On June 7, the 24th Shanghai Youth “Tomorrow’s Star of Science and Technology” event held its university student group final showcase. The 13 teams that advanced to the final presented projects covering precision manufacturing, biomedicine, artificial intelligence, humanities and social sciences, energy conservation, and environmental protection. These young researchers addressed industrial challenges and real-world needs, demonstrating solid scientific foundations and innovative thinking. Judges provided targeted feedback to guide future research directions.

Launched in 2003, the Shanghai Youth “Tomorrow’s Star of Science and Technology” event has been nurturing scientific talent in Shanghai for 24 years, with the university group held biennially. In recent years, the event has focused on cutting-edge basic sciences and interdisciplinary fields, continuously identifying top innovative talents to support Shanghai’s international science and technology innovation center.

This edition was jointly organized by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, and the Shanghai Science Education Development Foundation. A total of 453 student projects from 34 universities underwent multiple rounds of rigorous evaluation. After expert defense sessions grouped by discipline and academic level, 112 projects advanced, with 13 outstanding projects reaching the municipal final.

The Shanghai Youth “Tomorrow’s Star of Science and Technology” event has witnessed the growth of many young science enthusiasts. One typical example is Guo Jiaye from ShanghaiTech University. His experience illustrates the event’s comprehensive educational impact. In 2020, as a middle school student, Guo Jiaye participated in the 18th edition and earned the “Tomorrow’s Star of Science and Technology” title. After visiting ShanghaiTech University, he developed a deep passion for research. During high school, he continued his scientific exploration and appeared as a representative at the 2023 Shanghai Science and Technology Festival. In 2026, he joined the university group as a ShanghaiTech student.

Gan Zhenliang from Fudan University is another outstanding representative who grew through the event. Facing security challenges from AIGC technology, Gan led his team in original research and technical breakthroughs to make AI-generated content “identifiable, traceable, and explainable.” He has since won the first prize in innovation and entrepreneurship at the Fudan University Alumni IT Youth Association and received a 1.5 million yuan seed investment from the Pudong Venture Capital AI Training Camp. Gan stated he is working to advance AI development along safe, trustworthy, and ethical paths.

During the final showcase, 30 groups of middle school students, families, teachers, and university representatives observed the defense sessions. The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission noted that this initiative aims to bridge scientific exchange between universities, middle schools, and primary schools, giving more young people the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research projects and spark their interest in scientific exploration.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s largest cities, located on the eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Its history as a key trading port dates back to the 19th century, when it became a center for foreign concessions and commerce, blending Eastern and Western cultures. Today, Shanghai is known for its modern skyline, historic Bund waterfront, and vibrant cultural scene, reflecting its rapid development and rich past.

ShanghaiTech University

ShanghaiTech University is a young, research-focused public university established in 2013 in Shanghai, China, as part of a national effort to foster innovation and high-level talent. Founded through a partnership between the Shanghai Municipal Government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it was designed to emphasize interdisciplinary studies and close collaboration with industry. Despite its short history, the university has quickly gained recognition for its strong programs in science, technology, and engineering.
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Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s most populous cities, known for its modern skyline along the Huangpu River. Historically, it grew from a small fishing village into a key treaty port after the First Opium War (1842), which led to foreign concessions and a unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture. Today, its historic Bund district and futuristic Pudong area symbolize the city’s rapid transformation and cultural fusion.

ShanghaiTech University

ShanghaiTech University is a young, public research university established in 2013 in Shanghai, China, with a strong focus on science, technology, and innovation. Founded through a collaboration between the Shanghai Municipal Government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it was designed to foster interdisciplinary education and cutting-edge research. Despite its short history, the university has rapidly gained international recognition for its high-quality programs and partnerships with top global institutions.

Fudan University

Fudan University, located in Shanghai, China, is one of the country’s most prestigious and oldest institutions of higher education, founded in 1905. Originally established as Fudan Public School, it was renamed Fudan University in 1917 and has since grown into a comprehensive research university renowned for its academic excellence. Throughout its history, the university has played a key role in modern Chinese education and has been a center for intellectual and cultural exchange.

Pudong Venture Capital AI Training Camp

The Pudong Venture Capital AI Training Camp is an initiative in Shanghai’s Pudong district that combines venture capital funding with intensive training in artificial intelligence. It aims to foster innovation by providing startups and entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities to develop AI-driven solutions. The camp reflects Pudong’s broader strategy to become a global hub for technology and finance, building on the area’s rapid economic transformation since the 1990s.