Precision down to a centimetre: technology transfer conference in Shanghai bridges science and industry
Science and industry often speak different languages, and the gap between laboratory research and the real market can be vast. But when bridges are built connecting researchers and entrepreneurs, innovations turn into products that change lives.
The technology transfer conference, held in parallel with the Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industry by providing a full range of technology transfer services. The conference will present more than 10,000 technology requests and showcase 1,500 high-quality achievements and innovative products from small and medium-sized enterprises. One of the exhibits is a flow measurement system based on video technology. Using a standard camera with artificial intelligence algorithms, it monitors riverbeds in real time, measuring water level and flow velocity at distances up to 300 metres with accuracy down to one centimetre.
"Thanks to this technology transfer, we hope to continue joint research and development, as well as receive support for the further development of this technology and its continuous improvement," said Yang Mingxiang, professor at the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research. At the event, transfer works in both directions: projects seek opportunities, and technology managers seek projects. A group of technology managers from the Yangtze River Delta region met with project teams at the event to assess their potential and challenges. One project, new "smart" headphones with a brain-computer interface, has just completed a prototype. When worn, they can use the user's eye movements to control a mouse and other electronic devices. But the technology has just left the university laboratory and still faces significant obstacles. Experts evaluated the project on site.
"In the future, proof-of-concept centres will be created specifically to help faculty teams solve the 'first kilometre' problem in the laboratory, essentially the first step from zero to one," said Bao Yuehua, head of the technology managers group. The conference created a closed loop for year-round online and offline technology transfer services: collecting and identifying needs before the event, gathering resources and matching them during the event, and maintaining long-term work through an online platform after the event — all to support the commercialisation of research results. The Pujiang Innovation Forum 2026 is being held in Shanghai from September 11 to 14 under the theme "Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future: The Mission of the Global Science and Technology Community in a New Round of Scientific and Technological Revolution." The goal of this year's forum is to create a high-level international platform for exchange of experience and cooperation in scientific and technological innovation.
As reported by CCTV+, the technology transfer conference has become an important step in bridging the gap between science and industry. The presented developments, including the flow measurement system with accuracy down to a centimetre, demonstrate that Chinese researchers are ready to offer market-demanded solutions, and the creation of a closed-loop service will help accelerate the commercialisation of innovations.
