On June 16, the 11th GAM Cup National College Student Biomass Materials Innovation Competition officially opened at NEFU. Centered on the theme “Empowering the Future Through New Quality Productive Forces and Innovation,” the competition drew widespread participation from universities across China, with 132 teams from more than 30 universities advancing to the final round.

The opening ceremony was attended by Li Mingze, Member of the Standing Committee of NEFU’s Party Committee and Vice President; Liu Yang, Deputy Director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Education’s Higher Education Division; Han Yujie, Chief Engineer of the China Wood Protection Industry Association; Peng Wei, President of the Research Institute of Treezo New Material Technology Group Co., Ltd.; and leaders, experts, faculty members, and student representatives from participating institutions. Xie Yanjun, Dean of the College of Materials Science and Engineering, chaired the ceremony.

In his opening remarks, Li Mingze emphasized that the innovative development of biomass materials is a key driver of China’s “Dual Carbon” goals and an important frontier for fostering new quality productive forces. He encouraged students to align their aspirations for scientific innovation with the nation’s development strategy and to contribute their knowledge and creativity to building China into a leading science and technology powerhouse.

Liu Yang encouraged participants to make full use of the competition platform, strive for excellence, and pursue collaborative innovation. She also called on universities to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and urged young researchers to dedicate themselves to scientific advancement in service of the nation. She warmly invited participating faculty members and students to channel their youthful creativity into developing Heilongjiang, thereby contributing to the province’s high-quality ecological and technological development.

In his address, Han Yujie, Chief Engineer of the China Wood Protection Industry Association, noted that the biomass materials industry is entering an unprecedented period of opportunity amid the global transition to green, low-carbon development. He expressed confidence that the GAM Cup would continue to serve as an incubator for innovation and strengthen collaboration across the innovation chain linking industry, academia, research, and practical application.

Peng Wei, President of the Research Institute of Treezo New Material Technology Group, announced the teams advancing to the finals. Ma Xiangyu, Deputy Director of NEFU’s Office of Academic Affairs and of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, detailed the competition rules and award categories.

Following the ceremony, leaders and distinguished guests jointly launched the competition by activating the official opening device.

The final competition was held in Classrooms 303, 305, and 407 of the Aulin Building. A judging panel composed of experts from universities across China and senior executives from leading enterprises, including Treezo, evaluated the competing projects and provided professional feedback and in-depth guidance to participants. A total of 30 First Prizes, 44 Second Prizes, and 57 Third Prizes were awarded. In addition, the competition presented nine special awards in the following categories: Best Presentation, Most Innovative Project, Greatest Scientific Value, Most Promising Project, and Greatest Application Potential.