SANYA, China, Oct. 31, 2025 — The 3rd Hainan Free Trade Port International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Forum (ISTICF) & Deep-Sea Technology Innovation Conference (DSTIC) 2025 convened in Sanya, Hainan Province, China, from October 28 to 31. The event, themed “Deep-sea innovation convergence charting a new chapter,” drew over 400 representatives from more than 250 institutions across 25 countries, who engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges on deep-sea technological innovation.
The forum’s agenda focused on key areas including deep-sea resource development, intelligent equipment, ecological conservation, and the marine economy, structured with one plenary session, eight sub-forums, and four side events. A representative from the Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology noted the introduction of new topics this year, specifically sessions on “Deep-Sea Intelligent Equipment Technology” and “Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Marine Environmental Sensing and Exploration.” For the third consecutive year, the forum hosted the China Ocean Engineering Design Competition and the Deep-Sea Advanced Technology & Equipment Achievement Exhibition. Additionally, it launched the inaugural World University Underwater Robotics Competition, further enhancing the forum’s thematic content and accompanying activities.
Significant outcomes of the forum emerged on its opening day, including the release of “Consensus 2025: Uniting for Deep-sea Big Science, Pioneering Global Hadal Frontiers,” the official establishment of the Underwater Robotics Industry Alliance, and the signing of agreements for the Deep-Sea Technology Venture Capital Fund.
During his opening remarks, an official from the Hainan Provincial Government highlighted the province’s principal achievements in deep-sea science this year. He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to developing a modern industrial system with distinct local characteristics and advantages, expressing a desire to deepen international cooperation in areas such as deep-sea scientific research, blue carbon trading, and the advancement of marine protected areas. He underscored Hainan’s strategic efforts to integrate deep-sea technology with artificial intelligence, blockchain, and ecological systems to foster an innovative deep-sea industrial chain.
Shahbaz KHAN, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, observed that through three consecutive years of participation, his Office has witnessed Hainan’s remarkable progress in deep-sea science, technology, and industry. He expressed his intention to present Hainan as a model for sharing China’s experiences globally, particularly in building marine ecological civilization, promoting the marine Silk Road culture, and developing cutting-edge deep-sea technologies.
Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, the host venue and a leading tech industrial park, is rapidly transforming into a pivotal hub for China’s deep-sea technological innovation. It has already attracted over 20 prominent marine-focused universities and research institutions, more than 1,500 marine tech enterprises, and has established numerous national-level laboratories and research platforms.
Source: The 3rd Hainan Free Trade Port International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Forum & Deep-Sea Technology Innovation Conference 2025
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