The 2026 China-US Young Maker Competition Finals concluded in Shanghai on July 31, marking another milestone for the flagship platform that promotes youth innovation and China-US people-to-people exchange.

Held under the theme "Co-create the Future", this year's event brought together more than 500 young innovators from 120 finalist teams representing China and the United States. Now in its 13th edition since its launch in 2014, the competition attracted a record number of participants, with more than 14,000 students from over 400 universities and colleges submitting upwards of 3,200 projects. Finalists advanced through regional competitions in 14 cities across China, as well as online and offline selection rounds in the US.

The four-day finals featured project presentations, expert evaluations, exhibitions, and networking activities across Shanghai. Teams presented innovative solutions to global challenges such as climate change, ecological education, public health, clean energy, and emergency response, drawing on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and big data. Entries were evaluated on innovation, technical feasibility, social impact, commercial potential, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Awards were presented in both the main competition and a dedicated vocational education track, recognizing outstanding China-US collaborative teams, participating institutions, and individuals who have advanced bilateral educational and cultural exchange. An exhibition of finalist projects was also opened to universities, industry representatives, and the public to encourage collaboration and technology commercialization.

The ceremony also marked the launch of a new "Study in China" program for US participants, aimed at expanding educational exchanges beyond the competition. Since its inception, the program has engaged more than 80,000 young people and received over 20,000 original innovation projects. Organizers said it will continue to foster international collaboration, accelerate technology commercialization, and promote sustainable development through youth-led innovation.

Source: China Daily