The automotive industry is facing a profound transformation driven by software-defined vehicles, and the intersection of aerospace technology with artificial intelligence has become a key battleground for national strategic competition. In a significant move to bolster foundational research and cultivate high-caliber professionals, a donation ceremony was recently held at the university's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Beijing Shineway Information Technology Co., Ltd. has pledged a substantial contribution of 13 million RMB to establish the SJTU Shineway Fund. This philanthropic investment will support the construction of the new SJTU Shineway AI+ Equipment Research Center, aiming to strengthen the university's aerospace discipline development and its talent cultivation programs.
The ceremony was attended by prominent leaders and experts, including Chen Weiqun, Chairman of Beijing Shineway, and Zhao Tingrong, the company's Vice President. Distinguished guests from the aerospace sector included Liu Yongquan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Designer at Aero Engine Corporation of China, alongside Chen Zhansheng from the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, Zhou Xubin from China Aerospace Commercial Satellite Co., Ltd., Yin Zengshan from the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of CAS, and Feng Jinzhang from AECC Commercial Aircraft Engine Co., Ltd. The university was represented by Party Secretary Yang Zhenbin, Executive Vice President Xi Lifeng, Foundation Secretary-General Wang Yushen, and the leadership of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, including Party Secretary Hu Shiqiang, Dean Liu Fucheng, and Tenured Researcher Shao Xiaowei.
During his address, Chairman Chen Weiqun introduced the company's core business and highlighted the social responsibility enterprises have to support basic research, especially in an era of rapid AI development. He stated that establishing the fund is a practical step to uphold the company's corporate philanthropy philosophy, with the "AI+ Equipment" research center serving as a platform to contribute to national foundational research and the training of high-quality talent.
The signing of the donation agreement took place between Chen Weiqun and Wang Yushen, following which Yang Zhenbin presented a donation certificate and a token of appreciation to Chen Weiqun. The ceremony continued with the official unveiling of the SJTU Shineway AI+ Equipment Research Center and the Shineway Hall by Chen Weiqun, Zhao Tingrong, Hu Shiqiang, and Liu Fucheng. Subsequently, Hu Shiqiang and Liu Fucheng presented the appointment letter to Shao Xiaowei as the Director of the new research center.
Additionally, Yang Zhenbin presented appointment letters to the distinguished scientists committee members, including Liu Yongquan, Chen Zhansheng, Zhou Xubin, Yin Zengshan, and Feng Jinzhang. A follow-up discussion session allowed the attending experts to delve into topics such as discipline development, the center's future, industry-academia-research collaboration, and talent development.
In his concluding remarks, Yang Zhenbin expressed gratitude for the generous donation. He emphasized the university's commitment to the nation's aerospace mission, leveraging its comprehensive multidisciplinary strengths to support the sector's advancement. The creation of this fund represents a pragmatic move of enterprises supporting educational public welfare, injecting strong momentum into the university's aerospace discipline. He looks forward to deepening cooperation, transforming this goodwill into effective educational outcomes, and cultivating more top-tier innovative talents to serve the nation's aerospace strategic needs.
Prior to the ceremony, the guests toured the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics laboratories to observe the latest teaching and research achievements firsthand.