Measuring the market through real research, predicting the future with AI intelligence
On May 24th, co-hosted by Gaodun Education & SULLIVAN & Alibaba CloudFrost & Sullivan& LeadLeo Research Institute"2026 4th National College Students Future Prediction Research Competition"the national finals concluded successfully at Hangzhou Alibaba Cloud Valley Park.
Starting from 1,743 teams gathering, to 579 teams advancing to the semi-finals, and finally reaching the top ten finals, this top-tier college student industry research competition that lasted nearly two months finally reached its highlight moment.
This year’s competition continued the core concept of “AI + Industry Research”, focusing on real business challenges and cutting-edge industry trends, and innovatively introduced virtual-real combined market research,Workflowworkflow and Skills system construction, and practical sessions such as AI question answering. The event was co-hosted by Gaodun Education, SULLIVAN, and Alibaba Cloud,led by LeadLeo Research Institutewith support from brands and media including Xintu, Juzi Biology, Harvard Business Review, FT China,Shinrui Technology Review. College students from various universities responded to contemporary issues through professional research, exploring future directions in real markets and industry changes, showing the deep understanding and forward-thinking of contemporary college students in the business world.
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Highlights of the finals:
A young expression on “future research”
At the finals, representatives from hosts Gaodun Education, SULLIVAN, and Alibaba Cloud, along with many guests from universities, industries, and media, attended.
Mr. Wang Chenhui, Partner and President of SULLIVAN Chinapresented a talk titled “Black Boxes, Responsibility Absorbers and Poland’s Paradox: Three Barriers and Trust Restoration in AI Implementation in Consulting Industry”, discussing industry trust and talent core competitiveness under AI technological changes.
*Mr. Wang Chenhui, Partner and President of SULLIVAN China
Professor Cui Lili, Deputy Dean of the Digital Economy Research Institute at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, also attended and delivered a speech titled “Be the Anchor of Value in the AI-Reconstructed Era”, offering three practical suggestions for college students in the AI era.
*Professor Cui Lili, Deputy Dean of the Digital Economy Research Institute at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
Ms. Li Zhujun, Head of AI Talent Development for Universities at Alibaba Cloudnot only recognized the innovative insights and practical potential of the participating teams, but also pointed out the advanced direction for business analysis and research implementation based on real industry needs.
*Ms. Li Zhujun, Head of AI Talent Development for Universities at Alibaba Cloud
With the start of the competition, the top ten teams conducted final presentations around their research topics, presenting a fascinating exchange on industry trends, business insights, and future consumption.
The participants not only produced high-quality industry research reports but also, within limited time,using PPT and HTML visual web pagespresented the research logic, core viewpoints, and innovative results on-site, andanswered sharp questions from judges and AI judges on-site. Professional judges from enterprises, media, and industry fields participated in scoring, making the competition closer to real business environments.
*Presentations of the ten finalists
*Presentations of the ten finalists
After more than three hours of exciting competition, finally,Mr. Nan Shan, Market Media Director of Juzi Biology, and Ma Zhenmin, Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review’s New Media, provided a deep review and summary of the participants’ performance.
*Mr. Nan Shan, Market Media Director of Juzi Biology
*Ms. Zhuang Nana, Brand Strategy Director of Xtep
This competition is not only a arena for abilities but also a growth classroom where young students engage in dialogue with industry frontiers and connect with the real business world.
*Ms. Ma Zhenmin, Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review’s New Media
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The honorable list is announced,Congratulations to all winning teams
Below are the winners of the “2026 Future Prediction Research Competition” finals. Once again, congratulations to all winning teams and participants!
Once again, congratulations to all outstanding participating teams! We believe every late-night effort and every thought exchange is a breakthrough for oneself.
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Why are more and more college students
participating in the Future Prediction Research Competition?
Today’s young people are no longer satisfied with just “knowing about industries”.
They hope to understand industry logic, identify consumer trends, build business thinking, improve data analysis skills, and truly think in a real market environment.
And the AI Future Prediction Research Competition provides such a platform connecting campuses and industries.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this competition lies not only in the “research findings” but also in what we are witnessing—the redefinition of industry research methods and young students’ learning abilities in the AI era.
From AI-assisted industry information collection, to workflow construction and skill system development, to AI question answering and visual expression, this competition makes “AI + industry research” go beyond concepts and become an important tool for college students to understand industries, analyze markets, and enhance decision-making capabilities.
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2026 GOLDEN FINANCE
Thus, the 4th National College Students Future Prediction Research Competition 2026 officially concludes. Thank you to all partners, judges, teachers, university staff, and participants. Also thank you to every college student who invested time, studied the industry diligently, and continuously explored the future. We look forward to meeting you again at the next Future Prediction Research Competition.
But at the same time, we can see more clearly: AI can improve efficiency, but cannot replace true insight; models can generate answers, but industry judgment, business logic, and independent thinking always come from human understanding and reasoning.
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