The Australia and New Zealand regional finals of the China International College Students' Innovation Competition (2026) were held in mid-July at the University of Wollongong in Australia and Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. The events were co-organized by Zhengzhou University (ZZU) and the two host institutions.
During the competition period, a ZZU delegation led by Wang Liguo, deputy secretary of the Party committee of ZZU, held meetings with G.Q. Max Lu, president of University of Wollongong, and Mike Wilson, provost of Victoria University of Wellington. Discussions focused on innovation and entrepreneurship education, as well as broader institutional collaboration.
The Australian regional competition attracted 633 projects and 1,860 participating students, while the New Zealand regional competition drew 226 projects and 875 students. The finals featured expert judges from the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Waikato.
Robyn Phipps, dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation at Victoria University of Wellington, highlighted the strong partnership between Victoria University of Wellington and ZZU, which began with a joint research institute in 2017.
The competitions provided a valuable platform for young innovators from across the region to showcase their talents and exchange ideas. The initiative reflects ZZU's commitment to expanding international cooperation and fostering innovation-driven talent development. The university looks forward to deepening its partnerships with Australian and New Zealand institutions in education, research, and entrepreneurship in the years ahead.
ZZU co-hosts the Australia regional final of the China International College Students' Innovation Competition (2026). [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]
ZZU co-hosts the New Zealand regional final of the China International College Students' Innovation Competition (2026). [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]