A Key Milestone in Industry-Academia Collaboration: Joint Research by Genesis Alloys (Ningbo) and Ningbo University Featured in npj Computational Materials

A Key Milestone in Industry-Academia Collaboration: Joint Research by Genesis Alloys (Ningbo) and Ningbo University Featured in npj Computational Materials

July 08, 2025

Lee Kee Group has reached a key milestone in industry-academia collaboration through the Applied Technology Research Institute for Advanced Metal Materials, jointly established by Ningbo University and Genesis Alloys (Ningbo) Ltd., a member of Lee Kee Group. A research paper from the joint team , titled “Novel machine learning driven design strategy for high strength Zn Alloys optimization with multiple constraints”, was published in the top-tier journal npj Computational Materials. The research, led by Ningbo University’s Associate Professor Mr. Lu Ren and Associate Researcher Mr. Wenwen Lin, along with Lee Kee Group’s Executive Director Mr. Patrick Chan, and Associate Technical Director Mr. Alan Chan, spotlights the cutting-edge application of machine learning in materials design— one of today’s most dynamic and globally competitive fields.

Zinc alloys have gained attention for their affordability and availability, but improving their strength and ductility for high-end uses remains challenging. Traditional trial-and-error methods are time consuming and costly, especially for complex compositions. To address this, researchers developed a machine learning-based approach combining a precise prediction model and enhanced SHAP analysis with particle swarm optimization, revealing how alloying elements influence properties. They also created ZACDS — an intelligent design system powered by enhanced Bayesian optimization — to optimize alloy compositions under multiple constraints. This led to ZACM, a new zinc alloy outperforming commercial options in strength, elongation, and hardness, with proven consistency. The study demonstrates AI’s transformative role in materials innovation.

In 2023, Genesis Alloys (Ningbo) Ltd. and Ningbo University established the Applied Technology Research Institute for Advanced Metal Materials to advance zinc alloy innovation and bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application. The recent publication in a top-tier journal represents a significant milestone, underscoring the strength of their collaboration. The institute will continue driving high-quality development through technological innovation, unlock new potential in advanced materials, fostering a dynamic ecosystem between Hong Kong and Ningbo.