Award-winning projects span electric mining equipment, predictive maintenance and automated earthwork monitoring
XUZHOU, China, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 15th China Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition – "AI + Construction Machinery" Division, co-organized by XCMG, concluded in Xuzhou on Oct. 30. Among the winners were international companies and universities with projects focused on smarter, more sustainable construction machinery and operations.
"Through this competition, we aim to turn real industry needs into innovation challenges and bring partners together to solve technical problems in construction machinery," said Yang Dongsheng, chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery. He identified embodied intelligence as a key area for development and said XCMG would draw on its innovation platforms, testing resources and industry funds to bring AI innovations to worksites and serve customers worldwide.
Hosted by the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other government and industry organizations, the competition drew participants from more than 20 countries and regions. More than 2,750 teams registered, and the competition received over 1,600 project submissions. After preliminary and semifinal rounds, 106 projects advanced to the finals. International teams earned awards in both the Customer Co-Creation and Professional Contest tracks.
Austria's VA Erzberg GmbH won first prize in the Customer Co-Creation track for its electric mining truck project. Fortescue Trading Shanghai received second prize in the same track for a project using real-world mining experience to optimize the full lifecycle of next-generation zero-emission mining equipment.
Urgench State University in Uzbekistan received third prize in the Professional Contest's Team Group, AI + Product category, for SmartFleet UZ. The AI platform is designed to predict equipment failures and assist operators of UzXCMG construction machinery.
Indonesia's Manado State Polytechnic received third prize in the Team Group's AI + Worksite Scenarios category for TerraSight AI, a system designed to automatically monitor earthwork progress and volumes.
Germany's RWTH Aachen University received an Excellence Award in the Team Group's AI + Product category for a solution designed to adapt autonomous mining trucks to multiple operating scenarios.
Agreements covering six projects selected through the competition's Open Challenge track and four commercialization projects were signed at the closing event.
XCMG will continue connecting competition teams with funding sources, industry and research partners, talent and suppliers to help bring their innovations to market.
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XCMG Highlights International Innovation at "AI + Construction Machinery" Competition
XCMG Highlights International Innovation at "AI + Construction Machinery" Competition
MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, a globally leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, reinforced its commitment to Australia's renewable energy market through a series of partnership signings at All-Energy Australia 2026. Among the agreements signed were three major distribution agreements with longstanding partners Solar Juice, Raystech Group, and Supply Partners.
Together, these three agreements cover 1.5 GW of photovoltaic (PV) volume and 4 GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The signings reflect Sungrow's continued efforts to strengthen its local distribution network, combining technological innovation, trusted partnerships, and local expertise to support Australia's evolving clean energy needs.
Highlighting Three Major Distribution Partnerships
Solar Juice — Building on Long-Term Trust and Customer Success
Building on a shared commitment to product quality, innovation, and customer success, Sungrow and Solar Juice further strengthened its long-standing partnership through an agreement covering 500 MW of PV and 2.5 GWh of BESS, including 2 GWh for residential and 500 MWh for C&I applications. Given Solar Juice's extensive industry experience, established distribution network, and local technical support capabilities, Sungrow will continue to combine its advanced solar and energy storage technologies with Solar Juice's market expertise to enhance access to reliable energy solutions and better support the evolving needs of Australian installers and customers.
Supply Partners — Strengthening Customer-Focused Solutions Through Technical Expertise
Recognising Supply Partners' customer-focused approach, technical expertise, and commitment to installer education, Sungrow further expanded the cooperation through an agreement covering 500 MW of PV and 1 GWh of BESS, including 500 MWh for residential and 500 MWh for C&I applications. By combining Sungrow's solar and energy storage technologies with Supply Partners' established distribution network and system design capabilities, the partnership aims to expand access to reliable energy solutions and better support local installers in meeting the evolving needs of Australia's residential and commercial renewable energy markets.
Raystech Group — Expanding Industry Collaboration and Installer Engagement
Building on a previous successful partnership, Sungrow and Raystech Group renewed their strategic distribution agreement covering 500 MW of PV and 500 MWh of residential BESS. Sungrow has worked with Raystech Group on initiatives extending beyond product distribution, including joint marketing, technical training, and installer engagement. Drawing on Raystech Group's established presence across Australia and New Zealand, Sungrow aims to continue supporting local installation partners through product innovation, industry education, and collaborative market development. The agreement reflects Sungrow's commitment to building a more connected renewable energy ecosystem.
"Australia's renewable energy market continues to create opportunities for growth and collaboration. Our longstanding relationships with Solar Juice, Raystech Group, and Supply Partners reflect the importance of mutual trust, shared values, and local expertise. Together with our wider network of partners, we look forward to deepening cooperation, supporting our customers, and contributing to Australia's evolving solar and energy storage market."
— Steven Zhu, Vice President, Sungrow APAC
Looking ahead, Sungrow will continue to combine technological innovation with local service and industry collaboration, working closely with distributors, installers, and other partners to support the wider adoption of solar and energy storage solutions. Guided by its commitment to "Clean Power for All", Sungrow aims to contribute to a more sustainable energy future for Australian households and businesses.
About Solar Juice
Solar Juice is an Australian wholesale distributor of solar and energy storage solutions. Drawing on extensive industry experience, the company supplies solar panels, inverters, batteries, and related technologies to installation partners. With a focus on product quality, innovation, and customer success, Solar Juice combines product distribution with local technical expertise to support renewable energy adoption.
About Supply Partners
Supply Partners is an Australian solar and energy storage distributor providing products, technical assistance, system design support, and training to installation partners. With a customer-focused approach, the company works to help installers navigate technical and market challenges while supporting the broader adoption of renewable energy solutions.
About Raystech Group
Raystech Group is a renewable energy wholesale distributor with operations across Australia and New Zealand. The company provides solar PV systems, energy storage solutions, and related services, including customer support, logistics, and technical assistance. Through a customer-focused approach and collaboration with industry partners, Raystech aims to support the growth of renewable energy and progress towards a lower-carbon future.
About Sungrow
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of June 2026, Sungrow has installed over 1100 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experiences. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service.
For more information, visit www.sungrowpower.com.
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Sungrow Joins Forces with Three Strategic Partners to Accelerate Australia's Clean Energy Transition at All-Energy Australia 2026
