The Quanzhou Marine Biotechnology Research Institute was established as a collaborative marine technology innovation platform through a trilateral agreement signed on 8 January 2023 between the Quanzhou Municipal Government, Ocean University of China, and the Shishi Municipal Government.

　　Leveraging Ocean University of China’s expertise in aquaculture and food sciences, the institute aligns with national strategies such as innovation-driven development, maritime power initiatives, and the acceleration of the marine economy. It focuses on key areas including high-value utilisation of deep-sea seafood, marine bioproduct processing technologies, and integrated equipment development. By fostering close collaboration between government, industry, and academia, the institute aims to enhance Quanzhou’s marine biotechnology sector and drive high-quality growth in Fujian’s marine economy.

　　As of May 2024, the institute has 27 team members. Its founding director is Academician Xue Changhu of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, with Professor Zhang Chaohua, former Vice President of Guangdong Ocean University, serving as Vice Director, alongside Chen Ning from the Fujian Marine and Fisheries Law Enforcement Corps. The institute has engaged with over 30 enterprises, securing preliminary cooperation agreements with more than 10. It has also been actively involved in the 2024 Fujian Science and Technology Commissioner programme, integrating innovation into industrial production and fostering deeper corporate partnerships. To date, the institute has filed four invention patents.