Duke Kunshan University is actively building a robust industry–academia–research ecosystem that connects our faculty and students with global tech companies, local enterprises, and traditional industries. Through ongoing collaborations, such as joint activities with Amazon AWS that bridge cloud technologies and generative AI with real-world applications, we are bringing academic research closer to industrial needs and accelerating innovation on both sides. Our engagement with Kunshan’s smart-city and metaverse innovation platforms and partnerships with local traditional enterprises further demonstrate our commitment to applying AI, data science, and human-centered engineering to real operational contexts. These collaborations provide students with hands-on, practice-oriented learning while enabling companies to benefit from cutting-edge academic insights. By continuously expanding these partnerships, DKU is shaping a dynamic environment where research, education, and industry innovation reinforce one another—empowering students, supporting local and global enterprises, and driving meaningful technological and societal impact.