PolyU and Huawei Jointly Establish Mathematical Optimization Innovation Laboratory to Advance AI Innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei) signed a collaboration agreement on 17 September 2025 to officially launch the PolyU–Huawei Mathematical Optimization Innovation Laboratory (MOI) at PolyU. As the first joint laboratory of Huawei in Hong Kong focusing on developing XPU-based advanced optimization solver, the MOI marks a significant milestone in the institutions’ long-standing partnership, which began in 2007 and has fostered collaboration across communications, big data, algorithms, and materials science.

The MOI will focus on advancing mathematical optimization theory, developing cutting-edge algorithms, and applying XPU-accelerated solvers to artificial intelligence and data science challenges. Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in mathematics, statistics, and operations research—ranked 31st globally in Statistics and Operations Research by the 2025 QS World University Rankings and 36th in Mathematics by U.S. News, the highest in Hong Kong—the collaboration aims to drive research and innovation at the intersection of academia and industry.

Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Daniel LUO, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU; Ms. Jie FU, Director of the Technology Cooperation Department of Huawei; and Mr. Bo BAI, Director of the Theoretical Research Department of Huawei, the agreement was signed by Prof. Defeng SUN, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics of PolyU, and Mr. Yanhui GENG, Director of the Huawei Hong Kong Research Centre. The plaque unveiling for the MOI was officiated by representatives from both organizations, formally inaugurating the laboratory.

Prof. Christopher Chao expressed his appreciation to Huawei’s continued support to PolyU, emphasizing that the partnership will nurture innovative talent, promote knowledge transfer, and accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes. Together, PolyU and Huawei are committed to advancing mathematical optimization and technological innovation, creating greater value and contributing to economic development.