On June 17th, the 5th "Start-up China" program between our university and the University of Queensland in Australia began a new chapter. This event is not only an innovation and continuous pursuit in the academic field and cultural exchanges for our university, but also builds a bridge for in-depth exchanges and learning between young talents from China and Australia. Young students from all over the world gathered together, including 14 outstanding students from the University of Queensland and 14 excellent Chinese students and international students from our university, injecting rich international elements into the event and forming a multicultural atmosphere.

At the beginning of the event, under the guidance of tutors, students came to the university library and immersed themselves in the Chinese cultural atmosphere. Students had a direct experience of the integration of culture and technology in the School of Digital Arts and Design exhibition hall, and learned about the university student entrepreneurship incubator at the Student Office and Venture Office (hereinafter referred to as "SOVO"), sowing seeds of exploring the unknown and pursuing excellence in the hearts of students.

Subsequently, the opening ceremony of the Start-up China program was held at SOVO.

Richard Thomas, a teacher representative from the University of Queensland, congratulated the program's relaunch through video. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of Sino-Australian student exchanges and cooperation in cultivating international talents, and expressed his expectations and visions for the successful implementation of the program and the beautiful prospects of Sino-Australian educational exchanges.

Tian Huiyi, Dean of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, inspired students with a passionate speech to be daring and innovative in the practical project of the program. She said that innovation and entrepreneurship are not only a stage for exploring business models but also an opportunity to temper personal will and explore one's own potential. She looks forward to everyone's growth and transformation during this journey.

Rong Yidan, Dean of the School of International Education, started from a global perspective and cross-cultural communication, explaining the value of this program for students’ personal growth and international understanding. She encouraged students participating in the program to cherish this rare opportunity, learn from each other with an open mind, and make progress together to create a better future.

Ren Zheng, a teacher from the School of Computer and Software, Ao Ning, a teacher from the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Ai Huayu, a teacher from the School of International Education, introduced different practical units of the project as project teachers.

Student representatives from the University of Queensland and our university spoke respectively, expressing their excitement about participating in the program and their expectations for the project experience.

In the following four weeks, Chinese and foreign students will work together under the guidance of project tutors to carry out IT + innovation and entrepreneurship project practice around the theme of “Smart City & AI Life” (smart city and smart life), make new friends, experience learning Chinese culture, and feel the development of China’s digital economy.