Shanghai Innovation Institute creates 26 companies in under two years, 17 founded by students
Traditional education often puts students in the position of observers rather than creators. But when young researchers are made project leaders from day one, the results challenge conventional approaches to talent development. The Shanghai Innovation Institute has flipped the learning model: here, graduate students do not wait for instructions — they lead research, launch startups and take developments to market. In less than two years, 26 companies, 17 of them student‑founded, are valued at 40 billion yuan — this is not just statistics but a new standard where talent becomes capital.
The Shanghai Innovation Institute, in less than two years since its establishment, has created 26 companies valued at over 40 billion yuan (about 5.88 billion US dollars), 17 of which were founded by students, redefining the approach to AI talent development and the commercialisation of research outcomes. In most universities, graduate students typically work under senior researchers on projects designed by others. At the Shanghai Institute, students lead their own projects from day one. For example, a first‑year graduate student is currently leading a project on human‑in‑the‑loop remote control of a robotic arm — a cutting‑edge research programme with significant commercial potential. Students are not assistants to their supervisors but project partners and co‑authors.
"Our laboratory is currently working on a project to collect data for human‑in‑the‑loop remote control of robotic manipulators. By coordinating the robotic arm and the operator through a single device, the algorithm can learn from human feedback to handle a wider range of tasks," said Qian Pengfang, a 2025 graduate student at the Shanghai Innovation Institute. "The system will gradually become more intelligent over time, and we believe this approach has significant long‑term technical prospects. In the future, we can use the institute's platform integrating industry, academia and research to scale the project and expand its research impact," Qian added.
This shift is supported by a research model built around three pillars: national strategic priorities, industry‑defining challenges, and cutting‑edge global AI research. Both faculty and students can submit proposals. Approved projects receive computing resources, and students gain access to research internships that encourage experimentation and risk‑taking. The institute also provides a clear path from lab to market. The SII Future Centre connects students with investors, government support and major tech companies, offering mentorship and resources to turn ideas into real ventures. The model is based on an "investment‑incubation‑exit" principle, allowing early failures, rapid adaptation and eventual commercialisation. "The SII Future Centre is designed to help students realise the market value of their work. We offer courses, policy support, backing from major tech companies and, most importantly, investors to mentor students. So far, we have created 26 companies, 17 of which were founded by our students," said Ding Xiaodong, Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Innovation Institute.
The Shanghai Innovation Institute was established in 2024 as a pilot platform for AI talent development and technology transfer. Its model combines academic freedom, industrial partnership and venture funding, enabling students to build real businesses while still in training. As CCTV+ reports. The institute's success has attracted attention from other regions of China, with similar programmes planned for Beijing and Shenzhen in the coming years
