Ning Zhou served as director of MIT Greater China Development Center. At MIT Ning facilitated training of faculty from Tsinghua University, Fudan University, and Zhongshan University at MIT Sloan School of Management and coordinated joint research programs. Working with these Chinese university partners, Ning directed MIT's technology and management education programs of local industry executives in Greater China, and managed strategic and technological research for firms such as Amazon.com at MIT. Ning then joined Intel Corp as part of the core management team of Intel's $2.5 billion venture in Dalian China. Working with Intel, Intel suppliers, and MIT, Ning planned and managed technology and management training of local Chinese companies to help Intel develop a competitive supply base in China. Ning also worked with multiple US VC firms and Chinese firms to develop collaborative relationships with MIT and MIT media Lab. Ning worked for Chrysler Motors and Amazon.com prior to serving the MIT post.

In 2010 Ning founded Global Bridge to devote effort to Sino-US education collaboration. Global Bridge helps Chinese students assimilate and succeed in the new academic environment by providing a host of ESL courses, seminars, internships, and activities. In doing this line of work Ning discovered the increase in demand for Art education in China and the limitations of the current standardized English language proficiency tests for art students.