On June 24, Chen Xiaobo, founder of Seahi Robotics, was invited back to his alma mater, Harbin Engineering University, to deliver a commencement address for the Class of 2026.

"Strengthening Maritime Might: Our Generation's Responsibility and Resolve":

Respected Secretary Song Yingdong, President Yin Jingwei, Distinguished Leaders, Academicians, Faculty Members, and Dear Graduates:

Good morning!

I am Chen Xiaobo, a 2007 alumnus and founder of Seahi Robotics. During my time on campus, I also served as the President of the E-Way Technology Association.

First, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all members of the Class of 2026, who have successfully completed their studies and are about to embark on a new chapter in life!

Standing on this familiar campus, I seem to see myself 19 years ago—carrying a backpack and stepping through the university gates for the very first time. Back then, I was full of curiosity and longing for this land that bore the noble mission of "Three Oceans and One Nuclear." Today, I would like to share three short stories with you: stories about this campus, about the deep blue ocean, and about the era we live in.

01. In the Basement of Building 21: Planting the Seed of "Dare to Attempt, Bound to Succeed"

Many people ask me: Where did your journey with underwater robotics begin? My answer is always the same: The E-Way Association at Harbin Engineering University, in the basement laboratory of Building 21.

I believe many students here today have been to that place—no bright floor-to-ceiling windows, no luxurious experimental equipment, and even an air tainted with the faint scent of epoxy resin. Yet, it was in that subterranean space that our dream of "Electronic Vision" grew from basic electronic design into physical robots capable of souring into the sky and diving into the ocean.

In my sophomore year, in the basement of Building 21, my first underwater robot entered the water. At that time, nobody believed an undergraduate student could build a commercial-grade product. But the spirit of Harbin Engineering University has always been: "Dare to dream, dare to act, and dare to be first." In my junior year, I won dual championships in both the aerial and underwater robotics categories at the China Robotics Competition. Holding those trophies, I realized for the first time what defines the character of HEU alumni: "What others deem impossible, we make a reality."

"Serving the nation's needs as our primary calling" has never been a mere slogan; it is a conviction ingrained into the DNA of every HEU engineer.

This was the very first lesson HEU taught me: True strength lies not in where you start, but in whether you dare to target the highest peak and steadily ascend it, step by step, over ten or twenty years.

02. From the Laboratory to Ocean Depths of 10,000 Meters: Choosing the "Hard yet Right" Path

During my direct Ph.D. studies, I participated in numerous national research projects. This experience opened my eyes to the remarkable contributions of HEU's professors, students, and alumni across China's major technological breakthroughs. In the subsea domain, we stand proudly as China's finest.

At age 28, I was awarded the First Prize of the National Defense Science and Technology Progress Award, becoming its youngest recipient. However, the longer I remained within the academic research system, the stronger a realization grew within me: our top-tier laboratory technologies must not remain confined to academic papers and technical reports; they must step into the ocean to serve real industries.

In 2023, I founded Seahi Robotics. Many people couldn't understand my decision: Why give up a smooth, stable research career to endure the hardships of entrepreneurship?

My answer was simple: The deep blue ocean, covering over 70% of the Earth across depths from 0 to 10,000 meters, demands exploration and development. Fulfilling our national ambition of becoming a maritime power requires translating technology into genuine marine super-productivity.

Today, China is the world's leading shipping nation, possessing the longest coastline, the highest number of ports, and the largest shipbuilding capacity globally. Yet, many of our shallow-water operations still rely on divers risking their lives, while subsea operations below 50 meters remain almost a blank slate.

From a three-person startup team to securing the global ocean robotics sector's largest financing round, becoming the world's first $10 billion marine robotics unicorn, and growing into the world's leading general-purpose marine robotics company—the past three years have been challenging, but every step has been solid. This reflects the true character of HEU alumni: remaining grounded and down-to-earth.

Our university motto, "Extreme Skill Attains Perfection, Supreme Knowledge Seeks Truth," is far more than eight characters on a wall. "Perfection" means pushing technology to its utmost limits; "Truth" means applying knowledge directly to real-world problems. True value is always forged within real-world challenges.

03. The Era of Maritime Strength Belongs to Every One of Us

Graduates, you are entering the world at an extraordinary moment in history.

The national strategy for maritime strength is advancing rapidly, AI technology is breaking through exponentially, next-generation energy like nuclear fusion is developing swiftly, and embodied intelligence is reshaping every physical scenario. Our generation is blessed with unprecedented historical opportunities.

Today, as you prepare to step into society, I offer three pieces of advice to my fellow juniors:

First, stay perpetually evolving and become a resolute practitioner of long-termism. The core value of Seahi is "Stay Forever Young": maintain a youthful mindset filled with passion, vitality, curiosity, and a hunger for knowledge; continuously challenge yourselves to break boundaries. While technologies iterate and industries evolve, one thing never goes out of style: the capability for continuous learning.

Second, preserve your engineering identity and become creators who get their hands dirty. The principle of "Equal Emphasis on Theory and Practice" taught by HEU is more precious today than ever. Do not get lost in mere concepts; do not settle for perfect simulations or theoretical papers. Dive into real-world scenarios, listen directly to user feedback, and solve the complex problems that have no answers in textbooks. Over these three years of entrepreneurship, we have achieved many global firsts, and my greatest takeaway is this: All great products are forged in user feedback; all robust technologies are tempered in harsh environments.

Third, steer your individual vessels into the vast ocean of our era. The greatest privilege of being an HEU alumnus is that our fields of study naturally align with national strategies and the world's future. Shipbuilding, ocean engineering, semiconductors, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence—each is a sector vital to national prosperity.

Do not fear "niche" domains; do not fear "hardship." The crowded tracks of today will inevitably become red oceans; whereas the truly challenging, arduous areas—where someone must tackle the toughest obstacles—hold the greatest opportunities. This holds true for the deep sea, for microchips, for nuclear energy, and for all critical bottleneck technologies.

The nation's needs are where our hearts belong, and where our careers should lead. Align yourselves with the needs of our nation and stand with the future of the world.

Advancing Chinese modernization requires us to efficiently develop and utilize the ocean, drive high-quality growth in the marine economy, and forge a path toward maritime strength with unique Chinese characteristics. Every HEU graduate, in their respective field, will jointly uphold this vision of a strong maritime nation.

Graduates, today you cross the threshold. These academic gowns mark the starting point of your journey across mountains and seas.

Finally, I wish the entire Class of 2026: As you set sail toward the stars and the deep ocean, may you ride the wind and waves, and may your future bloom with brilliance!

Thank you, everyone!