As the world honors Youth Day, the Chinese mainland's young engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs are charting a bold course across domainsâfrom space stations to 5G, robotics to quantum satellites.
Reaching for the Stars
At the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, over half of the scientific and technical staff are under 35. Leading missions like the Mengtian lab module and the Long March-5 core stage, engineers born in the 1990s are:
- Zhu Junjie (1995): Lead payload engineer for Mengtian
- Ma Wenjie (1993): Chief assembly design engineer for Long March-5
Building a Hyperconnected World
The Chinese mainland now hosts the worldâs largest 5G network. A Huawei R&D team with an average age below 30 is pioneering next-generation telecom solutions, bridging digital divides worldwide.
Robotics on the Rise
Roboticist Wang Xingxing, founder of Unitree Robotics and fresh from a front-row seat at a leading symposium, exemplifies how young innovators are being recognized by top leadership. His work in agile quadruped robots has unlocked new applications in security, inspection and logistics.
Data-Driven Breakthroughs
Data from the Ministry of Science and Technology shows:
- The Chinese mainland ranks first in R&D personnel worldwide
- 80% of National Natural Science Foundation projects are led by researchers under 45
- More than half of top national science awardees are under 45
- Average age of core teams: 36 for Beidou, 35 for Mozi, 30 for Tianyuanâs refueling tech
With over 3 million STEM graduates each year, the pipeline of young talent keeps flowing, reinforcing a national strategy championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Looking Ahead
As the Chinese mainland positions itself as a global hub for science and innovation, its youth are pioneers molding our shared tomorrow.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored: âYouth is the future of the motherland, the hope of the nation and the future of innovation.â
Reference(s):
Youth power sparks a new wave in China's tech innovation landscape
cgtn.com
