A conceptual rendering of the Yongjiu campus of Ningbo Eastern University of Technology (tentative name) on July 19. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Construction has officially commenced on the first phase of the Yongjiu campus of Ningbo Eastern University of Technology (tentative name), marking an important milestone for the development of the region's higher education.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 19 in Qingshuipu village, located in Ningbo's Zhenhai district.

The initial phase of the campus will include essential facilities such as a library, teaching and laboratory buildings, and administrative offices.

The institution has appointed esteemed academician Chen Shiyi as the first president of the university. With an impressive lineup of faculty members, the university has attracted 52 principal investigators, including seven academicians and 22 high-level talents at the national level. Additionally, 35 individuals possess experience working in renowned universities ranked within the top 200 worldwide.

Looking ahead, the university has laid out an ambitious plan to commence enrollment of undergraduate students by 2025, aiming for a projected student population of 10,000. By 2035, the university aspires to establish a comprehensive system and develop distinct characteristics, positioning itself as a globally-influential research-oriented institution. Ultimately, by 2050, the university has set its sights on attaining world-class status, looking to make a significant impact both domestically and internationally.