Within the framework of the plan to link and strengthen the technological capabilities of the Universidad Austral, Exponential Technologies Laboratory of the Innovation Secretariat of the Vice-Rectorate for Outreach received a visit from representatives of SUPCON, a leading global Chinese company in industrial automation with artificial intelligence.
The delegation consisted of Joey Zhang Jingyang, Business Development Manager, and Lou YihangAI Engineer. The meeting took place at the Faculty of Engineering and in the Laboratory, with the objective of identifying areas of collaboration that enhance institutional development in exponential technologies.
Three areas of joint work
During the meeting, three strategic areas of potential collaboration were identified.
The first one was the data center infrastructurewhere SUPCON shared its experience in high-availability industrial computing environments, with architectures that integrate processing edge y cloud for real-time industrial systems. These capabilities are of particular interest to the applied artificial intelligence projects promoted by the Laboratory.
The second focus was on the industrial cybersecurityparticularly in the convergence of operational networks (OT) and information technologies (IT), a critical field for the protection of strategic infrastructure. In this area, SUPCON and the Faculty of Engineering have complementary capabilities that open opportunities for joint development.
The third axis—and the one with the greatest strategic convergence—was that of Sensor data applied to priority verticals, Especially health and agribusinessThese areas align directly with the axes of the 2026 Work Plan of the Exponential Technologies Laboratory, which foresees the development of experimentation projects starting in September 2026.
International alliances as capacity catalysts
Partnerships with cutting-edge technology companies not only enable funding opportunities and joint projects, but also allow teachers, researchers, and students to access real-world challenges on a global scale, accelerating the development of advanced capabilities.
The connection with actors such as SUPCON facilitates access to cutting-edge technology, methodologies proven in real industrial environments and international knowledge networks, while the University contributes scientific rigor and a deep knowledge of the Latin American context, enriching the technology transfer processes.
This visit is part of a broader strategy by the Exponential Technologies Lab to consolidate alliances with international organizations such as IDB, Globethics, IBM, CODATA, among other actors in the global ecosystem of innovation and applied science.
Academic articulation to address complex challenges
A highlight of the meeting was the articulation between different academic unitsThe joint participation of the Laboratory and the Faculty of Engineering reflects the cross-cutting work model promoted by the Vice-Rectorate for Outreach, which recognizes that the University's capabilities are enhanced when diverse knowledge and teams are integrated.
In this context, the convergence between SUPCON's experience in industrial automation with AI and local academic capabilities in engineering, health, and agronomy opens a concrete space for the development of applied research projects, joint training programs and technological prototypes with potential for transfer to the productive sector.
About SUPCON
SUPCON is a leading Chinese company in industrial automation with artificial intelligence, with a presence in multiple countries, thousands of global customers and a long track record in the development of smart industrial plants.
More information: https://global.supcon.com
