From September 28 to 30, 2024, a delegation of over 30 individuals from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Peking University (hereinafter referred to as “the School”) visited Suzhou and Hangzhou for an engineering practice and research tour. The delegation was led by Dean Zou Ruqiang and Party Secretary Li Ming, joined by Vice Dean Zhou Huanping, Assistant Dean Lei Ting, representatives from the Graduate School, and faculty members, doctoral specializing in frontier engineering, and undergraduates students.
During the visit, the team engaged in in-depth exchanges at the forefront of industrial innovation. Institutions visited included Kunshan Industrial Technology Research Institute (KSITRI), Suzhou NanoMicro Technology Co., Ltd. (NanoMicro), Transfar Chemicals Group in Hangzhou (Transfar Chemicals), Geely Zeekr Manufacturing Base (Zeekr), and Alibaba DAMO Academy (DAMO Academy). The focus was on exploring the latest advancements in fine chemicals, intelligent manufacturing, green energy, and AI4S.
Kunshan Industrial Technology Research Institute (KSITRI)
On the morning of September 28, the team visited Kunshan Industrial Technology Research Institute (KSITRI). As the core platform for technological innovation established by the Kunshan municipal government, KSITRI aims to serve as a high-level think tank for industrial development and a central hub for collaborative innovation. During the Peking University Kunshan Proof-of-Concept Center Project meeting, four faculty members—Mo Fanyang, Cui Yue, Pang Quanquan, and Shao Yuanlong—shared their latest research achievements in their respective fields.
Exhibition hall visit at KSITRI
The exchange meeting for the Peking University Kunshan Proof-of-Concept Center Project
Group photo
NanoMicro Technology
On the afternoon of September 28, the faculty and students visited NanoMicro Technology Through tours of the exhibition hall and laboratory, they explored the application prospects of microsphere materials in pharmaceuticals, optoelectronic displays, and in vitro diagnostics, gaining deeper insights into the industrialization of micro- and nano-materials. Dr. Yang Linglu, Technical Director at NanoMicro, engaged the group in discussions about research and industrialization challenges.
Dr. Jiang Biwang, Chairman of NanoMicro Technology, gave an on-site introduction.
Group photo
Transfar Chemicals
On the morning of September 29, the group visited Transfar Chemicals, a diversified, multi-brand, and global industrial group founded in 1986. They toured Transfar Tower and the Dajiangdong Base learning about modern production management systems and how digital technologies areapplied to closed-loop lifecycle management of hazardous chemicals. The team then attended insightful presentations on the “Dajiangdong Base Excellence Operation Project” and the “Dajiangdong Base Intelligent Manufacturing Project” and engaged in in-depth discussions with technical personnel on-site.
The faculty and students learned about the company’s development history, industrial layout, and corporate party-building culture at the Transfar Tower Corporate Pavilion.
Zhou Jiahai, Chairman of Transfar Zhilian, and 2023 Frontier Engineering Ph.D. cohort member, gave an on-site introduction at the Dajiangdong Base. 
Group photo
Geely Zeekr
On the afternoon of September 29, faculty and students visited the Zeekr 5G Smart Factory. As one of Zhejiang Province‘s first intelligent manufacturing “Future Factories,” the Zeekr facility boasts the world’s first large-scale integrated die-casting L4-level smart production line. The site manager guided the group through thecompany’s exhibition hall, presenting the Zeekr brand, SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture), smart manufacturing processes, safety testing, and intelligent cockpits. In the welding workshop, known as the “dark factory,” the team investigated the “unmanned” management model. In the final assembly workshop, they observed various production processes and witnessed the rollout of newly completed vehicles. Afterwards, they experienced test-drive and engaged in in-depth discussions with on-site professionals.
Exhibition hall visit at Zeekr
Group photo
DAMO Academy
On the morning of September 30, the group visited DAMO Academy. As Alibaba Group’s global research and development institution, DAMO Academy focuses on cutting-edge research and applications in data science, covering areas such as artificial intelligence and computational technology. During symposium, researchers from DAMO Academy presented some of their scientific and industrial achievements, including advancements in computational technology, visual technology, language technology, decision intelligence, video technology, medical AI, and smart breeding. Faculty members Mo Fanyang from the School and Yang Yiguo from the Graduate School shared insights on their institution’s initiatives in the field of AI4S (AI for Science).
Exhibition hall visit at DAMO Academy
Seminar at DAMO Academy
