Author: Zhang Jing, Yang Zhiyi

Photographer: Yang Zhiyi

Date: October 11, 2025

Editor: Su Qianyi, Zhou Huiqian

Jinan University Integrated Media Center – On the morning of October 10, Jinan University held a pre-finals symposium and project roadshow defense session for the China International College Students Innovation Competition (2025) at the WE Create Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Chinese Youth Innovation Space. The event aimed to encourage the qualifying teams, review project outcomes, and make final preparations ahead of the national finals, scheduled from October 12 to 15. A total of eight distinctive teams has advanced to the finals.

In attendance were Xing Feng, President of Jinan University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Zhang Xiaoxin, Vice President; along with leaders and representatives from various university departments and schools, including Liu Tao, Director of the Academic Affairs Office; He Qingwen, Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship; and Ma Yi, Party Committee Secretary of the College of Life Science and Technology. Project advisors, student team representatives, and expert judges also participated in the symposium.

In his address, President Xing Feng emphasized three key principles: "stay relaxed, be confident, and focus on the details." He highlighted that the finals serve not only as a platform for demonstrating capability but also for personal growth. He encouraged students to approach each stage of the competition with a calm and focused mindset, clearly articulating their projects’ strengths and innovations while embodying the composure, confidence, and dedication characteristic of Jinan students.

Vice President Zhang Xiaoxin stressed the importance of balancing presentation skills and mental preparedness during the final sprint phase. He advised teams to highlight key features and refine details in their presentations while maintaining a positive and cooperative team dynamic, ensuring a compelling and seamless 10-minute stage performance.

Faculty representatives and project advisors from various colleges shared their experiences in guiding the teams and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the university’s overall competition preparations. They pledged to provide comprehensive resources and technical assistance, aiming to help the teams achieve gold awards.

During the symposium, project leaders shared insights from their preparation process. The simulated roadshow defense session allowed teams to rehearse in strict accordance with national competition standards, offering valuable practice ahead of the finals. Expert judges provided targeted feedback, recommending that teams strengthen engagement with industry partners, further refine their core innovations, and clarify their competitive advantages.

This year's eight qualifying teams showcase a diverse mix of experienced contenders and emerging talent. Notably, two of the projects are led by students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, reflecting the university's commitment to its educational vision of “serving overseas, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwanese communities.”

In these final days of preparation, all teams are intensifying their efforts—polishing presentation content, strengthening responses to key questions, and striving to perform at their best during the finals, with the goal of achieving outstanding results and honoring the university.

(Photo: Participating teachers and students)