Two student teams from the University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) have clinched two gold awards at the 2024 China International College Students’ Innovation Competition. The JI students secured top honors under the Industrial Proposition Track with their projects named “High-Sensitivity Digital Photoelectric Hydrophone Solution” and “Micro-Level Lithium Battery Lifetime Failure Analysis Solution.”
The grand final of the prestigious competition, co-sponsored by China’s Ministry of Education and the Shanghai Municipal Government, took place from October 12 to 15 at the SJTU Minhang campus. The event saw the participation of 5.14 million projects from 153 countries and regions, with 1,410 projects advancing to the final round.
Shoulu Gong (second from right) with his teammates
The “Listening Technology” team, led by JI doctoral student Shoulu Gong, introduced a world-first high-sensitivity digital photoelectric hydrophone solution to tackle the challenges of underwater sound detection in deep seas. The innovative design significantly improves low-frequency sound detection capabilities and outperforms similar products in all core technical aspects while reducing costs by more than 50%. The solution, which has earned multiple patents and has been published in top international journals.
Reflecting on the journey, Gong expressed his gratitude:”I’m honored to win this award again. The preparation process was challenging but rewarding, thanks to the team’s collaboration. I am grateful to my mentors, teammates, and all the experts who supported us. I hope more students join innovation projects and contribute to the development of new technologies.”
Xiaoya He (middle) with her teammates
The “Yu An Technology” team led by JI doctoral student Xiaoya He proposed the world’s first micro-level lithium battery failure analysis solution to address the challenges of lifetime failure analysis of lithium batteries. This solution breaks through the limitations of traditional methods, achieving technological advancements such as low-cost, non-destructive sample preparation, high-resolution, non-destructive microscopic characterization, and rapid data acquisition and processing. The project expected to become a technical benchmark in the field of lithium battery failure analysis has secured multiple patents, as well as publications in leading international journals.
He, reflecting on the team’s accomplishment, said: “This award is a recognition of our team’s hard work and perseverance. The journey was filled with discussions, setbacks, and restarts, but it strengthened our teamwork. I’m thankful to my mentor and teammates. We will continue to push forward and contribute to technological progress.”
