Over 10,000 students from across the Chinese mainland and beyond converged in Zhengzhou this week for the 2024–2025 Global Invention Convention China Finals, showcasing groundbreaking ideas aimed at solving global challenges. The two-day event, held Sunday and Monday, featured projects spanning 15 themes, including cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive technology.
Participants aged 8–18 presented innovations ranging from AI-assisted historical preservation tools to low-cost assistive devices for people with disabilities. A team from Guangdong province demonstrated a solar-powered water purification system using locally sourced materials, while students from Jiangsu developed a smart traffic management model using machine learning.
"This isn't just about competition—it's about building bridges," said event organizer Li Wei, noting that 40% of finalists collaborated with international peers through virtual workshops during preliminary rounds. The convention also hosted innovation forums with experts from academic institutions and tech giants like Huawei and Alibaba Cloud.
Cultural elements featured prominently, with many projects drawing inspiration from Henan's status as the cradle of Chinese civilization. A group from Zhengzhou No. 2 Middle School recreated ancient bronze-casting techniques using 3D printing technology, earning praise for blending tradition with modern engineering.
With over 120,000 initial participants—a 35% increase from last year—the event highlights China's growing emphasis on STEM education. Analysts suggest such initiatives could shape Asia's tech landscape, particularly in sustainable urban development and AI applications.
