2024 Dachuang

Since its establishment in 2019, DKU iNNOVATION iNCUBATOR (Dii) has been committed to fostering students with forward-thinking and innovative spirits, supporting them in transforming their innovative ideas into sustainable research outcomes, business projects, and artistic works.

This year, after three rounds of DKU Innovation Challenges, a total of 31 student teams successfully entered the 2024 Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program. The expert committee responsible for this evaluation is composed of professors from Duke Kunshan University and industry professionals. They comprehensively considered factors such as project prospects and innovation, ultimately determining the qualifications, types, and levels of the projects. The selected projects cover industry themes including large models, multimodality, enterprise services, robotics, community, consumer, biotechnology, drones, new media, and machine learning.

Dii will provide each team with seed funding, matched resources, and venues over the next one to two years, and will invite expert mentors from various fields at home and abroad to conduct systematic training and guidance on innovation and entrepreneurship knowledge, helping teams to address practical challenges with personalized support.

At 2024 Dii Orientation, Dr. John Quelch, Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University, encouraged all the new teams: “I’m counting on all of you to really push the envelope even further for yourselves and for the institution and give Duke and Kunshan University an international reputation as a place where undergraduates outperform in their innovation and entrepreneurship thinking.”

In the future, Dii will continue to optimize team cultivation and project incubation mechanisms based on project development needs, enhance resource allocation, and expand its collaborative network, aiming to help more student innovations and entrepreneurial ideas come to fruition with Dii’s support.

Zhuoyuan Chen; Hanyang Zhou; Jingyang Lin; Huiqiao Yuan; Yuting Zeng

This art project aims to integrate biodiversity and folk songs to foster both cultural heritage and environmental conservation. Originating from the fieldwork in Wolong, Sichuan Province, we’ve identified the challenges and opportunities faced by locals in balancing modern development, nature preservation, and cultural legacy. Through interdisciplinary methods including anthropology, biology, and media arts, our project seeks to depict the intertwined progress of human society and nature within the framework of rural revitalization. To realize this vision, we’ve established a research-based art brand called “Participant Observation,” serving as a hub for various initiatives such as podcasts, exhibitions, and fieldwork, fostering field research and art creation on relevant topics.

Ruisheng Sun; Siyuan Cao; Yuhan Wei; Long Qian; Binyan Sun

Recent years, collaboration between robots have further automated industry and manufacture, replacing what was once the domain of human labor. Our project, RoboBridge advances the future of robotic collaboration by facilitating decentralized control among multi-agent systems, overcoming the rigidity and high costs associated with traditional robot middleware frameworks (RMF). This innovative method enables robots to adapt swiftly to complex and dynamic settings while reducing operational expenses. Tailored to suit individual business requirements, RoboBridge elevates industrial automation through improved efficiency and customization, empowering enterprises to tackle sophisticated tasks with unparalleled agility.

Xiaoyin Zhang; Yihang Zou

Based on the existing tools that can aid the blind, we aim to make some innovations—tongue-glove vision aid that can help the blind see the color of the world and therefore better involved in society. Cost-effective, convenient and non-invasive are our goal. We hope to empower the blind by involving their existing capabilities with our innovations.

Ruitong Li; Tianyi Zha

SYNTAXL (subject to brand name change later) is a salon perfume brand founded by DKU students with the aim of healing people all over the world with scent. SYNTAXL will be rebranding on the basis of the original, applying aromatherapy to perfumes, and launching a unique range of high-quality perfumes. SYNTAXL will use high-quality natural perfume ingredients combined with aromatherapy expertise to achieve a certain healing effect. SYNTAXL, meanwhile, will use smells to form stories, each with Chinese cultural elements and an open-ended ending. The content of the story will be combined with the healing effect, guiding people to re-explore their inner world from the dual directions of sight and smell, and making “healing” everyday. In terms of overall design, SYNTAXL wants to create a simple but not simple sense of advanced, and incorporate Chinese elements into small design details, aiming to break the barrier between “Chinese culture in the eyes of the West” and “local Chinese culture”, and tell a true Eastern story. Over the next two years, SYNTAXL plans to release at least four iconic fragrances, shift to positive profitability, and create a unique brand identity and style. In the future, SYNTAXL hopes to cure everyone and become one of the most popular Chinese perfume brands.

Yuxiao Zhu; Xintong Zhang; Shu Pu

This project introduces an innovative approach to outdoor mapping and scanning response through the development of the Cooperative Aerial Robots Inspection (CARI) system. Through collaboration among a team of UAVs equipped with sensors, the CARI system aims to acquire high-resolution spatial data across vast areas. This multi-agent system facilitates real-time, accurate, and comprehensive environmental analysis for applications in disaster management, agriculture, forestry, and geospatial sciences.

Yantong Ou; Yuruo Zhang; Ziqi Wang; Ruimeng Zhou

This initiative addresses the acceptance rate of hospice care in China despite its urgent need. Through comprehensive research into the diverse death cultures and regional contexts, our project aims to develop a strategic promotional course. By meticulously tailoring educational materials to these nuances, we intend to increase understanding and acceptance of hospice care nationwide. Through a multi-faceted dissemination approach, encompassing both online and offline platforms, we aspire to illuminate the path toward embracing end-of-life care with dignity and compassion.

Jiin Kim; Yuri Park

Have you ever talked about sex with your parents? If not, do you have a memory of having a proper sexual education in your school? Finding the problem that lack of sexual education in China leads to unexpected problems like adolescent pregnancy, Do-care prevents the problem by bridging the conversational gap between parents and children with the parents as the main means. Through Do-care, we would like to create a world that diminishes the possibility of what could have been prevented through education with acknowledgment.

Jiaxin Li; Jinmu Liang

Social enterprises are mission-driven organizations that operate commercially while pursuing social objectives. Profits generated from their business operations are reinvested back into social causes, within certain limits of distribution. In order to delve deeper into whether social enterprises can provide new employment options and play a significant role in the labor market, our research aims to explore the relationship between the level of awareness of social entrepreneurship among China’s workforce and the potential value of social enterprises. Through broader research, we seek to uncover the existing challenges and development potential of social enterprises and offer our insights into their growth.

Anastasia Nikolova; Doniyor Erkinov

This project aims to develop an AI-powered plush toy designed to alleviate preoperative anxiety and stress in children, targeting both hospital settings and home use. Our innovative solution leverages advanced AI technologies to provide personalized emotional support and educational content, addressing the critical need for non-pharmacological interventions in pediatric care. The target market includes underfunded hospitals and parents seeking developmental tools for their children. Our competitive advantage lies in the toy’s dual functionality and affordability, with projected production costs potentially reducing to less than 30 RMB per unit as we scale. The project requires an initial investment of 20,000 RMB for prototype development, with additional funding up to 50,000 RMB for scaling and market launch. Expected outcomes include improved emotional well-being and cognitive development for children, widespread adoption in hospitals and homes, and potential expansion into international markets. This project not only fills a significant gap in pediatric healthcare but also embodies our commitment to leveraging technology for social good.

Yizhi Wang; Ruoxuan Huang

The Silver Allies project aims to address the digital divide in healthcare experienced by China’s elderly population, particularly in using the Online Medical Appointment System (OMAS). The initiative seeks to improve the current inclusive design of OMAS, making it more accessible and satisfactory for older adults. The study will employ surveys and path analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of existing designs and pinpoint their deficiencies. Based on findings, the team will develop potential solutions to eliminate barriers faced by the elderly in accessing online healthcare services, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their digital experience and confidence. The project is innovative in its approach, involving older adults in the entire process, and is expected to contribute significantly to the field of inclusive design for the aging population.

Ziyue Yin

We aim to combat the spread of fake news on social media platforms by developing a machine learning model integrated with social network analysis and blockchain technology. This approach is designed to detect various types of fake news, verify news authenticity, and recommend diverse and credible news sources to users. We aim to address the challenges posed by misinformation which can influence public opinion, affect elections, and harm public health. By improving news authenticity verification and enhancing user awareness, the project seeks to restore trust in media sources and support the integrity of public discourse.

Jiayue Gan; Yiqing Wang

This project aims to develop a convenient, user-friendly spectral analysis device to assess food quality, enhancing food safety and nutritional awareness. Through integrating spectral and AI technology, our objectives include engineering a streamlined pen-shaped device, designing software, and employing machine learning to correlate spectral data with food composition. The development process will span several stages—from initial design to advanced testing—ensuring the device is both effective and accessible, ultimately bolstering community health.

Weilin Wan

Currently, industrial plants has become more aware of wastewater treatments. However, organic substances, especially antibiotics, are hard to be degraded using the traditional method, causing difficulties for medical plants and other industrial plants that produce organic substances. Hence, I used Photo-Fenton reaction to enhance the degradation process using sulfadiazine as ingredient, which is a commonly seen antibiotic, and gained significant results. This project will seek for future applications for the experiments.

Yuqing Cheng; Ruoxuan Wang; Malak Waleed Abed Alhaq Musabeh; Wiam Benadder

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare, sometimes fatal implication of bacterial infection. The use of tampons is one of the identified risk factors of TSS. Currently, preventative measures on menstruation related TSS can be concluded as “don’t use tampons”. Therefore, we aim to design a tampon product that prevents menstruation related TSS by introducing TSS-suppressing probiotics to help maintain and improve the vaginal microbiome.

Viet Tran

Our project pioneers innovative interventions at the intersection of urban design, assistive technology, and public health. Building upon existing studies, we want to employ a community-centric approach, analyzing diverse layouts to understand their impact on behaviors and cancer health literacy. Our objective includes creating a product/intervention that can be applied to the community level and effectively increase individual-level outcomes regarding cancer health literacy and health-related decision-making in Viet Nam.

Boyan (Johnny) Zhang; Chenshuhao (Cody) Qin

The Edge-loT project aims to create a smart campus network using Internet of Things (loT) technology at Duke Kunshan University. Essentially, it’s about placing advanced sensors around the campus that can collect and send information to a central system. One practical use of this system is helping students find available team rooms quickly. Instead of wandering around campus searching for a free room, students can simply check an app on their phone that shows which rooms are currently unoccupied. This is possible because the sensors can detect whether a room is being used without invading privacy, making campus life a bit easier and more efficient. This smart network not only saves time but also helps in better utilization of campus resources.

Malak Waleed Abed Alhaq Musabeh

The women’s apparel market is huge and filled with opportunities as it amounts to $907.40bn in 2023 (CAGR2023-2028). However, the fashion industry lacks inclusivity. My brand aims to give a voice to millions of young girls and women that value modesty. There is high demand for this market yet very low supply which is why I believe it is important I step up and give girls like me the opportunity to express themselves and showcase their identities by providing them with various modern fashionable outfits. In addition to that, my brand will be an educational initiative that introduces the concept of modesty and its variations to the public since it is still seen as “ignorant” and society therefore marginalizes young girls that choose to go for modest fashion.

Yanshan Lin; Zheng Zeng

AccessAbility Mapper is a WeChat mini program featuring interactive maps indicating wheelchair-accessible paths and tactile guiding routes. It addresses the lack of accessibility facility information for people with disabilities in Chinese cities. The program distinguishes streets and public transport. Users can contribute data, ensuring accuracy with incentives, and can use an evaluation system to rate facilities’ convenience and information quality. Designed for physical impairments, it enhances inclusivity. By empowering users to plan journeys, it increases participation in public spaces, fostering societal empathy. Overall, it aims to bridge China’s accessibility gap.

Lauris Vo

ZULIVI is a reputable brand that focuses on addressing the problem of low-quality medicinal herbs. By digitizing our operating processes and implementing strict quality control measures, our goal is to create a safe and reliable ecosystem that ensures the availability of top-notch traditional herbs and makes it easier for professionals in the field of traditional medicine to access quality products.

Jiawen Ren; Juliana Starr; Chuwei Fan; Albert Li; Miron

An online journal platform combined with CBT and AI technology!!! The program aims to improve the quality of life and fulfillment of college students through CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Theory). It is planned to be in the form of directed journals with AI-provided advice and commentary based in behavioral science, with college students with mental health challenges as its target. It ca help users achieve their goals, build habits, improve themselves, change their lifestyles, and relieve stress.

Shalim Monteagudo Contreras; Renzo Balcazar Tapia

Midas is building the infrastructure for the AI Economy. Midas serves as the backbone facilitating AI-to-AI interactions and transactions. Our platform allows AI agents and chatbots from different entities to communicate, collaborate, and transact with each other. Midas addresses the need for streamlined communication and transaction processes, enhancing efficiency for businesses and institutions seeking to automate and optimize their operations with AI technology.

Zhenshan Zhang; Shengyang Wang; Jinwen Hu

We are an AI quantitative consulting and trading platform, known as Kaki Quant, dedicated to enhancing user accessibility for retail investors through a no-code (graphical programming) approach and AI-based consulting. Our revenue model is structured around subscriptions and value-added services. Kaki Quant stands out as a rare, potentially the second, AI consulting and trading platform in the mainland market, introducing innovative concepts in user interfaces and AI model selection. Expanding its reach, Kaki Quant proposes a framework covering a diverse range of global assets, including cryptocurrencies, forex, stocks, and futures. Our project addresses critical challenges in the quantitative trading space, such as the lack of real-world testing for many AI+Quant models, institutional monopolization of valuable AI strategies, and diminishing effectiveness of traditional strategies due to the rise of quantitative trading. By providing a comprehensive and adaptable solution, Kaki Quant aims to be a game-changer for both retail and institutional investors, democratizing access to sophisticated trading tools and strategies in the global financial market. Currently, we are actively seeking skilled programmers and funds to support our subscriptions for APIs, databases, and server infrastructure.

Sean Allen Siegfreid R. Bugarin

This project aims to advance reinforcement learning models and communication protocols for autonomous vehicles, prioritizing ethical considerations. It addresses the need for safe, just, and accessible autonomous systems amidst rapid technological progress. Key focuses include developing ethical decision-making algorithms for navigating complex driving environments and inclusive vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication protocols to improve traffic efficiency and safety across diverse scenarios. The project seeks to establish ethical metrics for evaluating autonomous decisions and conduct simulations to test these models in challenging scenarios. By integrating ethics into autonomous vehicle development, the project strives to create transportation systems that prioritize safety, efficiency, and inclusivity, adapting to the evolving landscape of autonomous driving with comprehensive and effective ethical frameworks.

Yuri Park; Skylar Veazey; Jordan Bahnub; Wenqing Pan; Sangyun Kim

China, despite being a leading producer and consumer of rabies vaccines, ranks second in the reported number of rabies cases. Our research focuses on addressing the problems of the difficulty in capturing and vaccinating free-roaming dogs and the large number of free-roaming dogs that remain untracked for vaccination. Our innovative solution offers a caring and innovative approach to enhance surveillance and vaccination efforts for rabies control, ultimately improving interspecies relations.

Rittik Barua; Ethan Tung; Muhammad Ajlal

Introducing an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) solution to transform learning for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Our immersive, interactive platform integrates seamlessly with existing literacy programs, providing customized support to enhance academic performance and quality of life. Developed through collaboration with children, parents, and educators, this user-centered approach delivers a game-changing educational experience.

Navigating Change in Chinese Software Companies by Implementing Reverse Mentoring with Minorities  We help small Chinese IT companies to build culture of trust to empower underrepresented groups. We meet the need for nourishing diversity to create innovation. The focus is reverse mentoring training program combined with business games and workshops. The result of the program is the research report to see what obstacles arise within Chinese context: how exactly would it be better incorporate such ideas in China.

Vladimir Presnov

This research proposes the adaptation of reverse mentoring practices within Chinese software companies, drawing inspiration from successful cases in the UK. The study aims to bridge generational, gender, and ethnic divides. Objectives include profiling companies based on size and social composition, initiating reverse mentoring programs, documenting encountered obstacles, and proposing tailored solutions. Beginning with a 3M framework – Mindset, Methods, Mechanisms – the research explores diversity characteristics in Chinese firms and provides actionable recommendations. By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, this project seeks to advance cross-generational knowledge exchange in the Asian corporate context.

Tessa Luong; Luna Luong

Campus Connect’s project investigates the use of social media for communication among college students, focusing on the experiences of international students in global institutions, particularly in China. We aim to enhance the overall experience of international students and facilitate their transition into a new educational and cultural environment. We also explore the possibility of building a new communication system that unifies all groups of students, allowing them to utilize the necessary functions for optimal promotion and interaction. Our project provides innovative insights into international education and communication, offering valuable implications for educators, curriculum leaders, and policymakers seeking to improve the experiences of international students within diverse educational settings.

Wenjie Chen; Xiaoxi Liu; Kexuan Nie; Pei-Jie Yin

Our project aims to lead the market with a compelling blend of technological prowess, social responsibility, and customer-centric innovation, thanks to a devoted and skilled staff driving our purpose. We achieve unparalleled accuracy and reliability in our fruit evaluation services by utilizing cutting-edge technology, which guarantees quality assessment for both consumers and producers. Our dedication to marginalized farming communities encourages not only long-term economic development but also social equity and inclusion. Furthermore, our new “Personalized Fruit” subscription service, which is tailored to specific health needs, provides clients with unrivaled ease and accessibility, providing a unique and personalized approach to promote better living.

Zhiwei Liu; Yixuan Liu

We plan to establish an on-campus therapy dog platform to solve the stressful and anxious situation that college students are facing, promote more knowledge about therapy dogs and improve people’s awareness of them. Studies have shown that therapy dogs can help students with anxiety and stress. At the same time, we have contacted a relevant therapy dog organization and hope to cooperate with them in the future to provide therapy dogs and related training. We hope that through this platform, we can help college students relieve pressure, face and solve potential psychological problems more easily.

Ningyuan Yang; Yuxiang Lin

The Research and Teaching Complex for Traditional Algorithms aims to make foundational computer science algorithms engaging and accessible worldwide. This for-profit venture will serve as a hub for education, research, and innovation in traditional algorithms. Key features include producing concise, entertaining online educational videos that break down complex algorithmic concepts through elegant animations and visualizations. The complex will also offer offline coaching for competitive programming teams with a special focus on collaborating with nearby high schools in Kunshan. By integrating engaging teaching with academic research, the complex provides a unique platform to learn about and advance the understanding of these critical algorithms that underpin modern computing solutions. With expertise from seasoned competitors and students, the complex strives to inspire the next generation with an appreciation for traditional algorithms through its innovative educational approach.

Yuxiang Lin; Ruoxuan Wang; Ruihan Cai

Our disruptive open-source innovation democratizes embroidery with affordable machines tailored for diverse users. Key innovations include automatic thread changes for effortless color swaps, A integration for generative design assistance and real-time precision enhancements, and a novel mobile concept separating the machine’s top and bottom to enable portable large-scale projects. Leveraging 3D printing, modern technology, and open-source designs, we aim to provide cost-effective models from CNY 1,000 standard household versions to customized scalable units. Our open-source design optimize personalization while our collaborative, user-driven approach fosters continuous community-led innovation By overcoming accessibility barriers with these groundbreaking capabilities, our product line empowers creativity through affordable, flexible embroidery solutions.