From May 11 to 13, 2026, the Global Youth AI Innovation Camp 2026 was successfully held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The event was organized by the World Digital Education Alliance (WDEA) and jointly hosted by the Education Bureau of Hangzhou High-Tech Zone (Binjiang) and Zhejiang Polytechnic University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Centered on the theme “AI Empowering Educational Innovation,” the camp brought together more than 100 teachers and students from 27 teams representing different countries and regions for a three-day journey of learning, innovation, and cultural exchange. Distinguished guests attending the event included Mr. Wang Luxin, Vice Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), a Joint Secretariat member of the WDEA; Professor He Xingyue, President of Zhejiang Polytechnic University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; and Ms. Zhou Yunjia, Deputy Director of the Education Bureau of Hangzhou High-Tech Zone (Binjiang).

The camp adopted a progressive learning framework of “Understand – Immerse – Co-create – Showcase.” During the program, participants attended keynote lectures such as AI Technology Development and Educational Applications and How Do We Learn Artificial Intelligence Today? They also engaged in a variety of hands-on projects under the guidance of expert mentors, including 3D modeling and printing, precision engraving, AI-assisted programming with large language models, and drone flight control. Through these activities, students explored innovative applications of AI while developing practical skills through collaborative creation and problem-solving.

In addition to project-based learning, participants visited several leading innovation and research institutions, including the Hangzhou Embodied Intelligence Exhibition and Application Promotion Center, the Beihang Hangzhou Innovation Institute, and Hangzhou High-Tech Experimental School. These visits provided opportunities to observe the latest developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital education. Campers also visited the China National Silk Museum, where they experienced the rich cultural heritage of Hangzhou and gained a deeper appreciation of Chinese history and Jiangnan culture.

Throughout the camp, students from diverse cultural backgrounds actively collaborated, exchanged ideas, and presented their projects and creative solutions. Through cross-cultural teamwork, participants strengthened their understanding of AI technologies while building friendships and mutual understanding. At the closing ceremony on May 13, teams showcased their achievements through project demonstrations and presentations, highlighting the outcomes of their three-day learning journey. Participants widely agreed that the camp not only deepened their understanding of emerging trends in AI and education but also broadened their global perspectives through international exchange and collaboration.

The camp concluded in a warm and memorable atmosphere. Participants signed a commemorative camp banner and expressed their commitment to bringing the knowledge, friendships, and experiences gained in Hangzhou back to their schools and communities. They also expressed their aspirations to continue exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to advance educational innovation and global cooperation.

Founded in January 2024, the World Digital Education Alliance is dedicated to promoting international cooperation, policy dialogue, and resource sharing in digital education. To date, the Alliance has attracted 144 member institutions from more than 40 countries and regions worldwide.

 

Reported by CCTV News 央视新闻报道:

Team 1: Cambodia 柬埔寨

Team 4: Maldives 马尔代夫

Team 14: Shanghai High School International Division 上海中学国际部

Team 15: Shanghai High School 上海中学

Team 22: NO.1 Middle School Affiliated to Central China Normal University华中师范大学第一附属中学

Team 25: Guangdong Experimental High School 广东实验中学