Youth science and tech expo kicks off in virtual form for the first time

A total of 150 innovation projects are on show at the ongoing 8th Shanghai International Youth Science and Technology Expo 2020, which is being held in a virtual format for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The expo kicked off on Aug 1 and will end on Aug 20.

Organized by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, the event comprises four main sections: the Online Exhibition, the Online Summit, Live Broadcast Rooms and Interactive Activities.

The virtual event features six virtual exhibition areas, 12 live broadcasts and six science and technology innovation interactive panels.

Founded in 2005, the expo is considered one of the most influential international youth science and technology exchange projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Wang Ping, director of the Shanghai Education Commission, the virtual exhibition hall has more than 200 exhibition booths across six exhibition areas, which range from scientific and technological innovation achievements of youth to outstanding works of science and technology.

"Through this virtual event, audiences can understand the achievements, educational resources, ideas, methods, and development direction of scientific and technological innovations of teenagers all over the world in the comfort of their homes," Wang said.

The Live Broadcast Rooms, which will be available from Aug 2 to 11, presents 10 livestreams on video platform Bilibili and Tencent. Together with the host of each livestream, guests from professional fields and students will discuss topics related to scientific and technological innovation and encourage more children to love science and technology, innovate, and practice.