The Ningbo Institute of Industrial Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is an impressive sight. It was launched in Zhenhai district in 2004. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn] 

The launch of the Sino-Ukraine Technology Research Institute for New Materials Industry in December 2018, added strength to the district's new materials development by attracting more foreign experts.

Yurii Sementsov, a senior researcher from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, is now a leading member of the institute and the first foreign academician to settle in the district. 

"Zhenhai perfectly complements my research. I'm glad to apply my experience and practice here," Sementsov said.

A local official said the district had the potential to become the nation's pilot in new materials R&D and applications in the future.