This "challenge-based" approach is a crucial measure for the laboratory to focus on the efficient utilization of national strategic resources and conduct basic research and applied basic research in the field of vanadium-titanium. The laboratory has released a total of 18 research projects, among which 9 were implemented through the "challenge-based" method. This attracted enthusiastic applications from 38 national units and teams. After rigorous selection procedures including on-site presentations, expert reviews, and comprehensive evaluations, the projects were finally assigned to advantageous teams such as the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Central South University, Tsinghua University, Chongqing University, Panzhihua University, and Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory. The projects cover urgently needed directions in the industry, such as the separation mechanism of vanadium-chromium-titanium slag, green smelting of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite, high-quality utilization of redgannan mineral resources for comprehensive selection and smelting, surface coating modification of titanium dioxide powder, and low-cost preparation of high-performance vanadium battery electrolyte. 

　　Among them, the basic research project on the separation mechanism of vanadium-chromium-titanium slag and the new technology system for green smelting and high-value utilization of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite were selected by the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research project on the optimization of large-scale open-pit dump site space and the safe and efficient push-out process was selected by China Metallurgical North (Dalian) Engineering Technology Co., Ltd. The new process development project for the comprehensive selection and integrated utilization of resources at the Hongge Nan mine was selected by Central South University. The research project on the process of extracting gallium from vanadium-containing waste slag through external field enhancement was selected by Chengdu Advanced Metal Materials Industry Technology Research Institute of Panzhihua Research Institute. The research project on the new process for the gas-based reduction and nitridation of titanium concentrate and the low-temperature selective chlorination for titanium extraction was selected by Chongqing University. The research project on the inorganic dense coating and organic modification technology for titanium white powder was selected by Tsinghua University. The research project on the green and low-cost preparation technology of high-performance vanadium battery electrolyte based on vanadium pentoxide was selected by Panzhihua University. The research project on the preparation and application of Magneli phase sub-oxides of titanium (titanium black) materials was selected by Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory. 

　　At the event site, representatives of the selected units introduced their research and development strategies and implementation plans one by one. They all stated that they would precisely align with the actual needs of the industry, clearly define the research and development roadmap, and accelerate the formation of independent and controllable core technologies. 

　　The Tianfu Jinjiang Laboratory is jointly established by the People's Government of Panzhihua City and the Sichuan Natural Resources Investment Group. It focuses on vanadium-titanium new materials, and mainly conducts original, cutting-edge and disruptive technological research in 11 research directions covering four major fields: green intelligent manufacturing of high-end vanadium-titanium raw materials, advanced vanadium-titanium functional materials, advanced vanadium-titanium alloy materials, and digitalized vanadium-titanium new materials. 

　　In 2026, the laboratory initiated a total of 18 scientific research projects. Among them, 9 projects were implemented through the "challenge-and-award" approach, attracting 38 national units (teams) to participate. After rigorous selection procedures including on-site presentations, expert reviews, and comprehensive evaluations, the projects were finally assigned to leading teams from institutions such as the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Central South University, Tsinghua University, Chongqing University, Panzhihua University, and Shenshan Lake Materials Laboratory. The projects cover critical areas urgently needed in the industry, such as the separation mechanism of vanadium-chromium-titanium slag, green smelting of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite, high-quality utilization of resources from the Hongge Nan mine, surface coating modification of titanium dioxide powder, and low-cost preparation of electrolyte for high-performance vanadium batteries. 

　　The relevant officials of Panzhihua City stated that this "challenge-and-take-on" initiative adheres to the principle of not considering the origin of heroes, with the clear orientation of "whoever has the ability should take on the task". It has widely issued an invitation for heroes across the country and publicly released the project list. This represents a breakthrough innovation in the organizational model of scientific research and the collaborative research mechanism. Panzhihua City will firmly shoulder the local responsibility, precisely allocate resources such as funds, talents, and staffing, with the best services and strongest guarantees, to fully promote the implementation of this challenge-and-take-on scientific research project and achieve early results. 

　　The first phase of the Jinjiang Academic Conference was held simultaneously on the same day. Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director of the Academic Committee of Beijing University of Science and Technology, and Chief Scientist of the Tianfu Jinjiang Laboratory, Xie Jianxin, delivered a report titled "Material Large Model and Artificial Intelligence Technology". Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director of the Academic Committee of Tianfu Jinjiang Laboratory, and Professor of Central South University, Jiang Tao, delivered a report titled "Innovative Thoughts on Comprehensive Utilization of Panxi Vanadium-Titanium-Iron Composite Resources". Secretary of the Party Committee of Ganjiang Innovation Research Institute, Qi Tao, delivered a report titled "Progress in New Technologies for Comprehensive Utilization of Vanadium-Titanium-Magnetite". Vice President of Beijing University of Science and Technology and Director of the Industrialization Committee of Tianfu Jinjiang Laboratory, Jiao Shuqiang, delivered a report titled "Electrochemical Extraction and Purification of Titanium Metal". 

　　Currently, Panzhihua is promoting the transformation of the vanadium-titanium industry from "raw material export" to "material manufacturing" and "industrial empowerment", moving from "technological follow-up" to "independent leadership", and building a cluster through a full-chain thinking and innovation-driven approach, leading the industry development. 

Panzhihua has established the world's largest production base for vanadium products, the largest production base for titanium raw materials in China, and the only full-process titanium industrial base. Entering the "15th Five-Year" development stage, efforts are being made simultaneously on both the goals and the supporting measures. The development path of Panzhihua's vanadium and titanium industries has become increasingly clear: it is steadily advancing towards the goal of building a "China Vanadium and Titanium Capital" in the "15th Five-Year" period.