The 2026 International Internet Innovation Technology Expo?"
Seeing the title, Tyler couldn't help but ask him skeptically, "You mean to use this exhibition to promote our technology?"
"Yes, I checked. The scale of this exhibition is quite good, and it's open to university students, young social talent, and small and medium-sized enterprises. As the exhibition grows, it has also attracted many giants in the network technology sector and related research institutes over the past two years.
If our technology can cause a sensation at this exhibition, then loans and investment won't be a problem," Nick explained with a smile.
"Really?"
Tyler used his large frame to push Nick away from the computer, then browsed the webpage himself while saying to him, "Are you so sure that this technology will really catch the eye of those titans?"
"Why do you think those giants and research institutes attend this exhibition? Besides publicity, their biggest goal is probably to prospect for gold here."
"Prospecting for gold?" Tyler asked, puzzled.
"Exactly, prospecting for gold!"
Nick nodded, "The reason these giants are willing to participate in this kind of exhibition is that they want to use this platform to discover innovative technologies and excellent technical talent.
You know, this is much more cost-effective than the technology and talent they develop and train themselves. I checked the relevant reports for this exhibition in recent years, and the number of patent and technology transactions alone totals over a thousand.
Technical talent is also a target these giants fight over. Last year, there was a phenomenal guy, seemingly talented in cloud computing, who was directly poached by Tesla with a million-dollar salary."
"But I saw that the exhibition opens annually from May 20th to the 25th. We only have a little over a month until the opening. It might be too late for us to produce a sample that can fully demonstrate our technology before the exhibition," Tyler said, frowning.
Nick flicked the cigarette ash and nodded, "I know, so we must hurry. And just the two of us isn't nearly enough; we need others to help."
"Who else can we find besides you and me? David in our dorm has already secured a spot for graduate school and is currently focused entirely on projects following his advisor. It's impossible to ask him to take risks starting a business with us.
Zack has already been hired by a big company in Tampa. Do you think he'd agree to give up that hard-won opportunity to start a business with us?" Tyler shook his head.
Nick nodded, "David is definitely unlikely; that guy doesn't mesh well with us. But we can still try to persuade Zack, considering our relationship. Bros before hoes, bros before corpos."
"Alright then, I'll call him and ask him to come back so we can talk to him together and try to pull him in. That dude spends all his time outside messing around; it's time we saved this straying lamb of ours," Tyler said, displaying a vulgar expression.
Nick smiled, then said seriously, "Besides that, I need someone talented in integrated circuits and electronic engineering—someone who can actually get their hands dirty. I don't need a smooth-talker who is full of theories but useless in practice."
"Fine, I'll figure out this part. I'll see if I can kidnap someone back," Tyler agreed through gritted teeth, despite his furrowed brow.
Seeing Tyler's troubled look, Nick couldn't help but laugh.
Sure enough, having someone reliable help out makes things much easier. Since all the complicated tasks have been handed over to Tyler, Nick can now focus his energy on technical issues... In a corner of the USTC campus stood an old teaching building constructed in the 1960s.
At this moment, Nick, Tyler, and a few others were sitting inside a large classroom on the third floor of this teaching building.
This was the "humanistic care" Tyler secured for them from the school, aimed at graduating students starting their own businesses: free use of a large classroom. Besides that, there was also "guidance" from professional teachers and various other bits and pieces of "support."
But they refused all of it. They had already drunk enough inspirational "juice" and truly didn't need any more.
In front of the conference table made of several old desks pushed together, everyone looked excited as they watched Nick, who was seated at the head.
Nick stood up and smiled at everyone, "Alright, let's officially start the first formal meeting of our team now."
Clap, clap, clap... Although there were only a few people, everyone applauded enthusiastically.
Nick suppressed the excitement in his heart and gestured for silence:
"Everyone has already been introduced, so I won't waste time. I'll start by assigning everyone's future work content and responsibilities. I am the leader of this team, and I will be in charge of the technical research and development of our product."
"Tyler, you will temporarily be responsible for the operation of our team. If anyone has any issues in the studio, you can find him, he's the man" he said, pointing to Tyler, who was sitting on his left, introducing him to the others.
"Zack, your task is to be my assistant, responsible for technical work, just like me."
Zack, sitting on his right, nodded after hearing Nick's words, though inwardly, he had already cursed Nick and Tyler's relatives and their relatives' relatives many times over.
He had already signed with a good company and could start working immediately after graduation, but these two guys badgered him relentlessly until they dragged him in.
Although these two claimed he was only helping temporarily and could leave after graduation, having lived with them for four years, he knew their nature, and getting off this ship later would probably be difficult.
"Jamie, you will be responsible for our company's financial work," Nick instructed, looking at Jamie, a slightly plump girl dressed in formal attire.
They found Jamie through the school forum. Hearing that the part-time job paid 3,500 dollars a month, many people applied.
After a round of screening and comprehensive consideration, the two ultimately chose the relatively quiet Jamie to serve as the accountant for their team.
For them right now, they didn't really need a highly experienced professional financial officer; they just needed someone reliable and steady who wouldn't mess things up. Jamie, who came from the countryside and was relatively stable, was their best choice at the moment.
Jamie shyly stood up, nodded reservedly to everyone, and then sat down.
Seeing this, Nick smiled, then said to a young man next to Zack who was also wearing glasses and slightly plump, "Terry, your job is also very important. Our current resources are limited, so you will temporarily be responsible for hardware technical work and assisting us in completing product R&D."
"Okay, no problem," Terry replied, giving an OK sign.
Terry was brought in by Zack, a graduating senior majoring in Microelectronics Science and Engineering. Like Zack, both were previously members of the Model Aircraft Association and had a good relationship.
When Nick stated his requirements, Zack strongly recommended him and greatly admired the guy's hands-on ability.
It is said that several of Zack's remote-controlled model aircraft were built by Terry.
Although he didn't know Terry's true level, first, Zack strongly recommended him. Second, Terry's practical ability was good and related to remote-controlled planes, which perfectly met their current needs.
Although they were short on people and the venue was a bit run-down, his makeshift team was finally established.