The inaugural "Latin America Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program and Innovation Tour in China for Latin American Young Scientists" concluded with a closing ceremony held on January 24 in Dongguan, Guangdong Province.

Organized by the "China-LAC Technology Transfer Center," the program brought together 14 outstanding young science and technology professionals from nine Latin American countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, for an intensive innovation and exchange journey in China.

Closing ceremony of the program.

Over a 15-day period, participants conducted in-depth research, training, and exchanges across Dongguan, the Guangdong–Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and other innovation hubs.

In a video address at the closing ceremony, Zhuang Jia, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, noted that the program represents a meaningful practice in advancing China–Latin America people-to-people exchanges and pragmatic cooperation.

Zhuang Jia, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, delivers a video address.

The program adopted a hybrid training model, combining an online preparatory phase with on-site study tours across five Chinese cities. Prior to arriving in China, participants completed compulsory courses in innovation and entrepreneurship through a digital platform.

During the visit, participants attended artificial intelligence and science education innovation courses supported by Huawei and visited leading innovation entities, including OPPO's Chang'an R&D Center, Tsinghua University, and the Chengdu Robot Innovation Center.

Latin American participants visit Chinese high-tech enterprises.

They also conducted research at platforms such as the Center for Science and Technology Exchange and Cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries, focusing on cross-regional technology transfer mechanisms. Academic exchanges at Dongguan University of Technology further highlighted the synergy between local universities and urban innovation ecosystems in China.

At the closing ceremony, Latin American participants presented project roadshows and engaged in discussions with representatives of Dongguan-based enterprises, exploring potential areas for future cooperation.

Latin American participants present project pitches.

According to the China–LAC Technology Transfer Center, it will continue to strengthen its flagship programs, fostering deeper cooperation among young innovators from China and Latin America.

Launched in October 2024, the program was jointly guided by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, and the Dongguan Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology.