The final results of the Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge (KXI) were recently announced at the historic Rhodes House at the University of Oxford. Eduardo Henrique Oliveira Santos of Brazil, together with his multicultural “Koan” team, secured Second Prize among dozens of global finalists for their AI-enabled learning management system designed to enhance critical thinking in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Challenge is a key component of the Rhodes Forum on Technology & Society, a platform dedicated to examining how technology can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. The 2025 theme, “AI for an Abundant Future,” called on participants to design innovations that strengthen human agency, safeguard dignity, and expand opportunity—particularly in education, governance, and social impact.

The Koan team presents their project at the Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge

Sponsored and supported by MEBO Group, the Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge serves as the flagship initiative of the Kevin Xu Initiative (KXI), a science, technology, and society initiative jointly launched by EquiTech Futures and the KXI at Oxford’s Rhodes. KXI focuses on policy research, global collaboration, and leadership development in science and technology, working alongside public and nonprofit institutions to cultivate the next generation of global scientific leaders.

Since its founding, KXI has supported more than 400 young innovators from 71 countries through fellowships, virtual academies, incubation programs, and international forums. Its projects span medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, public policy, and education—advancing responsible innovation worldwide.

Kevin Xu, Founder of KXI and Chairman of MEBO Group, has long championed global innovation cooperation and youth leadership development, particularly in emerging markets. Eduardo and his team’s achievement not only highlights Brazil’s rising technological talent but also reflects MEBO’s sustained commitment to empowering global youth innovators and shaping a responsible technological future.

About MEBO

Founded in 1987 by Professor Rongxiang Xu, a distinguished Chinese life scientist, MEBO Group is a multinational headquartered in both China and the USA. It integrates research, development, and sales across the pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health foods, and cosmetics sectors.

At its core, MEBO focuses on regenerative life sciences, innovating with over 100 patents and more than ten joint research bases to enhance and enable the body's own regenerative abilities.

As a leader in regenerative life science, MEBO's extensive research facilities and products impact over 100 countries globally, pioneering new frontiers in the regenerative life world.