On June 19, 2025, the award ceremony of the inaugural "SACON Cup" Home Appliance Design Competition, co-hosted by Ningbo University and industry leader SACON , was held at the university's Huang Qingmiao & Huang Chenyueli Art Building. The event showcased 183 high-quality student entries, highlighting industry-education collaboration achievements.

Professor Gong Yong, Academic Dean of Industrial Design, opened by praising entries integrating eco-friendliness, health, and aesthetics, thanking SACON for providing practical platforms. SACON's Chief Engineer Gao Xuyuan announced winners, applauding students' innovation and inviting graduates to join Ningbo's "Eastern Smart Port" initiative or SACON internships.

Award-winning student Ding Wenjing shared her dishwasher pain-point-focused design process, noting how the contest bridged academic theory and market needs. SACON Design Director Li Dongkui emphasized entries' commercial potential and urged students to "transcend domestic competition and target global markets": "China's manufacturing excellence positions us to capture demand in North America and Europe through brand globalization strategies."

The competition exemplified industry-education synergy, advancing talent development and sector innovation. SACON confirmed plans for a second edition next year.