Representatives from 25 countries discussed deep-sea tech innovation in Sanya, China

Core Insights - The 3rd Hainan Free Trade Port International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Forum (ISTICF) & Deep-Sea Technology Innovation Conference (DSTIC) 2025 was held in Sanya, China, focusing on deep-sea technological innovation with over 400 representatives from 25 countries [1][4]. Industry Developments - The forum addressed key areas such as deep-sea resource development, intelligent equipment, ecological conservation, and the marine economy, featuring one plenary forum, eight sub-forums, and four side events [4]. - Newly introduced topics included "Deep-Sea Intelligent Equipment Technology" and "Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Marine Environmental Sensing and Exploration" [4]. - The event hosted the China Ocean Engineering Design Competition and the Deep-Sea Advanced Technology & Equipment Achievement Exhibition, along with the inaugural World University Underwater Robotics Competition [4][5]. Strategic Initiatives - Significant outcomes included the release of "Consensus 2025: Uniting for Deep-sea Big Science, Pioneering Global Hadal Frontiers," the establishment of the Underwater Robotics Industry Alliance, and agreements for the Deep-Sea Technology Venture Capital Fund [5]. - Hainan's government emphasized the province's commitment to building a modern industrial system with local features and enhancing international cooperation in deep-sea scientific research and marine protected area development [6][7]. Technological Integration - Hainan aims to integrate deep-sea technology with artificial intelligence, blockchain, and ecological systems to develop an innovative deep-sea industrial chain [7]. - The UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia recognized Hainan's progress in deep-sea science and technology, suggesting it as a model for sharing China's marine ecological civilization and deep-sea technology advancements [8]. Infrastructure and Investment - Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City is transforming into a hub for deep-sea technological innovation, attracting over 20 marine-focused universities and research institutions, more than 1,500 marine tech enterprises, and establishing multiple national-level laboratories [9].