The inauguration ceremony of an innovative research institute, jointly launched by Beihang University and Hangzhou High-tech Zone (Binjiang) is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 16. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

An innovative research institute, jointly launched by Beihang University and Hangzhou High-tech Zone (Binjiang) was inaugurated in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 16.

Beihang University, previously known as Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, reached an agreement with Hangzhou High-tech Zone on Dec 9.

Aiming to boost the innovative development of the high-tech zone and Hangzhou as a whole, the new institute will be committed to six major research areas, including artificial intelligence, cyberspace security, virtual reality, big data, microelectronics and quantum measurement by leveraging the talent resources and national labs of the university.

It is expected to be completed in two years, with the first group of graduate students being recruited in 2020. It is estimated that over 2,500 students will be admitted every year.

The ceremony also witnessed the appointment of principle investigators for each field, along with a themed forum where distinguished scholars and experts from home and abroad made keynote speeches, including Ahmed A. Kishk, fellow member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and Jin Zhongming from China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group.

Founded in 1952, Beihang University was the first university in China to focus on education and research in aeronautics and astronautics.

Principle investigators for each research field are appointed at the inauguration ceremony of an innovative research institute in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 16. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A themed forum is held at the inauguration ceremony of an innovative research institute in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 16. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]