On September 22, the “2025 Pujiang Innovation Forum Health Aging Symposium and the Second China-Switzerland Academy of Engineering Innovation Forum” commenced at Zhangjiang Science City in Shanghai. Co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences, the forum was jointly organized by the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Shanghai University, with support from the Sino-Swiss Advanced Technology Research Institute at Shanghai University and the Shanghai Microelectronics Industry College. Centered on the theme “Empowering Aging Societies with Technology, Driving Healthy Futures through Innovation,” the forum addressed the shared global challenge of population aging, establishing a platform for strategic dialogue and practical cooperation in engineering and technology between China and Switzerland.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Academician Li Zhongping, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Academician Li Xiaohong, President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Academician Benoît Dubuis, President of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences; and Academician Liu Changsheng, President of Shanghai University, attended and delivered speeches. Attendees included Zhang Quan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress; nearly twenty academicians from the Chinese and Swiss Academies of Engineering; and over 200 representatives from universities, industry associations, and enterprises.

In his address, President Li Xiaohong emphasized that population aging presents a major challenge for all humanity, with engineering and technology playing an irreplaceable role in achieving healthy aging. He emphasized that the Chinese Academy of Engineering will continue to promote cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate the translation of scientific research outcomes into practical applications within the healthcare field. Dean Benoît Dubuis stated that China and Sweden exhibit high complementarity in engineering and technology. This forum serves not only as a platform for in-depth intellectual exchange but also as a crucial opportunity to advance collaborative projects. He expressed anticipation for closer cooperation between the two sides in areas such as smart healthcare, home-based medical care, and talent development. President Liu Changsheng stated that Shanghai University consistently prioritizes serving national strategies and urban development as its core mission. The university actively promotes interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, striving to deliver more original scientific and technological innovations for healthy aging while building broader platforms for joint training and international growth of young scholars from China and abroad.

Following the opening ceremony, the forum proceeded to the keynote presentation session, chaired by Professor Zhang Jianhua, Vice President of Shanghai University. Academicians and experts from China and Switzerland delivered high-level presentations on cutting-edge fields including home healthcare, chronic disease prevention and treatment, nutritional intervention, and neurodegenerative diseases. They shared the latest advancements in building digital home healthcare systems, diagnosing and treating metabolic diseases, nutrition and functional health, developing new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, and population-based chronic disease management, offering fresh perspectives for smart health and the transformation of scientific research achievements.

The subsequent roundtable discussion, chaired by Academician Benoît Duby, focused on “Technology Empowering Home Healthcare.” Participants engaged in in-depth exchanges, particularly exploring the integrated application of artificial intelligence, big data, and telemedicine. Key topics included cross-border clinical trials, concept validation platform development, and the cross-border transfer of research outcomes. The afternoon closed-door workshop further focused on future trends in healthy aging, proposing practical recommendations such as establishing joint technology validation platforms, sharing experimental facilities, and promoting two-way mobility for young researchers.

During the forum, experts from the Swiss Academy of Engineering delegation visited key enterprises and innovation parks in Pudong New Area and Baoshan District. They gained firsthand insights into Shanghai's latest advancements in life sciences, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing, strengthening exchanges with local governments and industries. This visit also highlighted the proactive role and phased achievements of Shanghai University and the Sino-Swiss Advanced Technology Research Institute in advancing Sino-Swiss technological innovation cooperation and serving Shanghai's regional industrial development.

The successful convening of the Second Sino-Swiss Engineering Academy Innovation Forum signifies a new milestone in Sino-Swiss engineering and technological advancement. The forum not only contributed Sino-Swiss wisdom to the global scientific response to healthy aging but also provided practical solutions for the international transformation and application of research outcomes. This event was not only a high-level strategic dialogue addressing global challenges but also a significant practical step in advancing pragmatic cooperation.