Published by ChinaMNC · Qimen

What a Top Chinese Science University's Story Teaches Foreign Founders About Talent and Tech Transfer

A government article on the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) highlights talent cultivation, quantum technology, and tech transfer reforms. Here's how foreign founders can apply these lessons when registering or operating a company in China.

What a Top Chinese Science University's Story Teaches Foreign Founders About Talent and Tech Transfer

Foreign founders looking to register or operate a company in China can learn from the way Chinese institutions align education, research, and industry. A recent government article on the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) offers practical insights into talent development, technology commercialization, and strategic partnerships. Below, we summarize the key facts and show how they can inform your China business strategy.

Talent Development: Building a Skilled Workforce

USTC has a strong track record in cultivating top scientists. The class of 1959, known as "5902," produced two winners of China's highest science and technology award: Academicians Chen Liquan and Zhao Zhongxian. In total, 12 alumni from the 1959 cohort have been elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences or the Chinese Academy of Engineering. This reflects the university's long-term commitment to talent cultivation.

For foreign founders, access to such talent pipelines is crucial. USTC's approach includes:

• Ideological and political education: The university integrates courses on Xi Jinping Thought and uses cultural activities to instill a sense of national service. While this is specific to the Chinese context, it underscores the importance of values alignment in talent development.
• Elite training programs: The Yan Jici Physical Science Talent Class, for example, offers small-class teaching, open experimental platforms, and research training. Graduates like Deng Yuhao, a member of the quantum computing team behind the "Jiuzhang" prototype, have benefited from these programs.
• Interdisciplinary and practical training: USTC has established special programs for basic disciplines and joint training with industry leaders in fields like integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and key software.

Foreign companies can tap into these talent pools by collaborating with universities, offering internships, or setting up research partnerships. China's emphasis on STEM education means a steady supply of engineers and researchers.

Technology Transfer: From Lab to Market

USTC has pioneered reforms to accelerate the commercialization of科研成果. A key initiative is the "empowerment + transfer + agreed revenue" model for intellectual property. Under this model, researchers can receive up to 80% ownership of job-related科技成果, simplifying approval processes and incentivizing technology transfer.

Professor Wang Gongming from the Department of Applied Chemistry used this model to transfer hydrogen production technology to a company through intellectual property equity investment. This approach helps technologies move from the "bookshelf" to the "shelf."

For foreign founders, this signals opportunities to license or acquire cutting-edge technologies from Chinese universities. It also suggests that forming joint ventures or partnerships with research institutions can be a viable path to innovation.

Quantum Technology and Industry Clusters

USTC is a leader in quantum technology. In 2016, President Xi Jinping visited the USTC Advanced Technology Research Institute and the quantum communication network control center. Today, quantum communication is widely used in government and finance, and Hefei has become a hub for quantum technology and industry.

Companies like QuantumCTek, a USTC spin-off, are developing next-generation quantum communication equipment. Tang Shibiao, deputy chief engineer, chose to join the quantum industry after graduation, driven by a desire to contribute to national security. His work has been applied in major projects like the Beijing-Shanghai quantum communication trunk line, and he was named a "Craftsman of the Nation" in 2025.

Foreign founders in deep tech can benefit from locating in clusters like Hefei, where government support, talent, and supply chains are concentrated. China's push for self-reliance in science and technology creates demand for international collaboration.

Strategic Alignment with National Priorities

USTC's research priorities are closely tied to national needs. The university focuses on advanced nuclear energy, deep space exploration, and other strategic fields. It also emphasizes interdisciplinary platforms and "bottleneck" technology攻关.

Recent achievements include participation in lunar and Mars exploration, development of atomic-level controlled synthesis and AI-assisted molecular design, and involvement in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) and the Hefei Advanced Light Source.

Foreign founders should note that aligning with China's strategic priorities—such as new energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing—can unlock government support and partnerships.

Educational Reforms and Future Directions

USTC continues to innovate its curriculum. It has撤销 six undergraduate programs and added new ones in AI and environmental science. It established new schools like the School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and the School of Cyberspace Security.

The university promotes "masters in the classroom," inviting academicians to teach, and implements interdisciplinary dual-mentor systems. In December 2025, the Chinese Academy of Sciences supported USTC in building a demonstration zone for integrated development of education, science, and talent.

For foreign founders, these reforms indicate a growing emphasis on practical, interdisciplinary skills—exactly what innovative companies need.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

• Partner with universities: Collaborate with institutions like USTC for research, talent recruitment, and technology transfer.
• Leverage tech transfer reforms: Explore licensing or equity-based partnerships to access cutting-edge Chinese technologies.
• Locate in innovation clusters: Consider cities like Hefei with strong government support and industry ecosystems.
• Align with national priorities: Focus on sectors encouraged by the Chinese government to gain incentives.
• Invest in talent development: Offer internships and training programs to build a skilled local workforce.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Call to action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.