To support national strategic objectives and establish a talent cultivation hub for "AI + Carbon Neutrality," the China-UK Low Carbon College (LCC) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University has launched its “AI-enabled Low-Carbon Transformation” micro-degree. This program, leveraging its profound expertise in artificial intelligence and green, low-carbon development, is a key component of the university’s 
“AI+” educational initiative.  The college has simultaneously established cohorts at both the Minhang and Lingang campuses.
On March 21, 2026, the inaugural ceremony for the micro-degree program was held at the Minhang campus. Ling Wen, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chairman of the Shandong Association for Science and Technology, Geng Yong, Dean of the SJTU China-UK Low Carbon College, and He Yiliang, Vice Dean of the College, attended the event along with faculty representatives and over 80 students from various major corporations and universities in a hybrid online and offline format. The ceremony was moderated by Vice Dean He Yiliang.

Dean Geng Yong opened the event by delivering a welcome speech on behalf of the college. He affirmed that throughout its 130-year history, Shanghai Jiao Tong University has always aligned its mission with national development. We are currently at a critical junction of technological revolution and industrial change, where the deep integration of AI and "Dual Carbon" goals is paving the way for new industrial opportunities. Based on this strategic background, the college carefully planned and launched the "AI-Enabled Low-Carbon Transformation" micro-degree. The curriculum is closely aligned with industrial frontiers; it not only strengthens theoretical frameworks but also focuses on the practical application of AI in renewable energy, smart energy management, low-carbon management, circular economy, and smart cities. Through case studies and practical projects, the program systematically enhances students' core abilities to apply AI to upgrade low-carbon technologies. It aims to help students bridge their knowledge and skill gaps while comprehensively equipping them with the required competencies to boost their professional competitiveness in the green and low-carbon sectors.

Academician Ling Wen delivered the first lecture, titled "Innovative Practices in Sustainable Development and Energy Transition." Centered on the global energy landscape transformation and China’s "Dual Carbon" strategic goals, he elaborated on the core meaning of sustainable development and the key paths for energy transition. Combining technical cases with industrial practice experience, he provided a deep analysis of AI's innovative applications in areas such as energy efficiency and carbon emission control, showcasing the prospects of technology-empowered low-carbon development. Academician Ling delivered a presentation that was insightful and easy to follow, balancing both strategic breadth and practical depth. It received enthusiastic applause from the students.

Following this, Dean Geng Yong delivered his "Dean’s First Lesson". Drawing on the frequent extreme weather events in recent years, Dean Geng began by reviewing the arduous journey of international climate negotiations. He then used detailed data to systematically analyze the global energy landscape and carbon emission trends, as well as the opportunities and challenges China faces as a manufacturing powerhouse in terms of energy transition, resource strategy, and industrial development. Taking rare earth resources and the new energy vehicle industry as examples, he vividly illustrated the strategic importance of critical minerals to the country. Finally, focusing on key sectors such as industry, energy, and transportation, he outlined practical pathways for low-carbon development and encouraged students to contribute their wisdom and efforts toward achieving the "Dual Carbon" goals as scheduled.

The students in this micro-degree program come from a wide range of academic backgrounds—spanning science, engineering, humanities, and law—creating a truly interdisciplinary cohort. Li Mi, Director of the Marketing Department in the Sustainable Development Business Unit at United Inspection (Jiangsu) Technology Co., Ltd., spoke as the student representative. She noted that she chose the program for its forward-looking focus on AI-empowered low-carbon transformation, as well as the high-quality platform provided by SJTU. She looks forward to exchanging ideas with classmates from diverse fields and applying what she learns to her work, contributing to her company’s development. 

In his concluding remarks, Vice Dean He Yiliang noted that the nearly one-year program will combine classroom instruction with visits to real-world carbon markets, tours of leading industry enterprises, and innovative hands-on projects—all designed to help students deepen their understanding and enhance their capabilities through practice. He encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones, transcend disciplinary boundaries, and generate new ideas through cross-disciplinary exchanges and visits, gaining not only knowledge but also friendships and future development opportunities in the process.   

Following the successful opening ceremony, students have now officially embarked on their year-long journey in the program “AI-Enabled Low-Carbon Transformation.” Drawing on the rich academic heritage of SJTU, they are poised to become a key force in advancing green development, contributing to the “Dual Carbon” strategy and the intelligent transformation of industries.