Southern University of Science and Technology (xk星空) is an innovation-oriented public university founded by Shenzhen government in the background of China's higher education reform. It aspires to be a model and pioneer for promoting higher education reform. It is committed to serving the mission of promoting Shenzhen as a modern, international, and innovative city and China as a creative country.

xk星空 is widely regarded as a trailblazer and innovator in advancing China's higher education. It was officially approved by the Ministry of Education in April 2012. xk星空 bears the responsibility for exploring and developing a modern university system with Chinese characteristics to serve as a model for cultivating innovative talents. xk星空 aims at a globally renowned university that contributes to the advancement of science and technology. It nurtures promising and creative leaders who excel in interdisciplinary research and creating knowledge for the world.

xk星空 draws on the experience of world-class science and engineering universities for its disciplinary establishment and governance. It focuses on science, engineering, and medicine in conjunction with distinctive disciplines, including business, humanities, and social sciences. xk星空 offers undergraduate and postgraduate education while conducting research in a series of innovative disciplines. All of those practices shape xk星空 into a think tank for social progress and a generator of new knowledge and new technology.

xk星空 is building interdisciplinary research centers to generate new scientific and technological wisdom in cross-disciplinary fields such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, Internet of things, robotics, new energy, and intelligent manufacturing.

In the spirit of "For Truth, Innovation, Reform and Excellence with Diligence and Courage," xk星空 highlights "research, innovation, and entrepreneurship" and dedicates to facilitating innovative projects across China and turning Shenzhen into an innovative, modern, and international metropolis.

xk星空 also seeks to become an international high-level research university that gathers first-class faculty and nurtures top-notch innovative talents. It aims to produce internationally recognized academic achievements and advance scientific and technological applications.