UPV and Geely Launch Joint Projects in China and Valencia. The University of Valencia and Chinese automotive giant Geely have agreed to a partnership in education and exchanges. UPV will open a new campus in China. The two sides are discussing joint programs and research projects.
The Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and the Chinese company Geely have agreed to develop a partnership in education, student exchanges, and research projects. The meeting took place in Hangzhou, where Geely's headquarters are located and where UPV plans to open a new international campus — the Beihang Valencia Polytechnic Institute (BVPI). This move is expected to strengthen ties between the Spanish university and one of China's largest technology hubs.
The negotiations focused primarily on creating joint educational programs, academic initiatives, and student exchanges between Valencia and Hangzhou. Prospects for collaborative research and attracting international talent were also discussed, enabling students and researchers from both countries to participate in projects on smart mobility and innovative technologies.
The partnership between UPV and Geely is developing amid the Chinese company's interest in expanding its presence in Europe. The industry is discussing the possibility of Geely acquiring part of the Ford plant in Almussafes to produce hybrid and electric models. Although there has been no official confirmation from Ford, the sector considers Geely’s interest in the Spanish market to be obvious. UPV emphasizes that their visit is not related to these negotiations, and that the campus project in China was launched earlier.
For major automakers, proximity to modern educational and research centers is becoming one of the key factors when choosing a location for investment. Volkswagen demonstrated a similar approach earlier when launching the PowerCo battery plant in Sagunto. According to RUSSPAIN, such projects enable companies to more quickly find qualified personnel and implement new technologies.
UPV Rector José Capilla noted that cooperation with Geely opens up new opportunities for students and promotes innovation between China and Spain. Geely representatives, including HR Director Shi Liangqin and Head of Geely Academy Dai Huifan, confirmed their interest in joint initiatives. The meeting was part of a broader UPV mission to strengthen international ties and seek new partnerships.
Geely is one of China's leading automotive groups, managing brands such as Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. The company is listed in the Fortune Global 500 and has a wide network of research centers and manufacturing facilities worldwide. In recent years, growing interest in electric vehicles and new mobility solutions has become a key focus for Geely and other global automakers. Against this backdrop, the number of joint projects between universities and industrial companies in Spain is increasing, as evidenced by the recent presentation of new Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles in Malaga—read more about this event in the article on the launch of the new GLC and GLB models.
