Experts from 25 countries gathered in Sanya for the 3rd ISTICF & DSTIC, showcasing global progress in deep-sea innovation and marine technology development. From 28 to 31 October 2025, over 400 representatives from more than 250 institutions participated in discussions on deep-sea technology, intelligent equipment, ecological conservation, and the marine economy.
The conference was hosted at Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, a leading tech industrial park rapidly transforming into a central hub for China’s deep-sea technological innovation.
The four-day forum featured one plenary session, eight sub-forums, and four side events, covering both recurring topics and newly introduced areas such as Deep-Sea Intelligent Equipment Technology and Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Marine Environmental Sensing and Exploration. For the third consecutive year, the conference hosted the China Ocean Engineering Design Competition, the Deep-Sea Advanced Technology & Equipment Achievement Exhibition, and launched the first World University Underwater Robotics Competition, further enriching the forum’s thematic content.
Key outcomes on the opening day included the release of “Consensus 2025: Uniting for Deep-sea Big Science, Pioneering Global Hadal Frontiers”, the establishment of the Underwater Robotics Industry Alliance, and the signing of agreements for the Deep-Sea Technology Venture Capital Fund.
Officials from the Hainan Provincial Government highlighted the province’s achievements in deep-sea science and emphasized its commitment to building a modern industrial system with local advantages.
They also underscored the goal of deepening international cooperation in areas such as deep-sea research, blue carbon trading, and marine protected area development, while integrating deep-sea technology with AI, blockchain, and ecological systems to foster an innovative industrial chain.
The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, Shahbaz Khan, praised Hainan’s progress, stating that the province serves as a model for sharing China’s experience in marine ecological civilization, marine Silk Road culture, and cutting-edge deep-sea technologies.
With its successful conclusion, participants agree the 3rd ISTICF & DSTIC reinforced Hainan’s position as a global center for deep-sea innovation, advancing international collaboration and showcasing the province’s leadership in sustainable marine development.
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