https://www.instagram.com/xjtlu_xec/
https://www.facebook.com/xjtluentrepreneurcollegeXJTLU Entrepreneur College (XEC) is where entrepreneurial dreams ignite and soar. Since our opening in 2022, we’ve become more than just an institution—we’re a launchpad for innovation, seamlessly blending industry expertise into every facet of education through our unique Syntegrative Education model. Our undergrad programs include a mandatory minor in contemporary entrepreneurialism, ensuring every student graduates ready to shake up the world. Our standout entrepreneurship modules get students working on real industry projects, guided by dedicated Pathfinders who mentor them throughout their three-year journey. And we’re not just talking about any old classroom; our Syntex Studio is one of the largest and coolest TEAL (Technology-Enhanced Active Learning) spaces on the planet, with 30 workstations that accommodate 300 students. It’s a hive of creativity and collaboration. We’re big on diversity, bringing together students from seven different industry schools. For postgrads, our MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers 11 different pathways, blending both intra- and entrepreneurship tracks for a truly comprehensive experience. Our Innovation Factory and the globally recognized Dream-Chasers Competition provide the ultimate resources and mentorship to turn ideas into reality. The X3 Co-Venture Incubator supports seed-stage projects with a global reach, making XEC a powerhouse in nurturing next-gen innovation. Plus, we’re all about sustainability, weaving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into everything we do. At XJTLU Entrepreneur College, we’re not just about teaching entrepreneurship; we live it. With our innovative programs, collaborative spirit, and real-world impact, we’re setting the stage for students to light up the entrepreneurial world and make their mark.
RUNNER-UP
Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award
XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)
RUNNER-UP Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award
XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) - China
"Chase Your Dreams, Exceed Your Vision."
Engage on social media
(XEC)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-perrin-pfhea-3918aa23/(Stuart Perrin - Chief Officer of Ecology)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/profandyking/(Andrew King - EEH Associate Dean)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-loyt/(Joe Lo - EEH Undergraduate Director)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/avachen/(Ava - EEH Postgraduate Director)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lau-teck-chai-65616542/(TC - EEH Senior Associate Prof)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fawadahmed/(Fawad - EEH Research Director)
Summary
Key People
Prof. Youmin Xi
Executive President
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Prof. Xiaojun Zhang
Chief Officer of Education
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Prof. Stuart Perrin
Chief Officer of Ecology
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Prof. Andrew King
Associate Dean
Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub,
XJTLU Entrepreneur College
Dr. Hui Liu
Chief Operating Officer
Taicang Central Office,
XJTLU Entrepreneur College
Dr. Joe Lo Ying Tuan
Undergraduate Director
Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub,
XJTLU Entrepreneur College
Dr. Shu-Hsiang Chen (Ava)
MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme Director
Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub,
XJTLU Entrepreneur College
Dr. Teck Chai Lau
Senior Associate Professor
Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub,
XJTLU Entrepreneur College
Dr Fawad Ahmed
EEH Research Director
Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub,
XJTLU Entrepreneur College
Images
XEC Campus 1
XEC Campus 2
XEC Campus 3
Utilisation of Space for Group Projects
Coffee Shop Business Design Competition
2023 Dream Chasers Competition
MSc E&I First Cohort Graduation
Syntex Studio
Technopreneurship Summer School Activity
Technopreneurship Summer School Field Trip
IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifes
At XJTLU Entrepreneur College (XEC), our students’ entrepreneurial journeys are nothing short of extraordinary. Dongjun Zhao’s story is a prime example. Graduated in 2023 with a degree in Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism, Zhao transformed a middle school dream into a thriving reality. In 2022, he launched a startup on Douyin, China’s TikTok, focusing on home appliances. His business quickly soared, outpacing giants like Huawei and Vivo, and achieving a remarkable 10 million CNY in sales. Zhao’s success highlights how XEC’s hands-on learning and cutting-edge resources empower students to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Another standout success is Ziyi Liu from the School of AI and Advanced Computing. Liu’s capstone project in our entrepreneurship module evolved into a winning entry at the Dream Chaser competition, growing into a thriving startup. Liu’s venture not only flourished but also led her to donate 1 million CNY back to XEC to aid other startups. She further showcased her skills by developing an impressive metaverse for XEC and several other universities. Liu’s achievements underscore how XEC’s expert mentorship, practical projects, and bold innovation drive students to create impactful ventures.
These stories embody XEC’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial talent. By providing cutting-edge facilities, real-world experiences, and a vibrant culture of innovation, XEC helps students like Zhao and Liu make their mark and shape the future of entrepreneurship.
LEARNINGS
Lessons learned
Building a game-changing support system is key to entrepreneurial success, and of course cool spaces play a crucial role. At XJTLU Entrepreneur College (XEC), our newly built Syntex Studio, Innovation Factory, and X3 Co-Venture Incubator are designed to turn ideas into game-changing ventures. The Syntex Studio, possibly the largest TEAL (Technology-Enhanced Active Learning) spaces globally, offering a vibrant environment, fostering creativity and collaboration. These dynamic spaces providing the perfect backdrop for students to explore, innovate, and transform their ideas, into reality, supported by ample resources and expert mentorship.
Traditional classroom methods fall short in preparing students for the real-world complexities of entrepreneurship and industry. That’s why our approach focuses on integrating practical projects and industry collaboration. Students undertake live industry challenges and work closely with dedicated Pathfinders who guide them through their entire entrepreneurial journey. This hands-on experience helps them develop a resilient entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills.
We’re also shifting from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, which emphasizes a human-centric approach with a focus on social impact, multidisciplinary teamwork, and student-run businesses. At XEC, we cultivate a culture of innovation and adaptability, teaching students the importance of resilience and real-world problem-solving. By blending practical experiences with academic learning and forming strong industry partnerships, we prepare our students to navigate the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. This approach not only enhances their skills but also contributes to a thriving, dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem where they can truly make their mark.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?
The Entrepreneur College (XEC) is becoming increasingly transformative thanks to our Syntegrative Education model. We will triple our student numbers to 6,000 and expand our Technopreneurship Summer School to 200 students by 2026. We’ll release innovative new pathways for students, executives, and industries worldwide, transitioning from a disruptive start-up campus into a global entrepreneurial hub for next-generation education.
XEC will lead globally, reshaping entrepreneurial learning amidst technological change, including AI’s academic impact. Building on our Metaverse, our 300-seat SynteX Studio, and AR/VR/MR developments, we aim to realise our vision of FEAR-less (Formal Education & Academic Regulation) virtual and physical learning, a campus thriving on student-led businesses and innovations, not academic tradition.
Our curriculum features industry projects and workshops not lectures, where "Pathfinders" mentor students across every subject—a model expanded to our masters. Our project-based, industry-driven approach will achieve unprecedented impact.
Located strategically in Taicang, we will engage 500+ German businesses and key thousands of Chinese manufacturers, creating an international platform at the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship. This will support the transition from Industry 4.0 to 5.0, benefitting industries and education globally.
Our innovation factories and X3 CoVenture Startup-hub will grow, offering unparalleled opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial skills. DreamChasers will expand from 1800+ participants to over 5,000. Our philosophy of industry & societal impact, symbolised by our magnet-shaped buildings, will draw participants to collaborate beyond traditional educational boundaries. Our platform will help other institutions achieve similar success, securing XEC’s place as a leader in entrepreneurial education.
