The finals of the 2024 China International College Students’ Innovation Competition took place at Guizhou University from August 24th to 25th. Hosted by the Guizhou Provincial Department of Education and organized by Guizhou University, with co-organization from the China Construction Bank Guizhou Branch, the event brought together students from various institutions under the theme "I Dare, I Will Create."

The competition welcomed four participant groups: university students, participants in the "Youth Red Dream Journey" program, vocational education institutions, and industry representatives. Since its inception, the competition has received an impressive 50,368 project submissions from 75 colleges and universities. After thorough preliminary evaluations and expert assessments, 351 projects (excluding those from vocational education) advanced to the provincial finals.

The showcased projects featured a diverse array of innovations, including cutting-edge technologies, practical solutions to everyday challenges, and creative initiatives aimed at addressing mental health needs in modern tourism. The event was marked by moments of both competition and collaboration, filled with highlights and surprises that left a lasting impression.

A key objective of the competition was to promote Guizhou’s unique agricultural resources, such as soy sauce wine lees. Through these projects, the competition aimed to elevate Guizhou’s agricultural innovations to a national platform, facilitating the integration of its products into international markets. As one researcher involved in rural revitalization noted, "We can all be captivated by Guizhou’s wine and the agricultural products derived from its wine lees, which are deeply rooted in local resources and hold significant potential."

In addition to high-tech projects, the competition also featured several grounded rural revitalization initiatives. These included innovative modern wooden residential structures, Guizhou’s renowned wine lees and chili peppers, and traditional Guizhou paper-cutting art. The variety of projects on display was a testament to a rich spectrum of creativity and innovation.

The competition aims to nurture and showcase the innovative spirit, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities of the next generation of college students. It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications while exploring solutions to challenges in science, technology, society, and the economy. By leveraging this platform, Guizhou is advancing the integration of education and technology, aligning innovation outcomes with industrial development. This not only invigorates the local economy but also lays a solid foundation for cultivating top-tier innovative talent.

Editor: Zhang Chan & He Xuan

Chief Editor: Li Xufeng

Senior Editor: Ding Long

Translator: Li Xiaorong