Recently, the Ingenuity Lab Continuum Showcase for Plug-in Programme 1 was successfully held. The event showcased nearly 20 student-led innovative and entrepreneurial projects, comprehensively demonstrating UNNC students' exceptional creativity and strong social awareness.
At the opening ceremony, Ms Lei He, Director of Development and Alumni Relations Office and Secretary-General of the UNNC Education Foundation, emphasised in her address: "The Ingenuity Lab is committed to cultivating interdisciplinary talents with both innovative thinking and industry leadership through practical experiences. The university will continue to provide comprehensive support for students' entrepreneurial initiatives."
Bing Jia, a year 4 Computer Science student and co-founder of Rosy Nebula Information Technology Co., Ltd shared his team's exploration of technological transfer and cultural preservation as a representative of student entrepreneurs. "We employ 3D reconstruction technology to digitally preserve authentic historical and cultural landmarks, delivering these heritage sites - along with their profound humanistic significance - to visitors through large-scale VR platforms. This innovative approach fosters cultural exchange across regions and nations."
The current cohort of the Plug-in Programme, running from 14 to 23 March, has engaged 50 interdisciplinary students forming collaborative teams. The programme features systematic training modules led by distinguished mentors: Dr Mike James Mustafa (Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship & Management, Head of School for Division of Organisational and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia) and Mr Timothy Sean Haslett (Founding Executive Director of Entrega Solutions Sdn Bhd). Their instruction covers critical areas including problem analysis, customer empathy mapping, and business model development, designed to enhance students' innovation implementation capabilities.
Under mentorship, multiple student teams have initiated socially-driven projects across environmental protection, healthcare, and education sectors. These concepts were visually communicated through hand-drawn posters during preliminary design presentations.
A student team is developing a friendship app that matches users through shared interests and values, bypassing conventional social validation processes. As stated by members: "The Ingenuity Lab programme offers a sandbox for experimentation – a critical foundation for cultivating future-ready competencies in both academic and professional contexts."
An international postgraduate-led team addresses riverine plastic pollution in Indonesia through a dual-impact model: Collecting plastic waste for sale to recycling plants and distributing eco-friendly products to incentivise community participation. This solution demonstrates both environmental innovation and global sustainability awareness. Students remarked: "The programme's practice-oriented content merits extended duration for deeper experiential learning."
"Our smart monitoring insole for diabetic foot care aims to provide effective health management solutions for patients by dynamically tracking real-time plantar pressure and temperature variations," explained the interdisciplinary team from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. "The Ingenuity Lab’s structured curriculum has heightened our awareness of underserved medical needs, driving us to develop targeted technological interventions."
The event not only showcased achievements from the current Plug-in Programme cohort but also featured impressive displays from multiple teams awarded last semester’s Student Entrepreneurship Seed Fund, creating a vibrant tapestry of innovation. Highlights included:
Claw Trail
A team specialising in reptile husbandry captivated attendees with their minimalist-design terrarium products.
ETERNAL PAWS
This project reimagines pet aftercare with eco-conscious biodegradable urns integrated with bespoke design, blending compassionate design with sustainability.
Chilly Adventure to Antarctica
The indie game Chilly Adventure to Antarctica presents an innovative survival adventure with its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics and distinctive art style, crafting a compelling frozen-world narrative. The team eagerly anticipates sharing this unique experience with players worldwide.
The event also featured a special presentation by the Kirin Space Aerospace Research Team from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The team's innovative recoverable micro-rocket sparked considerable interest and discussion among attending faculty members and students.
The Ingenuity Lab Continuum Showcase not only highlighted the creative dynamism of UNNC students but also demonstrated the practical achievements of deep academia-industry integration. The Ingenuity Lab will continue to serve as an incubation platform for young entrepreneurs, helping more innovative projects take root and create value for society.