ZJU and Apple co-launch this contest!

As spring paints Hangzhou in its most vibrant hues, the 10th China Collegiate Computing Contest & Mobile Application Innovation Contest kicked off on March 26 on Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University. The event brought together distinguished guests, including REN Shaobo, Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council, and Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, who jointly attended the opening ceremony. 

Building a global contest brand

Now in its tenth year, China Collegiate Computing Contest & Mobile Application Innovation Contest, co-hosted by Zhejiang University and Apple, has become a beacon of innovation. It has engaged over 650,000 faculty and students from nearly 1,000 universities across China, serving as a vital platform for young minds to showcase their sparkling creativity.

In his remarks, REN Shaobo highlighted ZJU's commitment to innovation-driven entrepreneurial education and the AI for Education reforms. "The Mobile Application Innovation Contest ignites students’ creative thinking and offers a valuable platform for real-world innovation. We look forward to seeing more forward-thinking and impactful ideas emerge this year," he said.

"We believe coding is a powerful tool that empowers people to create, communicate, and solve problems in entirely new ways," said Tim Cook, who emphasized Apple's continued collaboration with Zhejiang University to support the next generation of coders with the skills to create innovative apps and build dynamic businesses.

Exploring the boundless horizons of education

Since forming a strategic partnership in 2016, Zhejiang University and Apple have deepened their collaboration across education and innovation. Rooted in a student-centered philosophy, the contest welcomes participants with no prior coding experience, guiding them through a transformative journey of learning, incubation, and entrepreneurship. This year, the competition expands its reach to include students from primary schools, secondary schools, vocational colleges, and universities.

Since its inception, the contest has nurtured a new wave of high-caliber talent with both global vision and innovative capacity. At the opening ceremony, Tim Cook and his team visited an exhibition of outstanding projects from past competitions, including two developed by ZJU students.  

One such innovator is ZHANG Lekai, a 2018 PhD graduate and recipient of the contest’s first-ever Most Innovative Award. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I hope to use technology to unlock human potential, solve complex real-world challenges and create infinite possibilities.” Now a faculty in university, Zhang remains devoted to inspiring students to develop applications that enhance both personal and societal well-being.

Tim Cook poses with students, ZHANG Lekai on the far left.

Another standout is WANG Zhenyang, a doctoral candidate and the Most Innovative Award winner of the sixth contest. “We designed a virtual avatar system to help users better understand themselves,” he said. The project became his entry point into entrepreneurship during his junior year, with each iteration sharpening his skills and shaping him into a young innovator.

Tim Cook interacts with ZJU students, WANG Zhenyang on the far right.

Guided by its motto of “Seeking Truth, Pursuing Innovation,” Zhejiang University continues to advance a student-centered model of excellence in education. With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, ZJU is shaping a more open, integrated innovation ecosystem that links education, technology, and talent development—transforming curious learners into bold creators and nurturing the dreams that can one day change the world.  

Adapted and translated from the article by ZHA Meng
Translator: FANG Fumin
Photo: ZHE Ying
Editor: TIAN Minjie