The 2026 sci-tech and finance development forum and the inauguration ceremony of the Institute of Sci-Tech and Finance of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) were held on July 4. Ma Xuming, Vice Chairman of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and You Zheng, President of HUST, attended the event, which was presided over by Zhang Tao, Vice Chair of the University Committee.

You Zheng emphasized HUST's commitment to the institute's development, aiming to deepen industry-education integration and foster a hub for innovation in sci-tech and finance. He also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in cultivating new, multi-skilled talent and exploring innovative paths for sci-tech and finance to support regional development.

Ma Xuming highlighted HUST's strong multidisciplinary integration as a powerful asset for the institute, with hopes that the institute would lead theoretical innovation in sci-tech and finance, drive the integration of science, industry, and financial innovation, and help build a robust ecosystem for sci-tech and finance, contributing to Hubei’s ambitions to become a strategic hub for the rise of Central China.

Alongside Ma Xuming and You Zheng, Shen Yue, Member of the Standing Committee of Wuhan Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of East Lake High-tech Development Zone; Guo Shuangxi, Vice Mayor of Wuhan; Zhu Hua, Deputy Director of the Hubei Financial Office; Zhang Jianhua, Dean of the School of Economics and Director of the Institute of Sic-Tech and Finance; and other representatives jointly unveiled the new institute.

You Zheng presented appointment certificates to the newly designated leaders and members of the institute's academic committee. These included Academician Chen Xuedong, who will serve as the Chair; and Professor Shi Dan from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, as the Vice Chair. Certificates were also presented to members of the institute's innovation investment council.

Collaboration agreements were signed between the institute and the Hubei branches of China Construction Bank and Bank of China, as well as with other partners, including CSMAR Co and OxValue.AI Co. The Sci-Tech and Finance Research Alliance was also launched. This alliance, initiated by HUST in cooperation with more than 20 leading universities, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, aims to advance collaborative research and development.

Zhang Jianhua introduced the institute's development background, progress in its establishment, and future development plans; Kong Dongmin, Executive Dean of the institute, released the "2026 China's annual report on the development of sci-tech and finance"; and academic presentations were delivered on embodied intelligence by Chen Xuedong and on sci-tech and finance and future energy development by Shi Dan.

A roundtable titled "deep integration of innovation: collaborative pathways for science, industry, and finance", along with three parallel forums focusing on research and talent cultivation in sci-tech and finance, the synergy of new materials, energy and finance, and the integration of smart manufacturing with financial services, was held.

Representatives from nearly 30 universities and research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, and the University of Science and Technology of China, as well as representatives of financial institutions and enterprises, attended the event.

Source: School of Economics, HUST