Threadify Signs MoU Ahead of Launching Academic Program with Donghua University

On November 19, 2025, a milestone moment unfolded at Donghua University’s Shanghai International Fashion Innovation Center—the official launch of the new academic program “Digital Innovation in Fashion Knitting”. As a core industry partner, Threadify stood alongside leading technology companies, university committee members, and the program’s first cohort of students to witness the birth of a new era in digital fashion education.

Industrial Power Meets Educational Innovation

The ceremony opened with remarks from Shaoning Geng, Deputy Secretary of Donghua University’s Party Committee, who congratulated the launch of the academic program and recognized the essential support from key industry players. She emphasized the power of curiosity, hands-on learning, and the commitment to building a stronger talent pipeline through university–industry collaboration.

Professor Chunhong Liu, planner and advocate of the academic program initiative, unpacked the program’s purpose: To bridge the growing talent gap in the digital knitting sector by combining academic expertise with real-world industry resources.

Industry leaders also shared their vision.

• Ningbo Cixing Co., Ltd. pledged to continue delivering strong industrial momentum.
• Zhejiang Lingdi Digital Technology Co., Ltd. highlighted advancements in Style3D technology to support the program.
• Threadify General Manager Ran Yi reaffirmed the company’s commitment by announcing Threadify’s investment in textile consumables, practical training support, and long-term resource contributions.

During the event, Threadify Chairman Frank Yi and representatives from partner companies were officially appointed as adjunct professors, further strengthening the integration of industry expertise into academia.

Redefining Collaboration with Strategic Agreement

The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a five-year strategic cooperation agreement between Threadify and Donghua University’s Shanghai International Fashion Science and Technology Innovation Center.

This partnership represents a major evolution—from project-based collaboration to full-scale strategic integration—and sets a new benchmark for industry-education-research cooperation in the textile and apparel sector.

Together, both parties will focus on four core pillars:

Global Resource Integration

Threadify will leverage its extensive global supply chain and digital platform to deliver real-world industry support.

Joint Design & Development

Collaborative development of innovative products, technologies, and knitted concepts.

Trend Research & Release

Combining academic research with market insights to co-create influential trend reports and exhibitions.

Innovative Talent Cultivation

Establishing practice bases, conducting joint research, and developing new digital teaching models to cultivate next-gen fashion tech professionals.

Connecting the Future of Fashion

This partnership is more than an agreement—it is an engine for the future. Over the next five years, Threadify and Donghua University will continue to deepen collaboration, promote industry digitalization, and nurture talent ready to lead China’s textile and apparel industry into a smarter, more innovative era.

At Threadify, we believe true innovation happens when academia and industry move forward together. This strategic partnership marks an important step in our mission to connect global fashion, technology, and education in ways that shape the future.