On November 25, a delegation led by Yokoshima Naohiko, president of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), and Ono Soichiro, director of NEDO’s Beijing Office, visited ShanghaiTech University. They were warmly received by Zhu Zhiyuan and Jiang Ge, vice presidents of ShanghaiTech University.
Jiang Ge provided an overview of ShanghaiTech, highlighting its innovation and entrepreneurship system. He pointed out the unique advantages the university enjoys due to its location in the Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park, surrounded by world-leading large scientific facilities and numerous research institutions, which bolster its high-tech innovation efforts. Yokoshima Naohiko briefly introduced NEDO and expressed his hope to learn from the successful experiences of ShanghaiTech in startup incubation during this visit.
Both sides engaged in discussions on enhancing the efficiency of technology transfer. Zhu pointed out that ShanghaiTech’s achievements in technology transfer can be attributed to two major factors: one is a vibrant ecosystem that seamlessly integrates fundamental research with technical applications, and the other is the joint efforts of the university leadership, faculty, staff and students, who are entrepreneurial practitioners as well as educators. Jiang emphasized that since its inception, ShanghaiTech has prioritized the integration of education, research, and industry. Mao Jiye, dean of the School of Entrepreneurship and Management (SEM) also shared his insights into the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship model. Yang Yu, vice dean of SEM, elaborated on the school’s founding principles and curriculum, showcasing its distinct approach to empowering students through entrepreneurship education.
Prior to the meeting, the delegation toured the campus and the exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of ShanghaiTech University. They were shown the latest technologies and products developed by the Multi-disciplinary Artificial Reality Studio (MARS), guided by Yu Jingyi, vice provost and dean of the School of Information Science and Technology. In addition, the visitors also toured the energy-efficient demonstration building and met with Professor Katsuhiko Mikoshiba at the Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS). Huang Weiguang, vice dean of the Institute of Carbon Neutrality, and Nie Yan, deputy director of the Office of International Affairs accompanied the delegation.
Huang Weiguang introduced to the delegation in the energy-efficient demonstration building.
The delegation met with Professor Katsuhiko Mikoshiba in SIAIS.
Through this visit, the NEDO delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of ShanghaiTech’s technology transfer mechanisms, innovation ecosystem, and entrepreneurship education. Both sides expressed a desire to deepen their existing cooperation in new energy research and its practical applications.
Founded in 1980, NEDO’s primary mission is to promote the development and implementation of advanced energy and industrial technologies. By facilitating collaboration between the government, industry, and academia, NEDO plays a crucial role in driving innovation, increasing energy efficiency, and addressing environmental challenges. NEDO’s Beijing Office was established in 1995. As an agency representing the Japanese government, it has been conducting cooperative projects with the Chinese government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences for a long time, in fields such as energy conservation and environmental protection, new energy, clean coal, and biomass.