Since last November, students at Zhejiang Business Technology Institute have filed more than 80 patent applications that have attracted attention from more than 20 companies worldwide.

Among the inventions is a lighted umbrella designed by student Yao Yan that was auctioned for 100,000 yuan ($15,440) after a fierce bidding competition among five companies.

Xie Yifeng, president of the institute, said the school pays great attention to student skills and creativity.

Most of their homework is based on company R&D projects, he said. More than 95 percent of the school's graduates have found employment over the past six consecutive years.

(Source: China Daily)