On March 22, Harbin Engineering University (HEU) and Hengtong Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Suzhou, marking the launch of a national-level innovation center and the unveiling of the “Joint Research Institute of Marine High-end Intelligent Equipment.” The simultaneous signing of the first batch of collaborative projects signals a new stage of comprehensive, multi-level, and integrated development between the two parties. Attendees included WU Qingwen, Mayor of Suzhou; FAN Dianyuan, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; CUI Genliang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hengtong Group; and YIN Jingwei, President of HEU.
This partnership represents a practical step toward the national goal of integrating education, science, technology, and talent development. It aims to pioneer a new training model that blends industry with education and science, fostering a seamless connection between academic, talent, innovation, and industrial chains. By leveraging their respective strengths, both sides will develop a national-level innovation platform, undertake major national projects, establish international standards, and cultivate high-level R&D teams.
YIN Jingwei stated that the agreement and the new institute are major milestones for the partnership. He emphasized that the university will utilize its expertise in marine science and technology to collaborate closely with Hengtong Group, positioning the institute as a primary source of innovation for high-end marine intelligent equipment and contributing to national progress.
CUI Genliang noted that Hengtong Group remains committed to an innovation-driven strategy. He described the joint institute as a key measure for deepening industry-university-research collaboration and securing a leading position in marine technology. He expressed his hope that both parties will use the institute as a platform to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies and develop top-tier talent.
During the event, HEU also hosted a technical outlook meeting to present recent achievements and facilitate academic exchanges.
As a major hub for talent and research, HEU has a long history of excellence in shipbuilding, naval equipment, and marine development. Hengtong Group is a leader in China’s communication networks, smart grids, and marine engineering, ranking among the top three in the global optical fiber industry. Together, the two organizations have built a track record of effective cooperation and a robust partnership.
