Core Insights - The seventh Henan Science and Technology Achievements Expo (referred to as "High Expo") emphasizes the transformation of scientific achievements into practical applications, showcasing a shift from merely building platforms to achieving tangible results [4][9]. Group 1: Event Overview - The High Expo gathered over 560 representatives from universities, research institutions, industry associations, and investment organizations to exchange innovative ideas and collaborate on technology transfer [1]. - The event featured various forums and exhibitions, including discussions on agricultural technology and hydrogen energy, highlighting its role as a catalyst for industrial innovation in Xinxiang [1][4]. Group 2: Focus on Collaboration - The expo aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and industry by organizing activities such as project roadshows and expert exchanges, facilitating collaboration between universities and enterprises [5][7]. - A new initiative called "Results Transformation Express" was proposed to enhance direct communication between research institutions and businesses, promoting effective project implementation [7]. Group 3: Achievements and Metrics - The High Expo has contributed to significant advancements in Xinxiang, evidenced by its rise in national innovation rankings: 66th in the 2024 National Innovation City Innovation Capability Ranking and 72nd in the China City Innovation Capability Top 100 [12]. - During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the transaction volume of technology contracts increased by 2.6 times, supported by 883 high-tech enterprises and 1,446 technology-based SMEs [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful development of a new high-quality, high-yield wheat variety, "Xinmai 26," by a research team led by Jiang Zhikai, which aims to reduce reliance on imported wheat and meet the growing demand for strong gluten wheat in China [1][10]. Group 1: Wheat Breeding Innovation - Jiang Zhikai and his team have developed "Xinmai 26," a wheat variety that combines superior gluten quality with high yield, addressing the historical challenge of balancing quality and productivity in Chinese wheat breeding [1][10]. - The breeding process took over a decade, involving extensive research and innovative methods to create a wheat variety that surpasses imported strong gluten wheat varieties like "Jiamai 2" and "Meimai DNS" [1][10][12]. Group 2: Market Demand and Supply Chain Risks - The demand for high-protein, strong gluten wheat has surged due to changing consumer preferences and rising living standards, leading to a reliance on imported wheat from countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia [3][4]. - The dependency on foreign wheat sources poses supply chain risks, prompting the research team to pursue domestic breeding solutions to ensure food security and resource independence [4][10]. Group 3: Achievements and Recognition - "Xinmai 18," another variety developed by the team, was recognized as a leading wheat variety in China from 2005 to 2008, showcasing the team's ability to produce high-quality wheat that meets national standards [5][10]. - "Xinmai 26" has become a flagship variety in the industry, achieving significant recognition and awards, including the first prize for scientific progress in Henan Province and a cumulative planting area exceeding 100 million mu, generating economic benefits of 12.6 billion yuan [13][16]. Group 4: Future Goals and Challenges - The team aims to continue advancing wheat quality by developing "super strong gluten" varieties that not only meet but exceed international standards, addressing the specific needs of the food processing industry [9][10]. - The breeding cycle for wheat is lengthy, often taking over a decade, and the pursuit of "super strong" traits may lead to challenges such as reduced yield or disease resistance, requiring resilience and innovation from the research team [11][12]. Group 5: Industry Impact and Applications - The "Xinmai" series of strong gluten wheat varieties has been widely adopted in the Huanghuaihai region, providing farmers with higher yields and better prices, thus enhancing their economic stability [14][15]. - The processed products from "Xinmai" wheat are being utilized in various high-end food applications, contributing to improved food quality and safety for consumers [15][16].