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NCTID's Annual Conference: Shaping the Future of Dairy

On September 27 and 28, 2025, the National Center for Technology Innovation in Dairy (NCTID) conducted its third annual conference in Hohhot, located in the Inner Mongolia region of China. This event was a significant gathering for industry experts who exchanged insights and research on dairy technology, aiming to set new benchmarks for the sector.

Key Achievements of 2025

During the conference, NCTID showcased its ten major accomplishments of the year, which included groundbreaking advancements aimed at revolutionizing the dairy industry. Prominent among these achievements are the breeding of world-class dairy cows, advancements in maternal milk research, and enhancements in the production of vital ingredients for dairy products. Additionally, the development of healthy aging dairy products and refined milk processing technologies were highlighted as milestones that push the envelope in dairy innovation.

He Jian, General Manager of NCTID, offered an overview of the developments and future aspirations of the center. "The past three years have been formative for NCTID, during which we created an open and cooperative industry platform," he stated. He emphasized the center's commitment to increasingly focus on research and business start-ups, transforming the annual conference into a high-level professional scientific forum.

Research Presentations by Experts

The conference also featured presentations from prominent institutions including the China Agricultural University and New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute. Dr. Stefan Clerens, the Science Group Manager of Smart Foods Bioproducts at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, shared recent advancements in food science. He pointed out that utilizing cell models of the gut-brain axis for screening can significantly reduce risks and support strong product innovation.

The growing international profile of NCTID was evident through the recent publication of the “Focal Point on Dairy Research in China” by Nature. This special feature recognized the collaborative achievements of NCTID and its members, including Yili, underscoring the center’s essential role in bridging research and industrial application, as well as promoting innovation within the dairy sector.

Additionally, NCTID, in collaboration with the Inner Mongolia Intellectual Property Protection Center, released findings from their 2025 study titled “A Survey of the Intellectual Property Legal Environment in Southeast Asia and Strategic Recommendations for Dairy Companies' Overseas Expansion.” This study aims to address the challenges and opportunities dairy companies face in international markets.

Looking Ahead

Under the leadership of Yili Group, NCTID has emerged as a driving force in developing and applying high technologies to facilitate industry-wide growth while supporting the quality development of the Chinese dairy sector. For the future, NCTID plans to adopt a more open approach to collaborating with governments, companies, universities, research institutions, and stakeholders throughout the supply chain. By fostering more frequent innovations and comprehensive public services, the center aims to bolster the long-term growth of China's dairy industry.

The Hohhot conference served not just as a platform for sharing recent advancements, but also as a testament to the commitment within the dairy industry to refine technologies and improve service delivery. As dairy innovation continues to unfold, NCTID remains poised to lead transformative changes that enhance both product quality and industry sustainability.