With the help of unmanned vessels and other advanced technologies, the ancient ship, which dates back to the reign of Emperor Tongzhi (1862-75) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), was successfully salvaged from beneath the water surface in November last year.

Liu says the next goal is to mass-produce the unmanned vessel, which, he notes, has been a result of the university's relentless efforts in research and development.

But fostering innovations, like the vessel, he adds, will not be easy.

"Research and development is a long process. Many enterprises have good ideas that need time and financial support. Without enough investment, some good ideas, just like seeds without water and sunshine, will die before they get to blossom," he says.

"Fortunately, our campus has the right personnel, well-equipped labs and facilities, as well as financial support from the government. This is why we decided to open our campus to enterprises with potential and work with them to incubate innovative technologies."