A Brazilian professor tries flying an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft at Beihang University's Hangzhou campus. [Photo/Tide News]

More than 180 students and professors from 18 leading Brazilian universities are taking part in the China-Brazil Future Leaders in Science and Technology Innovation Camp at Beihang University's International Innovation Institute in Hangzhou, a flagship youth exchange program for the 2026 China-Brazil Year of Culture.

Running from July 14, the program brings together Brazilian and Chinese students for academic exchanges, joint research and cultural activities across a range of fields including mathematics, artificial intelligence, aerospace and quantum technologies.

At the institute's State Key Laboratory of Spin Chip and Technology, Brazilian participants joined hands-on research in spintronics. They worked alongside Chinese researchers on experiments involving spintronic materials, microelectronic devices and chip technologies.

The camp also featured seminars on Earth observation and disaster monitoring, where the students discussed the use of satellite remote sensing and volunteered geographic information to improve disaster resilience.

Beyond the classroom, participants experienced traditional Chinese culture, practiced baduanjin (an ancient Chinese qigong practice) exercises, visited high-tech companies and explored advanced aviation technologies.

They also watched the flight of a jointly assembled hydrogen-powered drone and tried an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developed by the institute.

Organized by Brazil's Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel and the China Scholarship Council, the program aims to foster long-term collaboration and cultivate future scientific leaders from both countries through research, innovation and cultural exchange.

A Brazilian student takes on a virtual flight over the city. [Photo/Tide News]