Over 500 delegates from 45 countries and regions gather in Shanghai for the 2025 Pujiang Innovation Forum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Over 500 delegates from 45 countries and regions gathered in Shanghai for the 2025 Pujiang Innovation Forum, engaging in intensive discussions on global scientific cooperation and innovation during the three-day event that began on Sept 20.

The forum, jointly held by China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai municipal government, featured Belarus as the guest country of honor and Liaoning as the guest-of-honor province.

More than 30 specialized forums and closed-door sessions explored cutting-edge topics including artificial intelligence, quantum intelligence and controlled nuclear fusion, with world-renowned scientists, including Nobel and Wolf Prize laureates, in attendance.

More than 30 specialized forums and closed-door sessions are set to explore global scientific cooperation and innovation. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The Chinese government places high priority on scientific and technological innovation," said Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun in his opening address. "We are implementing strategies to invigorate China through science and education, build a strong nation through talent development, and drive innovation-driven development."

Yin outlined China's vision for international collaboration, saying, "China will strengthen bilateral and multilateral governmental and civil scientific exchanges, deepen scientific innovation cooperation with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and accelerate the implementation of international big science programs and projects."

Sergei Shlychkov, chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology of Belarus, highlighted his country's dedication to innovative development. "Belarus has made innovation development a national policy priority, promoting international scientific and technological cooperation and improving the overall efficiency of the national innovation system," he said.

The forum showcases technical innovations. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The forum's InnoMatch tech-matching fair emerged as a vital platform connecting enterprises with research teams. This year's fair released 10,000 technology requirements globally, attracting over 20 billion yuan ($2.8 billion) in investment commitments. Additionally, it introduced 2,000 talent recruitment positions and showcased more than 80 frontier products and experience scenarios.

The WeStart investment conference, another key element of the forum, attracted 1,487 teams specializing in biomedicine, integrated circuits, AI, and future industries, including 71 international projects.

The conference selected 100 outstanding projects for demonstration, bringing together over 100 venture capital institutions and various financial entities for investment matchmaking.

The forum also showcased technical innovations, including a domestically produced hair transplant surgical robot and the mobile charging robot, highlighting the forum's role in showcasing cutting-edge technologies.