On June 7, 2020, Harbin Institute of Technology celebrated its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration highlighted the university's achievements over the past century, including its contributions to education, research, and technological advancement. The event was marked by various activities and conferences, reflecting on HIT's history and envisioning its future role in global academia.

In 2017, Harbin Institute of Technology was selected for China's Double First Class initiative, which aims to cultivate world-class institutions and disciplines. This initiative supports HIT's efforts to enhance its global competitiveness by focusing on key areas of research and education, thereby contributing to China's goal of having a significant presence in the global academic community.

In 2009, Harbin Institute of Technology became a member of the C9 League, an alliance of nine elite universities in China, often referred to as the Chinese equivalent of the Ivy League. Membership in the C9 League signifies HIT's status as one of the top universities in China, recognized for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and contributions to technological innovation.

In 2000, Harbin Institute of Technology expanded its presence by establishing a new campus in Shenzhen, China. This expansion was part of HIT's strategy to increase its influence and accessibility in southern China. The Shenzhen campus focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, offering programs that align with the region's economic and technological development goals.

In 1999, Harbin Institute of Technology became part of Project 985, an initiative by the Chinese government to promote the development of world-class universities. This participation provided HIT with substantial funding and resources to improve its research output, attract international talent, and enhance its global reputation. The project aimed to elevate Chinese universities to a competitive level on the global stage.

In 1996, Harbin Institute of Technology was included in Project 211, a Chinese government initiative aimed at strengthening about 100 institutions of higher education and key disciplinary areas. This inclusion provided HIT with increased funding and support, enabling it to enhance its infrastructure, faculty, and research capabilities, further solidifying its status as a top-tier university in China.

In 1985, Harbin Institute of Technology established its Graduate School, marking a new phase in its academic development. The Graduate School was designed to enhance the university's research capabilities and to provide advanced education in various fields of science and engineering. This move was part of HIT's broader strategy to become a leading research university in China.

In 1954, Harbin Institute of Technology was selected as one of the first six national key universities in China. This designation marked a significant milestone in the university's history, as it recognized HIT's excellence in engineering education and research. The status helped the university secure additional funding and resources to further enhance its academic programs.

Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) was founded on June 7, 1920, in Harbin, China. The institution was established with the assistance of the Russian government and initially focused on engineering and technical education. Over the years, HIT has grown into a prestigious university known for its research and innovation in science and technology.