Student Entrepreneurs Shine in Xuanhuai Cup

The final of the inaugural Xuanhuai Cup Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, hosted by Xuanhuai School of Tianjin University, was successfully held at the Weijin Road Campus. Under the theme “Discovering the Power of Tianjin University’s Youth to Change the World,” the event attracted 85 student teams, with 20 interdisciplinary teams advancing to the final round to pitch their ideas and engage in dialogue with industry leaders.

Designed to foster a complete innovation ecosystem through a “mentorship + capital + resources” model, the competition supports early-stage ventures from selection and incubation to commercialization. The event reflects the university’s commitment to integrating innovation into its educational framework and celebrates its 130th anniversary with a focus on high-impact scientific and technological achievements.

Yang Huan, Director of the Publicity Department, addressed the opening ceremony, highlighting the vital role of universities in nurturing entrepreneurial talent. He encouraged participants to embrace the competition as a platform to break boundaries and co-create the future.

Liu Yi, Dean of Xuanhuai School, Chairman of Andon Health, and founder of the Peiyang Haitang Fund, introduced the university’s entrepreneurship support system. Through a pyramid-shaped curriculum, a broad mentor network, and university-locality platforms, the college provides full-chain support for students from idea generation to industrial transformation. He also emphasized the “TJU + Carbon Bay” model, leveraging the university’s strengths in carbon-based semiconductors, biomanufacturing, and new energy, to foster a carbon industry innovation ecosystem.

The final featured pioneering projects in AI, new materials, and medical devices. Expert judges from the business and investment sectors evaluated teams based on innovation, market potential, and team performance. Notable winners included the Grand Prize in the Startup Track for a project on crack-resistant cement additives, and two champions in the Creativity Track for smart antenna systems and advanced adhesive materials.

In addition to expert guidance, the competition connected student projects with venture capital and business resources, accelerating their path toward commercialization. Winning teams will also gain priority access to the university’s innovation ecosystem and the Haitang Seed Program to support technology transfer and real-world impact.

As a flagship event of Xuanhuai School, the competition marks a key step in Tianjin University’s ongoing efforts to promote high-quality innovation and entrepreneurship education, while contributing practical models for regional economic development and national technological advancement.

By: Qin Mian