Fudan University unveils new institute to drive tech innovation

The Fudan Institute of Future Technology was inaugurated in Shanghai's Qingpu district on Wednesday, aiming to better drive technological innovation and support the development of future industries across the Yangtze River Delta region.

Co-built by Fudan University and the district government, the institute is expected to drive the city's and the region's scientific and technological innovation. The institute has established three research platforms, focusing on pioneering future industries integrated with artificial intelligence technologies, industrial incubation as well as innovation and industrial applications of general artificial intelligence. It covers six major areas, including future information, future materials, future health, future energy, future manufacturing and future space.

Qiu Xin, Party secretary of Fudan University, expected the institute to comprehensively leverage the institution's expertise and the district's advantages to boost industrial innovation, contributing to the city's construction of a sci-tech innovation center.

Wang Ping, Party secretary of Qingpu district, said the district would fully support the institute's development. Integrating government support, industries, academic research, financial services and other measures, the institute would be built into a high-level pioneering platform to empower the city and regional development.

"The institute serves as a key pillar for the development of future industries in the Yangtze River Delta integration demonstration zone. With a focus on breakthroughs in AI-driven research, fusion energy and general artificial intelligence, we expect to see more innovative research models, shared computing power, data and resources, as well as more regional collaboration to better drive innovation," Jiang Ge, deputy director at Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, said.