The 2024-25 Loctek Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund programme has successfully concluded, engaging nearly 500 students across three faculties at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) who developed 51 innovative projects, with 28 receiving special recognition for their exceptional quality.

Established in 2020 through Loctek's generous RMB 3 million donation, the programme has consistently provided transformative learning experiences through its distinctive research-practice model. This academic year witnessed particularly strong participation, with 390 students from Nottingham University Business School China and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences applying - a 50% increase over previous years - of whom 169 completed the six-month programme, producing 54 award-winning solutions in fields ranging from digital marketing to AI applications.

A highlight of this year's programme was the first Loctek-University of Nottingham Innovation Design Competition, which engaged the Faculty of Science and Engineering through 53 talented students from 12 international teams across UNNC's global campuses. Their innovative work in smart manufacturing and human-computer interaction significantly enriched the programme's scope.

A student team from Industrial Design earned first prize for their innovative baby high-chair design, which demonstrated exceptional adaptability to diverse family scenarios through its adjustable features. "This project represents an ideal synthesis of technical innovation and human-centred design," noted Dr Jiang Wu, Assistant Professor in Product Design and Manufacture.

Professor Alain Chong, Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Partnerships, emphasised how these projects successfully translate academic knowledge into practical solutions. Loctek Vice President Zhu Wei highlighted the partnership's success in cultivating precisely the kind of global talent that modern industry demands, stating: "We firmly believe young talents are the core driving force for corporate innovation."

With several student innovations currently under corporate evaluation for potential implementation, the programme continues to demonstrate its unique value in connecting academic excellence with real-world industry needs, while maintaining the highest standards of educational quality and practical relevance.