The Hard & Core Technology Development Special Competition of the Fifth China Innovation Challenge (Xi'an) was officially launched on July 31, with nearly 120 people participating in the opening ceremony.

The Hard & Core Technology Development Special Competition of the Fifth China Innovation Challenge (Xi'an) is launched on Jul 31. [Photo/sxdaily.com.cn]

With a focus on key technological areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and aerospace, the competition aims to build an open platform for innovation of the Belt and Road, support Xi'an to build a next-generation artificial intelligence innovation development pilot zone and make breakthroughs in the construction of a hard and core technology innovation demonstration area.

A total of 70 projects from across the country were solicited for the competition, and 13 cooperation intent agreements with a total contract value of 12.07 million yuan ($1.73 million) were signed.

The signing ceremony at the competition. [Photo/sxadily.com.cn]

After fierce competition, two teams from Xi'an Polytechnic University and Xi'an Jiaotong University took top honors, while four teams from Shanghai Jiaotong University, Xi'an University, Chang'an University and Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology won the remaining prizes.