Recently, the inaugural "EIT InnoDay" Innovation Carnival and Sci-Tech Achievement Seed Project Roadshow concluded at the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (EIT).
Project presentations in session
From "Academic Vision" to "Real-World Applications"
The event marked a crucial move in transforming academic vision into real-world applications. It convened over a hundred representatives from a diverse ecosystem, including local universities, research institutes, investment firms, financial institutions, industrial platforms, and technology enterprises. This gathering created a dynamic nexus for collaboration across the spectrum of government, industry, academia, and finance.
Guests and leaders at the EIT InnoDay
Government officials in attendance included Xiang Gao, Deputy District Mayor of Zhenhai District; Miaojun Gu, Chairman of the Zhenhai District Association for Science and Technology and Deputy Director of the Zhenhai District Science and Technology Bureau; Ying Chen, Deputy Director of the Zhenhai District Science and Technology Bureau; and Congli Zhang, Deputy Director of the General Office, Yongjiang Science and Technology Innovation Zone Construction Leading Group Office. EIT was represented by Professor Jingxu Zhu, Vice President of EIT, and Yijie Pan, Director of the Office of Research.
In his address, Vice President Jingxu Zhu stated that InnoDay is far more than a showcase of achievements—it serves as a pivotal nexus for "integrating research with education and aligning academia with industry." He emphasized its critical role as a platform bridging the university's research outcomes with the needs of society. Looking ahead, this event inaugurates "EIT Inno" series, which will expand to "InnoForum," "InnoWorks," "InnoTalk". Together, they will form a comprehensive innovation ecosystem spanning "strategic planning, hands-on practice, public engagement, and demonstration"—fostering a perennial "innovation season" at EIT that never ends.
12 "Sci-Tech Seeds" Projects Advance to Final Round
Following nearly two months of project collection, expert review, and coaching session, 12 projects were selected as "Sci-Tech Seeds" from a pool of 22 applicants to advance to the final roadshow.
The roadshow projects covered a spectrum of EIT's key research fields: artificial intelligence, integrated circuit, intelligent manufacturing, unmanned technology, new materials, and new energy. Each team delivered a "10-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A session" with a panel of five expert judges from venture capital, research, and industry, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Winners of the Gold, Silver, and Budding Seed Awards
Following nearly four hours of intense competition, the awards were presented: 2 "Gold Seed Awards", 4 "Silver Seed Awards", and 6 "Budding Seed Awards". Leaders presented the winners with trophies, certificates, and incubation support packages. Top-tier projects were also invited to access an express lane for policy support under Zhenhai District's "Seed Project" initiative.
One roadshow can illuminate an entire campus; a single seed can grow into a forest.
With the inaugural "InnoDay" Carnival, EIT has begun cultivating a multi-level, full-cycle, and open innovation ecosystem for its faculty and students, injecting a continuous stream of "Eastern Momentum" into regional and national high-quality development.
