Poh-Yian Koh, president of FedEx China (first left), presented the award to the winning team from the main track
Beijing, China, May 8, 2026 – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is advancing youth-led environmental innovation in China through the FedEx University Students Environmental Entrepreneurship Challenge (USEEC). Co-organized with the All-China Environment Federation (ACEF), the seven-month program culminated with finalist teams competing at the program’s national finale on May 7 in Beijing.
The challenge brings together university students from across China to apply entrepreneurial thinking to environmental challenges, developing practical, scalable solutions that support sustainable development and low-carbon growth.
At the finale, finalist teams presented their proposals to a judging panel comprising leaders from government, industry, and academia. The top winners emerged from participants representing more than 100 universities across China, selected for their innovative solutions and strong practical value.
Centered on the main track, “Innovation in the Sustainable Express Packaging Supply Chain”, and four sub-tracks – “Ecological Protection”, “Climate and Energy”, “Pollution Prevention and Control” and “Comprehensive Issues” – the challenge attracted 147 project proposals from over 100 universities nationwide. Following a rigorous selection process, 15 projects advanced to the national finale, showcasing a combination of technological foresight, commercial viability, and social value.
Group photo of the national finale of the FedEx University Students Environmental Entrepreneurship Challenge
The finalist projects addressed a broad range of environmental and sustainability priorities, including new energy, sustainable packaging, pollution control, ecological restoration, the circular economy, and food safety. The first-place award in the main track, “Innovation in the Sustainable Express Packaging Supply Chain,” was presented to “‘Healing Box’ – A Gift of Roses, with a Box to Spare” Project from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, recognized for its novel concept, sharp market insight, and a flower mystery box design that blends warmth with charm.
First-place honors in the four sub-tracks were awarded to:
- Ecological Protection: “Coral Guardians–Protectors of the Underwater Ecosystem” Project from Guangdong Ocean University
- Climate and Energy: “Sustainable Energy Carbon Capture – Solar-Driven CO₂ Conversion System for Industrial Emissions” Joint Project from Dalian University of Technology and Harbin Institute of Technology
- Pollution Prevention and Control: “Microbe-Accelerated Decomposition & Circular Symbiosis: Community-Based Organic Waste Resource Recovery and Carbon Sequestration Practice” Project from Qingdao Agricultural University
- Comprehensive Issues: “FedEx ‘Circular Uniforms’ Initiative – Fashionable Circular Workwear System Solution for the Express Industry” Project from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology
Du Shaozhong, Special Observer to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China and Vice Chairman of the Third Council of the All-China Environment Federation (first left), presented awards to the winning teams from four sub-tracks
These projects stand out not only for their technological innovation but also for their effective integration of environmental impact and commercial value, demonstrating the creativity and problem-solving mindset of China’s younger generation in advancing sustainable development and the dual carbon agenda. At an AI poster competition featuring 15 finalist teams, the project “Paddy Field 007: Ecological Flower Strips as a Pesticide-Alternative Solution” from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University was crowned the Most Popular AI Poster, securing 2,051 votes.
Throughout the competition, a mentorship team composed of environmental experts and FedEx employee volunteers provided hands‑on guidance. Drawing on the company’s extensive experience in sustainable logistics, smart supply chains, and operational transformation, as well as specialist knowledge in ecological governance, environmental technology research, and policy implementation, the mentors supported teams in refining technical roadmaps, shaping business models, and preparing final presentations – helping to accelerate the translation of youth-led ideas into real-world applications.
Launched on October 20, 2025 in Beijing, the challenge is designed to systematically cultivate young environmental innovators, focusing on unlocking student potential, strengthening innovation capabilities, and fostering real-world entrepreneurial practice.
“FedEx is working toward achieving carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040. In addition to transforming our own operations, we aim to amplify our sustainability impact by encouraging employee volunteerism, engaging with the wider community, and co-creating shared environmental value through multi-stakeholder collaboration,” said Poh-Yian Koh, president of FedEx China. “This challenge is a key initiative in developing future-ready talent. We are inspired by the energy and ingenuity demonstrated by the students, and we will continue to build collaborative platforms that connect industry, academia, and research to drive long-term sustainable development.”
“The success of this challenge exemplifies a robust environmental innovation ecosystem led by government guidance, supported by corporations, enabled by universities, and energized by youth participation,” said Du Shaozhong, Special Observer to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China and Vice Chairman of the Third Council of the All-China Environment Federation. “With its deep industry expertise and strong sense of social responsibility, FedEx has created a high‑quality practice platform for university students. In addition to financial awards, winning teams will gain access to incubation resources from FedEx and its partners, accelerating the real‑world application of their innovations and injecting sustained momentum into China’s ecological civilization development.”
FedEx continues to integrate sustainability across its operations while promoting collaborative, community-based development. In China, FedEx has implemented multiple initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, including vehicle electrification, sustainable infrastructure development, and the application of innovative technologies. FedEx has also previously collaborated with ACEF on initiatives such as “2025 Protecting One Kilometer of a River Course,” supporting the restoration and long-term health of local ecosystems.