Overview
On 16 September 2026, the Cross‑Era Leap Talent Development Program – dubbed the “Leap Program” – held its opening ceremony in Sanya, China, marking the formal launch of an initiative jointly developed by Xinwei Education and Geely Holding Group to cultivate future leaders for AI‑driven industries.
Leadership and Participants
The ceremony was attended by Geely Holding Group Chairman Li Shufu, Lu Dan (CEO of Geely Talent Development Group and Chairman & Global CEO of Xinwei‑AI), and Pan Leifang (Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Geely Holding Group), alongside industry mentors, education experts and the inaugural cohort of 19 students selected from tens of thousands of applicants.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The Leap Program targets recent high‑school graduates who demonstrate sustained commitment and exceptional potential. Students will rotate through four focus areas – electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, low‑altitude aviation and low‑Earth‑orbit satellites – via an intensive curriculum that blends academic study with substantive industry experience.
Selection Process
Candidates are evaluated through a structured, six‑stage selection framework that assesses four dimensions: passion and ambition, critical thinking and vision, grit and resilience, and empathy and teamwork. The assessment combines inputs from partner companies, universities and research institutions to ensure a comprehensive and fair evaluation.
Mentorship Model
Each participant will be supported under a three‑mentor model, supplemented by an AI‑driven mentor named “Xinwei Liangzai” (meaning “cool boy”). In addition, Xinwei Bee Line, an AI‑enabled academic training platform developed by Xinwei‑AI, will facilitate the development of independent thought, sound judgment and real‑world problem‑solving skills.
Educational Philosophy
Speakers emphasized that the AI era requires a shift from traditional grade‑centric selection toward a broader appraisal of potential. Chairman Li Shufu likened talent cultivation to nurturing a “talent forest,” advocating early identification of promising “seeds” rather than later‑stage “saplings.” Lu Dan highlighted the need for sustained intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary learning and the translation of ideas into action, while Pan Leifang urged students to engage deeply with real industry challenges from the outset.
Inaugural Cohort Profile
The 19‑member class brings diverse strengths, including robotics programming, model‑aircraft competition experience, independent research projects and collaborative work capabilities. Participants received a letter framed as a message from 2030 and viewed a dynamic map illustrating possible future pathways, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on aligning personal development with emerging industry trajectories.
Institutional Support
Ding Renzhong, chair of the academic committee at Geely University of China and former president of Sichuan Normal University, underscored the future value of higher education in problem identification, formulation and investigation. The program’s design integrates academic preparation, industry exposure and practical challenges throughout the students’ journey.
Closing Remarks
Chairman Li Shufu concluded by wishing the inaugural class a successful leap, emphasizing that personal development must combine independent thinking with the ability to innovate and prepare for the future.