Firms, universities team up for R&D

In a concerted effort to bridge the gap between academic research and market application, a growing number of Chinese universities and enterprises are establishing joint laboratories.

These partnerships leverage academic strengths to accelerate the industrialization of technological innovations, with recent collaborations spanning robotics, integrated circuits and next-generation wireless communication technologies.

On March 20, a collaborative event was held in Chongqing University, involving State-owned and private enterprises along with various universities.

The purpose of the event was to facilitate direct engagement with research teams and to explore the formation of collaborative models between educational institutions and businesses.

Many enterprises are eagerly exploring the field of robots and their related components. Among the achievements highlighted by the university is a newly developed linear electric drive joint product that is being utilized in humanoid robot joints by institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiaomi and UBTech.

A week earlier, Nanjing University and Shanghai Anlogic Infotech Co Ltd, a leading Chinese integrated circuit design company, established a joint laboratory, highlighting their collaboration in the development of high-quality teaching resources.

Additionally, at the end of February, the nation's first joint university-enterprise laboratory focused on HarmonyOS and Star-Flash technologies was established in Wuhan, Hubei province.

Central China Normal University and Wuhan Pansheng Dingcheng Technology Co Ltd, a custom computer company based in Huangpi district, Wuhan, jointly founded the Hongxing Future Technology Laboratory.

The laboratory aims to conduct cutting-edge research on HarmonyOS applications and innovations in StarFlash wireless communication technology.

Wang Enke, head of the lab and former president of South China Normal University, said that the laboratory will address the shortcomings in China's industrial chain related to operating systems and short-distance wireless communication.

"The laboratory is specifically dedicated to promoting the ecological development of HarmonyOS mobile systems. It also aims to tackle issues such as high latency and low reliability commonly associated with traditional Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies through the research and promotion of Star-Flash technology," Wang said.

StarFlash technology, also known as NearLink, is a cutting-edge wireless communication technology designed for short-distance data transmission.

It enhances traditional formats like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and incorporates elements of 5G, improving data rates, latency, distance, security and reliability.

The laboratory will establish a focused curriculum and practical projects, allowing students to gain essential skills and participate in enterprise project development, Wang said.

Zhang Jin, government chief of Huangpi district in Wuhan, said that this model, which integrates resources from universities, enterprises and local governments, has effectively combined technological innovation, the transformation of achievements and talent cultivation.

"This approach holds significant demonstrative and promotional value. On a national level, such models can serve as references for other regions, fostering technological innovation and industrial upgrading across diverse sectors," Zhang said.