China’s Top Engineering Institute Shortlists Private Sector Leaders
Table of Contents
A record number of private-sector executives and scientists are competing for academicianship.
A record high number of private-sector executives and chief scientists have been shortlisted this year to compete for academicianship in China‘s top institute for engineering science and technology.
Nineteen are included on the newly released candidate list for the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), including Hu Guoping, 48, principal researcher and co-founder of AI specialist iFlyTek; Wu Kai, 57, chief scientist and co-president of battery manufacturer CATL; Lian Yubo, 61, chief scientist of carmaker BYD; Jia Zhenhua of Yiling Pharmaceutical; and Xu Xun, chief researcher at genomics company BGI Group.
The other 14 are scattered across cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, new energy, and biopharmaceuticals, the newly unveiled list shows.
Recognition of Private Enterprise Innovation
“The move demonstrates the country’s high recognition of the scientific and technological innovative capabilities of private enterprises,” the CAE said in its 2025 guidelines for selecting new academicians.
“The move demonstrates the country’s high recognition of the scientific and technological innovative capabilities of private enterprises.”
The CAE, which plays a role similar to that of the National Academy of Engineering in the United States, selects new members every two years, with the vast majority coming from universities, state-backed institutes and state-owned enterprises.
This year, about 600 were nominated to compete for no more than 100 new seats.
The institute said earlier this year that eight seats would be reserved for leading private technology companies.
Frequently asked Questions
What is the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE)?
The CAE is China’s top institute for engineering science and technology, playing a similar role to the National Academy of Engineering in the United States. It advises the government on major engineering projects and technological developments.
How often does the CAE select new members?
The CAE selects new members every two years.
Where do most CAE members come from?
The vast majority of CAE members come from universities, state-backed institutes, and state-owned enterprises.
Sources
