Huang Li signs a donation agreement with a representative of Huazhong University of Science and Technology on March 22. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Huang Li, chairman of Wuhan Guide Infrared Co – a listed company focusing on infrared thermal imaging technology and based in the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) – donated 100 million yuan ($15.68 million) on March 22 to his alma mater – Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST).

Recalling his time at HUST, Huang said his family carried the university's "genes" as he and his wife began studying at HUST in 1980 and 1981, respectively, and their son began studying there in 2007.

"HUST instilled me with crucial life wisdom and refined my aspirations and personality. Every step forward in my life and career are owed to my alma mater," said Huang.

Huang founded Wuhan Guide Infrared Co in 1999, and it has since become an international leader in the field capable of producing its own infrared chips. What Huang has been told in HUST has now been an essential part of the culture of the company he created.

Saying he is blessed to witness the increasing prosperity of the university, Huang wished to return the huge favor and contribute to HUST's future path. Academician You Zheng, president of the university, expressed his gratitude towards the generous donation.

Wuhan Guide Infrared Co and HUST jointly founded a laboratory devoted to research on advanced infrared detecting technology in July of last year.

A gate of Huazhong University of Science and Technology [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]