Students at the academy are also challenged with research areas such as designing new robotic grippers, developing games that operate on biological processes, and looking into the nanoscale detail when solids and liquids meet.

“We are creating an unprecedented learning experience. The short-term summer and winter school programmes show that innovative education can be very enjoyable,” Zheng said.

01:26

The University of Hong Kong beats Singapore’s National University in influential Asia ranking

An academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences specialising in solid and micro-nano mechanics, Zheng set up the innovation-based academy funded by the Shenzhen government in 2021. He drew from his experience leading a pilot programme in talent development for undergraduate students as a professor at Tsinghua University.

The X-Institute’s student-oriented model aims to help students find their passion, use local or overseas scientists to mentor them on their scientific quests and then tap into their skills to help solve global problems.

“Many people with creativity, vision and passion have moved to the city to launch businesses. Parents here are more open to new models of education and are happy to allow their children more freedom to choose their paths,” he said.

But, he added, he hopes to spread the innovative education model across the country and attract international talent.