From August 18 to 25, the 13th Summer Program for Innovative Engineering Design (SPIED 2025) was held at JSU. 11 universities, a total of 114 faculty members and students from China, South Korea and Japan participated in the event. Vice Presidents of Jiangsu University (JSU) Prof. Ren Xudong and Prof. Cai Yingfeng attended the event.
SPIED program aims to provide a platform for youth from the three countries to exchange ideas and learn through various forms such as academic seminars, collaborative project creation, and achievement presentations. This year's SPIED program employed a hybrid maker education model. In mid-July, the international teaching team of the SPIED program divided students into 18 cross-border groups. From late July to mid-August, each team conducted brainstorming and project conceptualization centered on “Smart Ideas for SDGs”, followed by online feasibility demonstrations. From August 18 to 25, participants refined their designs and developed prototypes using tools such as 3D printers, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino kits.
At the achievement roadshow, each team comprehensively presented their co-created outcomes through methods such as PPT presentations, product prototype demonstrations, and simulated scenario simulations. An expert panel composed of faculty from the three countries evaluated the projects based on four criteria: "innovativeness, practicality, teamwork, and international perspective," ultimately selecting one Grand Prize, three Gold Prizes, six Silver Prizes, and eight Bronze Prizes. Notably, teams jointly formed by JSU with other Japanese and South Korean universities won all three Gold Prizes for their projects: "Solar Catch Cap for Fishing" "Smart Cool Parasol," and "AI Smart Crosswalk."
The event achieved fruitful outcomes with key highlights in two areas. First, AI technology was actively employed, with multiple projects incorporating AI in literature review, model design, and optimization. Advanced applications such as machine vision and deep learning demonstrated strong technical innovation. Second, the event emphasized interdisciplinary integration, bringing together young students from diverse countries and academic backgrounds to enhance their knowledge and cross-cultural collaboration.
Professors from Japan and South Korea also visited undergraduate labs at the School of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Manufacturing and the Intelligent Flexible Mechatronics Lab. The parties held in-depth discussions on international practical courses, joint student training, and scientific research, reaching several collaborative intentions. Moving forward, cooperation will be further promoted under innovative engineering programs (SPIED, CEDC etc. ).
This event served as a significant initiative in cultivating globally minded AI talent, reinforcing the university's active engagement in international educational cooperation and innovative practices.
(Source: International Office, School of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Computer Science and Communication Engineering)
