On July 16, sponsored by the China Association for Science and Technology, Ministry of Education and supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the 2018 College Youth Science Camp, Tianjin Branch, Opening Ceremony was held at Qiushi Hall, Tianjin University. The event was organized by the Tianjin Science and Technology Association, the Tianjin Education Commission, Tianjin University and Nankai University. Gong Ke, Executive President of the Chinese Institute of New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies, Lu Shuangying, Vice Chairman of the Tianjin Science and Technology Association, Sun Huiling, Deputy Director of the Tianjin Education Committee and Zhang Fengbao, Vice President of Tianjin University attended the opening ceremony. 440 high school students from all over the country participated in the opening ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, Zhang Fengbao delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of Tianjin University and Nankai University. He pointed out that the with youngsters stronger, the country becomes more powerful; with science more advanced the nation becomes more powerful. He hoped that the students cherish this opportunity, establish a sense of innovation through a week of study and life, cultivate innovative ability and carry forward the scientific spirit of daring. Xie Zexiong, an Associate Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at TJU and author of the science cover paper, gave a “science lecture” to all campers in the field on synthetic biology and genome research. The synthesis of genomes marked the beginning of human life research on the nature of biology and human beings and began the process of "designing life, recreating life and reshaping life." He described his journey from a high school student to Tianjin University to start his academic research career and encouraged campers to pursue their own research interests. Lu Shuangying, and Sun Huiling awarded the flag to the 2018 Tianjin Science Camp and announced the official opening of the sixth Tianjin Youth Science Camp.

After the opening ceremony, all the campers listened carefully to the keynote speech of Gong Ke, "Talking from Sophia". He introduced contemporary science and technology with the theme of artificial intelligence development and innovation and discussed with the students the scientific principles of artificial intelligence and the application of technological innovation. At the same time, Gong told everyone that behind the information revolution is the sense of social responsibility and the spirit of innovation. He hoped that the campers live up to the hopes of this era and become such a new generation.

The College Youth Science Camp activities started in 2012. As the first batch of participating universities, Tianjin University successfully held five scientific camp activities, which have been recognized by the China Association for Science and Technology and all the members of the Camp. In 2018, the Science Camp of Tianjin University took the theme of “TJU Character, Science Dreams and Innovation Age”. The activity combines science and fun and integrates scientific and technological innovation with the feelings of home and country. In one week, the campers will visit the National Key Laboratories at Tianjin University, listen to academic lectures, participate in special events such as the TJU Fruit Festival and conduct innovative technology practices among other things. All these activities will be helpful to experience the profound historical heritage of Tianjin University. In 2018, aimed at the characteristics of the campers, the Science Camp of Tianjin University was divided into small classes, emphasized teamwork and increased the interactive experience module based on traditional features. The campers had opportunities for practicing and having their sense of discipline significantly enhanced. At the same time, with the science and technology as the main theme and interspersed with rich campus culture experience activities, the campers experienced life at Tianjin University, and felt the innovative spirit.