How China’s Zhejiang University Cultivates the Tech Leaders of Tomorrow

Zhejiang University and China’s Tech Renaissance

The recent release of Hangzhou Code: How the “Six Little Dragons” Took Flight has renewed attention on Hangzhou’s ascent as a global innovation hub. Central to this transformation is Zhejiang University (ZJU), one of China’s leading academic institutions, which has played a defining role in educating many of the city’s top tech entrepreneurs.

Founded 128 years ago, ZJU counts among its alumni Liang Wenfeng, founder of the AI firm DeepSeek, and Zhu Qiuguo, founder of DEEP Robotics—both part of the so-called “Six Little Dragons” of Hangzhou. The university’s College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering (ISEE) has emerged as a key contributor to China’s AI and robotics talent pipeline.

A Forward-Looking Curriculum

ZJU introduced China’s first university-wide innovation and entrepreneurship program in 1999. It now offers over 100 courses aligned with industry demands and emerging technologies. Notably, the university established its computer science department in 1978 with an early emphasis on AI. In 2019, it became one of the first institutions in China to offer an undergraduate degree in artificial intelligence.

The AI+X initiative, launched nationally in 2021 and upgraded under ZJU’s leadership in 2025, reflects the university’s push for interdisciplinary training. Liang, for example, was already studying advanced AI electives more than two decades ago.

“Our aim is to balance specialization with cross-disciplinary fluency,” said Professor Chen Hongsheng, Dean of ISEE.

Bridging Theory and Practice

More than 80% of ZJU undergraduates participate in applied research or industry-linked projects. Students also gain experience through internships, international exchanges, and global competitions. Zhu Qiuguo’s journey began with ZJUDancer, a student robotics team focused on humanoid soccer robots. Competing in international contests like RoboCup, he honed his skills in both hardware and software design.

“Competitions force you to connect theory with real-world problem-solving,” said Zhu, now an associate professor at ZJU.

Innovation Grounded in Responsibility

ZJU’s emphasis on societal impact is embedded in its educational philosophy. Wang Wei, deputy dean of ISEE, noted that the university aims to cultivate not just technical expertise but also civic responsibility.

This ethos is evident in projects like undergraduate Ye Bowen’s award-winning AR safety tool for delivery riders, developed under the mentorship of Professor Yang Zongyin. A ZJU graduate and Cambridge PhD, Yang returned to teach and develop practical technologies—among them, a miniature spectrometer with potential applications in non-invasive diabetes care.

“I encourage students to focus on technologies that improve lives,” Yang said.

Through a combination of rigorous academics, hands-on experience, and a focus on public value, Zhejiang University continues to shape a generation of engineers and entrepreneurs steering China’s technological future.