- The science blogger, known for exposing alleged academic misconduct, says his new company will focus on science popularization rather than academic oversight
- His move to Hangzhou highlights the city’s efforts to attract unconventional talent beyond traditional academic credentials
Geng Hongwei (耿洪伟), a Chinese science blogger who rose to prominence by reporting alleged academic misconduct involving university scholars, has officially set up shop in Hangzhou.
Corporate records show that Hangzhou Geng Xueyou Technology Co. was established on August 10 with registered capital of 1 million yuan ($140,000).
The company is 51% owned by Hangzhou Ayou Media Co., Ltd. and 49% by Geng, whose goes by the online alias of “Geng Tong Xue” (耿同学), literall Classmate Geng.
Its registered business activities include technology services, software development, digital-content services and online cultural businesses.
From watchdog to entrepreneur
Geng said the company will focus on science popularization rather than academic oversight.
“It’s not an academic-supervision company. It’s still about science popularization,” he said, adding that he would continue making videos exposing misconduct alongside science content.
With a following of over 4 million across China’s social networking sites, Geng holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jilin University and began a doctorate at Beihang University before dropping out in his fifth year.
Since April, he has reported alleged academic misconduct involving scholars at several Chinese universities, including recipients of major national academic titles and university administrators.
Several of the cases he raised have subsequently been investigated, with those involved facing disciplinary action.
Move into the mainstream
His move into the mainstream science-communication ecosystem has also begun. At a recent conference in Deqing, Zhejiang, he was appointed a visiting lecturer at the Science Popularization Industry School of the Communication University of Zhejiang.
The development has drawn attention partly because Geng does not fit the conventional profile of an academic or science communicator.
A commentary in the Shanghai-based Xinmin Evening News argued that his unconventional educational and professional background and his controversial public profile would traditionally have worked against him, but that Zhejiang had chosen to look beyond conventional credentials.
Zhou Guohui (周国辉), chairman of the Zhejiang Association for Science Popularization and former director of the Zhejiang provincial department of science and technology, described Geng as someone willing to speak frankly and pursue the truth, calling him an important force in building a healthier technology ecosystem.
Zhejiang bets on mavericks
Geng’s arrival is another example of Hangzhou’s broader push to attract unconventional entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.
Earlier this year, the city also helped the developer of the viral “Are you dead yet?” (死了么) app, which focuses on health and safety for people living alone, establish its business in Hangzhou.
The message from the city is increasingly clear: talent does not always come with conventional credentials or wear multiple hats — and Hangzhou is willing to bet on people who can build something useful.
Header image is a screenshot of a short video streamed by Geng Hongwei on WeChat Channels
