On June 22, 2025, the launch event for the 18th National 3D Digital Innovation Design Competition and the 6th National Higher Education Teachers’ Teaching Metaverse Digital Technology Innovation Competition (Sichuan Division), themed “Empowering the Future with Digital Innovation,” was successfully held at Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT). Concurrently, the Mechanical Discipline Development Forum of CDUT was also convened. The event featured distinguished guests including Professor Sun Yize from Donghua University, Gong Yadong, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education’s Mechanical Engineering Teaching Advisory Committee, Liu Xiaoqing, Deputy Secretary-General of the competition organizing committee, Liu Qingyou, Party Secretary of CDUT, and Zeng Guoqiang, Vice President of CDUT. Over 100 representatives from universities and enterprises attended the event.
A Gathering of Experts to Embark on a New Journey of Digital Innovation
Zeng Guoqiang hosting the opening ceremony
The opening ceremony was hosted by Vice President Zeng Guoqiang. He introduced the history and significance of the competition, which has now been held for 17 consecutive years and incorporated into the Ministry of Education’s discipline evaluation system. This year’s competition focuses on co-creating a new educational ecosystem through digital innovation, setting the tone for a dual-track development model of technology empowerment and educational feedback.
Sun Yize delivering a speech
Professor Sun Yize noted that hosting the competition in Sichuan highlights the region’s leadership in innovation and practical education. He emphasized that competitions like these promote teaching and innovation, serving as vital engines for cultivating new productivity and driving the integrated development of science, technology, and the economy.
Liu Qingyou delivering a speech
Liu Qingyou extended a warm welcome to all guests. As the host institution, CDUT hopes to use this platform to share research achievements in mechanical engineering and intelligent manufacturing, explore new models for digital talent cultivation, and promote deep integration between education and industry—contributing to the advancement of “Intelligent Manufacturing in China.
Gong Yadong delivering a speech
Gong Yadong recommended enhancing interdisciplinary integration, deepening collaboration between industry and education, and improving the professional competencies of teaching staff. He expressed hope that CDUT would leverage its disciplinary strengths to inject new momentum into the development of higher education and the manufacturing industry in western China.
Liu Xiaoqing delivering a speech
Liu Xiaoqing, speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, stated that the competition would focus on smart digital technologies and new productive forces. By harnessing the scientific and technological innovation capacities of universities, and integrating AI and 3D digital technologies into education, the event aims to promote high-quality development in higher education.
Intellectual Exchange to Explore the Future of Mechanical Disciplines
During the launch event, several prominent experts were invited to deliver keynote reports, including Wang Shuting, member of the Mechanical Fundamentals Teaching Subcommittee of the Ministry of Education and Director of the Engineering Practice and Innovation Center at Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Qian Linmao, Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University, national-level talent and recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars; Pu Wei, Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Sichuan University and national-level talent; Yu Jiaxin, Young Scholar of the "Changjiang Scholars Award Program" and Head of the Organization Department at Southwest University of Science and Technology; Han Chuanjun, Dean of the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Southwest Petroleum University; Tian Huaiwen, Secretary-General of the Sichuan Provincial Mechanical Engineering Teaching Advisory Committee and Associate Dean of Mechanical Engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University. Their talks covered frontier topics such as the application of digital twin technology in intelligent manufacturing, integration of military and civilian innovation, and building strong foundations for scientific research through solid academic programs—offering diverse insights into the future development of mechanical engineering disciplines.
Expert presentations
Strategic Opportunities Highlight Regional Disciplinary Strength
At the CDUT Mechanical Discipline Development Forum, experts engaged in in-depth discussions and shared insights on the future direction of CDUT's mechanical disciplines. From various perspectives, they provided valuable suggestions to empower the university’s efforts in talent cultivation, innovative research, and social service.
As global manufacturing undergoes profound transformation, Sichuan stands as a strategic hub for China, backed by trillion-yuan industries in electronics and equipment manufacturing. The province bears the important mission of building the “Western Science and Technology Innovation Center.” Drawing from its roots in geological exploration engineering, and inspired by projects like the “Mount Everest Plan,” CDUT’s School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering has focused on areas such as deep-earth intelligent equipment and precision transmission. The school is transitioning from “single-point breakthroughs” to “system integration,” evolving into a dual-engine discipline driven by mechanical engineering and electronic information. As the organizer of this year’s competitions, CDUT aims to continuously spark the innovative potential of young students and faculty members, injecting fresh energy into the development of the digital economy.
Group Photo
