On June 23rd, the 2025 Start-up China IT Innovation Practice Project between Dalian Neusoft University of Information and The University of Queensland officially commenced at Dalian Neusoft University of Information, jointly embarking on a journey of IT practice and innovation that integrates diverse cultures.

The project kick-off ceremony was held at SOVO, the University's SOVO (Student Office and Venture Office). Vice President Zhang Wan delivered a speech. She extended a warm welcome to Richard Neil Thomas, Head of international cooperation at the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at University of Queensland, and the 28 students from the University of Queensland who traveled from afar. She said that since its launch in 2016, the Start-up China project has been held for six times, witnessing many wonderful achievements of collaborative practice and innovation between Chinese and Australian students. This year, 28 students from the University of Queensland and 16 students from Dalian Neusoft University of Information participated in the project, jointly practicing around the theme of "AI Infinity", simulating future AI collaboration scenarios, and developing innovative IT products and services. The project content covers innovative entrepreneurship knowledge, Chinese cultural experience, and field visits to technology companies, and a public roadshow will be held at the end of the project. She encouraged Chinese and Australian students to actively participate, cooperate and exchange ideas, create value, forge beautiful memories, and build precious friendships.

Richard Neil Thomas stated in his speech that this year's project revolves around AI. He hopes that Australian students can cherish the opportunities for collaborative innovation provided by the project, think and practice together with students from Dalian Neusoft University of Information in their local cultural environment, explore how to gradually transform innovative ideas into entrepreneurial projects, and gain cross-border friendships or even partnerships in the process. For the students from Dalian Neusoft University of Information participating in the project, this is also a valuable cross-cultural collaboration training. By working with Australian students on team tasks, they can better understand Sino-Australian differences in mindset, culture and education, and learn from each other’s strengths.

Teachers who participated in the project, including Tian Huiyi, Dean of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ren Zheng, a teacher from the School of Software, and Zhang Xin, a teacher from the School of International Education, successively delivered speeches introducing various course modules of the project. Student representatives from the University of Queensland and our university also spoke at the ceremony, expressing their excitement about participating in this project and their anticipation for the project experience.

Tian Huiyi, Dean of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, delivered a speech.

Ren Zheng, a teacher from the School of Software, made a speech.

Dong Xinlu, a teacher from the School of Artificial Intelligence, made a speech.

Zhang Xin, a teacher from the School of International Education, made a speech.

Donghyug David Jeong, the student representative of the University of Queensland, delivered a speech.

Zheng Jingtian, the student representative of our school, delivered a speech.

In the next four weeks, Chinese and foreign students will carry out IT+ innovation and entrepreneurship project practices under the guidance of project mentors, experience learning Chinese culture, and feel the development of Chinese technology. We look forward to the 2025 Start-up China project bearing more fruitful results.