BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — October 15, a ceremony marking the upgrade of the strategic partnership between ANTA Group and Tsinghua University, along with the signing of a cooperation agreement, was held in Beijing. The two parties announced the further upgrade of the existing "Tsinghua University-ANTA (China) Limited Co., Ltd. Joint Research Center for Sports Fashion" into a joint research institute. They will deepen their strategic cooperation in scientific research and development, design innovation, talent development, and industry leadership, jointly promoting high-quality innovative development in China’s sports industry. At the same time, the award ceremony of the 3rd Global Sportswear Design Award (GSDA), co-founded by ANTA Group and Tsinghua University, was also held. Li Luming, the President of Tsinghua University, and Ding Shizhong, the Board Chairman of ANTA Group, were both present to witness the signing ceremony.
Tsinghua University–ANTA Group Strategic Cooperation Upgrade Launch and Signing Ceremony
Since establishing their strategic partnership in 2021, Tsinghua University and ANTA Group have combined their respective industrial and academic strengths to build an integrated innovation system that brings together industry, academia, research and practical application. Together, they have undertaken nearly 40 interdisciplinary research projects focusing on areas of innovation such as functional design, sports science and high-performance materials. These achievements have provided important support and fresh perspectives for ANTA’s product innovation and design.
Over the next five years, Tsinghua University and ANTA Group will continue to deepen their cooperation, with the Joint Research Institute for Sports Fashion serving as the core platform, through the two-way integration of academic leadership and practical industrial application.
In scientific research and development, the two parties will continue to pursue breakthroughs in forward-looking fields such as high-performance materials and AI applications. In design innovation, they will integrate Tsinghua University’s design expertise and the global innovation resources brought together through the GSDA into ANTA’s products, delivering better experiences for athletes and consumers. In talent development, they will cultivate innovative professionals with interdisciplinary capabilities and international perspectives for the industry. In industry leadership, they will deepen research into emerging trends, strengthen the industry’s voice and leadership in shaping future trends, and build new momentum for the upgrading of China’s sporting goods industry.
Li Luming, the President of Tsinghua University, stated: "Tsinghua University has a longstanding sporting tradition and has always regarded sports as an important part of talent development. Looking ahead, the university will fully leverage its multidisciplinary strengths and take this signing as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation with ANTA in collaborative innovation research, product design and development, and sports talent cultivation. Through more tangible achievements, we aim to help enhance the global influence of China’s sports industry and work together to make greater contributions to building China into a leading sporting nation and advancing the Healthy China initiative."
Ding Shizhong, the Board Chairman of ANTA Group, stated: "As a representative Chinese sports brand, ANTA has always regarded innovation as the foundation of its corporate development. ANTA looks forward to working with Tsinghua University to leverage the combined strengths of industry, academia and research to drive innovation and upgrading in China’s sports industry, contribute to building China into a leading nation in sports and innovation, broaden the industry’s global perspective, and help Chinese sports reach the world."
In addition, the two parties announced the formal signing of the "ANTA Supports Tsinghua University’s Sports Education" initiative at the event. By providing professional sports equipment to Tsinghua University students, the initiative aims to encourage more young people to adopt active and healthy lifestyles and carry forward the spirit of "Keep Moving" among the younger generation. Hu Kai, Director of the Division of Sport Science and Physical Education at Tsinghua University, Xie Chunlong, Vice President of Sports Marketing at ANTA Group, and Chinese swimmers Tang Qianting and Yu Zidi were present to witness this important moment.
As an important initiative reflecting the deep collaboration between ANTA Group and Tsinghua University across industry, academia, research and application, the 3rd Global Sportswear Design Award (GSDA) also came to a close. Wang Xuejun and Wang Muyi won the Gold Award in the footwear category for their work "ANTA RFS Running Shoes," while Lucas Miller and Rain Muller received the Gold Award in the apparel category for their design "skin2."
Since its inception, the GSDA has seen steady growth in global participation and influence. It has attracted more than 7,000 creators from 57 countries and regions, representing 489 domestic institutions and 168 international institutions. A total of 120 works have received awards. In the new phase, the Global Sportswear Design Award will continue to leverage the collaborative strengths of ANTA Group and Tsinghua University and bring together global innovation resources to provide new momentum for industry development.
ANTA has always adhered to the principle that "Innovation is the foundation of a company’s survival." Over the past decade, the Group has invested a cumulative RMB 20 billion in innovation-related initiatives and expects to invest an additional RMB 20 billion in independent innovation and research and development over the next five years. With this further upgrade of their strategic partnership, ANTA Group will continue to work with Tsinghua University to achieve further breakthroughs in scientific research and innovation, global cooperation and industry trend research, leveraging independent innovation capabilities to promote high-quality innovative development in China’s sporting goods industry.
