincial capital Guiyang since last year in hopes of attracting talent to the region. The turnout at the competitions has been encouraging. About 13 thousand teams participated in this year's contest. Some of the teams that stood out last year have since successfully turned their business plans into working operations. A contestant from last year -- Luo Peng -- runs a big data mobile app.

"We are glad that we are growing our business in Guiyang. In the beginning, many investors didn't understand what we were trying to do. We didn't expect governments to understand it either. But here, we can find people who understand us," said Luo Peng, COO Huochebang.

Luo's app helps connect logistic firms with freelance truck drivers. The app now has 1.5 million registered users and 90 percent of the truck drivers in Guizhou Province use the service.

"We make information transparent, symmetric and quick. Drivers don't have to look around to find the right job, and logistic firms can find the personnel that are suitable," said Luo Peng, COO Huochebang.

Luo says big data analysis gives his app limitless possibilities.

"Driver information makes up the body of the big tree that is our app. But through analyzing the information, we can build many branches that actually suit users needs, for example car insurance, maintenance, car sales platforms and financing deals that support these purchases," said Luo Peng, COO Huochebang.

More and more companies are seeing the potential of big data and are going into the sector in Guizhou Province. More than 26-hundred big data businesses were registered there by the end of last year.