#China #Tsinghua University #Zhengzhou #Innovation Competition

Conclusion of the 2025 China International College Students' Innovation Competition

From October 13 to 15, 2025, Zhengzhou, China hosted the final round of the prestigious China International College Students' Innovation Competition. This remarkable event was co-organized by the Ministry of Education, along with ten other central government departments and the Henan provincial government. The venue for this illustrious gathering was none other than Zhengzhou University, supported by the Zhengzhou municipal government.

The competition attracted a staggering 6.19 million project submissions from 24.43 million participants, representing 5,673 universities across 161 countries and regions. This year's edition demonstrated a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among students on a global scale.

During the finals at Zhengzhou University, six teams from both Chinese and international institutions had the opportunity to present their innovative projects to a panel of judges. The competition showcased cutting-edge ideas that addressed pressing global issues through technological advancement.

The highlight of the event was the award ceremony on October 15, where Tsinghua University was honored with the 1st place award for its project titled "Next-Generation General-Purpose Model and AI Agent Ecosystem Based on Brain-like Architecture." The project received accolades for its potential to redefine artificial intelligence through a brain-like architecture, offering enhanced efficiency and capabilities.

Zhejiang University followed closely in 2nd place with its project called "YiWise - The Industry Leader in AI Large Model Interactive Marketing Services," which focused on innovative marketing strategies utilizing AI.

Furthermore, several notable 3rd place awards were distributed to outstanding projects, including:

• - The Chinese University of Hong Kong with "LightSpeed Interconnect - Neuromorphic Optical Processor for Next-Generation Data Center Interconnects".
• - Nanjing University of Science and Technology with "Guang Yin - High-Speed Cable Electromagnetic Shielding Film for AI Training".
• - A collaborative team from the University of Oxford and the University of Leicester with their groundbreaking project "Enzyme Surge".
• - Nanyang Technological University presenting their work on "BIOV - Leading the New Era of Immune Cell Therapy Technology".

The competition concluded with a flag-passing ceremony, where representatives from the Ministry of Education, Henan province, and Jiangsu province, the host of the upcoming 2026 competition, officially exchanged the event flag. The gathering also featured a project exhibition showcasing excellence and a resource connection fair. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a global student innovation conference, further enriching the collaborative spirit that defined the event.

The theme of the 2025 competition, "Dare to Differ, Dare to Win," encapsulated the essence of innovation embraced during the event, emphasizing the importance of creativity and global collaboration. Organizers aimed for the initiative to become more rooted in China while being globally focused, educational, and inclusive.

This year's competition also marked the launch of a dedicated Regional Competition for Hong Kong and Macao, along with seven regional contests in Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world. This multi-site format significantly expanded the competition's global reach, attracting top-tier universities worldwide. The event not only facilitated academic exchanges but also served as a crucial platform for young innovators to collaborate, inspiring future leaders in technology and innovation.