Source: Youth League Committee

NANJING, November 3 – The 19th “Challenge Cup” National College Student Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Works Competition concluded today at Nanjing University. Our university achieved remarkable results, winning two National Second Prizes and two National Third Prizes.

The “Olympics” of Student Innovation

Co-sponsored by the Communist Youth League Central Committee, the China Association for Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Education, the “Challenge Cup” is widely regarded as the “Olympic Games” of collegiate technological innovation.

A highlight of this year’s event was the “AI+” track, the most influential arena for artificial intelligence in domestic higher education. It attracted top innovation teams from across the country for a high-level showcase of technology.

Building on Provincial Success

These national achievements follow a stellar performance at the provincial level. Prior to the national finals, our university teams excelled at the 19th Zhejiang Provincial “Challenge Cup,” winning 5 Gold, 8 Silver, and 15 Bronze awards. Notably, the university was honored with the “Best Progress Award,” laying a solid foundation for this national breakthrough.

Strategic Preparation and Innovation

ZWU attached great importance to the competition, viewing it as a critical vehicle for improving talent quality. Led by the Student Affairs Department and the Youth League Committee, the university mobilized students and faculty to select and incubate high-potential projects.

Teams leveraged Large Model technologies and Zero-Code/Low-Code platforms to design and deploy AI-native applications. To ensure success, the university provided comprehensive support, including:

• Intensive Coaching: Organizing simulation defenses and project polishing sessions.

• Expert Mentorship: Inviting industry experts and internal tutors for one-on-one guidance.

• Immersive Experience: Guiding students through the full cycle from creative conceptualization to product implementation.

Looking Ahead

This success highlights the university’s effective reforms in innovation and entrepreneurship education. Moving forward, the university will continue to use high-level competitions like the “Challenge Cup” to drive educational excellence. By guiding students to align their work with national strategies and real-world solutions, the university aims to inspire the next generation to contribute boldly to China’s modernization.