The champion Li Junpei (2nd, L) poses for photos with Lu Lin, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Association for Science & Technology (1st, L), Fu Guoqing, Chief Engineer of Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission (2nd, R) and  Xiangli Chen, Vice President of GE and President of GE China Technology Center (1st, R)

2015 GE Foundation Tech Award was announced yesterday in Shanghai, featuring practical innovation ideas of university students in China. Li Junpei from University of Science and Technology of China won the championship.

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Financed by GE Foundation, the annual competition is hosted by GE China Tech Center and Institute of International Education, supported by the Foreign Scientific and Technological Exchange Center of Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission.

The award is aimed at exploring local science and technology talents and encouraging college students to develop practical tech innovation. Since its launch in 2002, almost 400 students have got the award.

Starting in June, this year's contest is open to students from 15 universities across China, covering multiple areas such as energy, water treatment, electronic and electrical engineering, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering and materials science. A lot of innovation ideas stood out. Finally, the prizes of all levels went to 19 master and doctoral students.

Compared with other academic competitions, GE foundation tech award pays more attention to innovation on practical technology, encouraging students to show their creativity and teamwork spirit in response to economic development, market shifts and demands for product development.

Xiangli Chen, Vice President of GE and President of GE China Technology Center said that 'in the process that the country is implementing the Innovation Driven Development Strategy and the city of Shanghai is building the technology innovation center with the global influence, innovation has more decisive significance than in any other period, and innovation talents is the root'.

'GE is glad to provide platforms to foster science and engineering talents. And this competition is such a stage for ideas and thoughts of the young generation', said he.

Lu Lin, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Association for Science & Technology attended the award ceremony and said that 'high-quality innovation needs three elements: professional accomplishment, original spirit and the desire for truth, all of which have been inspired and realized on these university students on the innovation stage'.