Innovation

At Peking University’s 2025 commencement, YMTC Chief Scientist Huo Zongliang urged graduates to pursue foundational research and independent innovation. Reflecting on YMTC’s success in advancing China’s 3D NAND flash memory technology from its beginnings to a leading position, Huo highlighted the importance of perseverance and overcoming challenges. YMTC has achieved significant milestones, including developing China’s first 3D NAND flash memory and introducing proprietary architectures like Xtacking®, demonstrating a commitment to pushing storage technology boundaries.

Wheaton Precious Metals is relaunching its Future of Mining Challenge, offering $1 million to a cleantech venture revolutionizing water management in mining. The company seeks innovative solutions to boost operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Expressions of interest are due August 29, 2025. This initiative, in partnership with the University of British Columbia, aims to identify and commercialize groundbreaking technologies for a sustainable mining future.

At the Tianjin Summer Davos, Unitree Robotics CEO Xingxing Wang highlighted the robotics industry’s potential as the “next big thing,” positioning Unitree to capitalize on this trend. He credited Hangzhou’s business environment and the company’s clear goals for its rapid growth. From a one-man operation in 2016, Unitree now employs over 1,000 people and generates over 1 billion yuan in annual revenue, holding a strong patent portfolio with over 330 patents filed.

Foxconn Chairman Branden Cheng predicts AI will revolutionize not only industries like autonomous driving and cosmetics, but also everyday experiences. He believes AI will enhance the taste of Moutai and improve the effectiveness of cosmetics via increased precision, by replicating artisan techniques. Cheng sees AI as a tireless tool to improve efficiency and iteration in various tasks, replacing human labor in repetitive or inefficient processes.

Coherent Corp. will showcase its latest photonics innovations at Laser World of Photonics 2025 in Munich, June 24-27, 2025. Key highlights include a 600W excimer laser, new laser diodes, medical fiber lasers, and advancements in laser measurement. The company’s experts will also deliver keynote speeches and presentations on industry trends and challenges at the event.

Shenzhen University, a hub of innovation, is utilizing laser education projectors to enhance its learning environment. These projectors offer short-throw capabilities for interactive lessons, high-definition images with long lifespans, and eye-friendly, wide-angle viewing. This technology is transforming classrooms, supporting dynamic teaching, and providing clear, accessible presentations for all students.

At HDC 2025, the “HarmonyOS Era Partners” zone showcased young, independent developers creating innovative apps. These creators, from diverse backgrounds, are thriving due to the platform’s open access and focus on user connection. Success stories like “Light Countdown” and “Daily Coffee” highlight the ecosystem’s potential for fostering impactful and people-centric technology, driving growth through collaboration and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

JD.com’s founder Liu Qiangdong discussed the e-commerce giant’s supply chain-focused strategy. He clarified the food delivery service aims to improve the fresh produce supply chain, even if front-end operations incur losses. Liu acknowledged past stagnation, announcing new yearly innovation projects, including a stablecoin. He emphasized JD’s commitment to fair profit distribution and highlighted its strong logistics network and operational efficiency as core strengths.

SBC Medical Group showcased its expertise at the 113th Congress of Japan Society of Aesthetic Surgery, with 22 representatives from Shonan Beauty Clinic. CEO Yoshiyuki Aikawa and other experts presented research findings and participated in discussions on global trends in aesthetic medicine. This event highlighted SBC Medical’s commitment to innovation and its presence in a growing market.

JD.com, led by Liu Qiangdong, plans to aggressively enter the hospitality and travel sectors. Leveraging its logistics network and financial strength, JD.com aims to reduce supply chain costs significantly in food, travel and hospitality, potentially lowering consumer costs by two-thirds while providing new channels for partners. They will expand from convenience stores and food delivery, with CEO Xu Ran confirming a focus on high-growth local services.