“Research, innovation and entrepreneurship” are the distinctive characteristics of our university. On the SUSTC campus, there is such a group of makers with creative minds. With the care and support of the university authorities, the Department of Students Affairs has formed a marker team, set up a maker workshop, and organized a variety of maker activities. These efforts aim to promote scientific and technological innovation in our university and arouse students’ awareness of entrepreneurship.

In late September, our university organized the application for the “2015 Student Marker Projects Supported by Special Maker Fund of Shenzhen Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Committee.” In the preliminary stage, 15 students from different colleges of our university applied for the projects. Under the guidance of Chen Yulong, a teacher of Department of Materials, and Yang Chunlin, a teacher of Office of Scientific Research, five projects have completed applications. In the end, four projects received funds from Shenzhen Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Committee, registering a pass rate of 80 percent and involving a total fund of RMB 350,000. This is a major breakthrough of our student maker projects.

Yu Sicen is responsible for the project of “FPV People-Vehicle Interactive Racing Car”. In the actual racing venue, the FPV simulated racing is achieved through remote control and video transmission technology, allowing you to derive the ultimate racing fun from the steering wheel, brake, throttle, and gear lever.

Quan Dunhang is responsible for the project of “Building of Methane Sensors Based on Semiconductor Technology and Building of Gas Alarm Module with Such Sensors”. Using the magnetron sputtering, electron beam evaporation, thermal evaporation, and other advanced technologies, and based on the knowledge of analog circuits and digital circuits, the elements are integrated into the circuits to build a complete gas alarm device. The project can improve the gas alarm device manufacturing process and save cost, promising great market value and commercial value.

Li Jiagen is responsible for the project of “Development of New Carbon Dioxide Sensor Based on Ionic Liquid and Module Building”. Based on the effect of carbon dioxide on the ion concentration of ionic liquid, and using the ion concentration to calibrate the carbon dioxide concentration in space, the project has designed and built a new type of carbon dioxide sensor. This new device features very low cost and power consumption, and its accuracy can meet the requirements of the ventilation system. It will bring significant market value when applied in the ventilation systems of automobiles and conference rooms.

From 16 to 19 October, organized and financed by the Department of Student Affairs and Shude College, the SUSTC maker team participated in the “HIT Global Marker Marathon.” The competition was sponsored by leiphone.com, assembling 17 teams from Guangdong Province. The robot of SUSTC maker team was very creative and sophisticated. During the competition, a lot of reporters interviewed our makers and asked about their progress and the features of the robot.

On November 16, the 17th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) stunningly kicked off in Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. Organized by Mr. Li Siming of Shude College, the student maker groups of our university all submitted their applications. After careful screening, five projects was approved, namely the underwater robot developed by the SUSTC Maker Marathon Team, the CloudPrint system developed by the SUSTC Computer Research Association, the open source fixed-wing aircraft developed by the SUSTC Model Aircraft Club, the 3D printer and proprietary models developed by the SUSTC 3D Printing Club, and the LED rotating display light developed by the SUSTC Intelligence Research Club. The student maker projects have highlighted the innovative spirit and the research enthusiasm of SUSTC students, brought more interaction and vitality to the Hi-Tech Fair, and showcased the robust growth of SUSTC as a young university with scientific potential, research dreams and top-caliber innovative talents.

The “SUSTC Student Maker Workshop,” constructed by the Department of Student Affairs, will soon go into use. The first student organizations to enter the Workshop include the Robot Squadron, the Computer Research Association, the Model Aircraft Club, the 3D Printing Club, and the Intelligence Research Club.

Innovation is the inherent driver behind SUSTC’s continuous growth. SUSTC students, are you ready?

(Reported by Department of Student Affairs and Shude College)