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PolyU collaborates with University of Toronto to explore establishment of joint research centre, driving gerontechnology innovation in response to ageing population

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Toronto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4 February 2026 to explore the establishment of a Joint Research Centre on Healthy Ageing and AgeTech. In response to the challenges brought about by global ageing, this initiative aims to promote the development and application of gerontechnology, and enhance the quality of life and care for older adults. The partnership will foster in-depth cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Toronto in research innovation, knowledge transfer and talent cultivation in the field of gerontechnology, benefitting the elderly populations of both cities and beyond. Held on the PolyU campus, the MoU signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Engineering; Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences; and Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering. The MoU was signed by Prof. Yongping ZHENG, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU and Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS, Associate Vice-President, International Partnerships of the University of Toronto. Under the MoU, the PolyU’s Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering will work closely with the University of Toronto Institute of Biomedical Engineering and its institutional strategic initiative, AGE-WELL National Network (AGE-WELL), to explore setting up the joint research centre. They will also jointly develop application-oriented gerontechnologies, and co-organise staff and student exchange programmes as well as international conferences to strengthen research and education. The two universities aspire to build a bridge between elderly care support in Hong Kong and Toronto through technology, with particular attention to the needs of Cantonese-speaking older adults and their families. Prof. Christopher CHAO remarked, “PolyU is firmly committed to addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary innovation, with population ageing being one of the most pressing issues of our time. By joining forces with the University of Toronto – a global leader in biomedical engineering and gerontechnology – we aim to co-develop solutions that have real-world impact, enabling older adults to live longer, healthier and more independent lives. This collaboration will not only drive technological breakthroughs but also foster closer connections between Hong Kong and Toronto in advancing smart ageing, creating an influential international innovation platform.” Prof. Alex MIHAILIDIS said, “The University of Toronto, together with AGE-WELL, has long been dedicated to developing technologies that enable older adults to age well and with dignity. This MoU with PolyU marks an important step towards a truly global ecosystem for gerontechnology innovation. By combining our complementary strengths in biomedical engineering, clinical research and community-based innovation, we will be able to accelerate the development, evaluation and deployment of technologies that support better care, independence and quality of life for diverse older populations – including Cantonese-speaking communities in both cities.” PolyU possesses strong research capabilities in smart ageing, rehabilitation technology and biomedical engineering, with multiple research and service units, including RISA, from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds. The University of Toronto holds a leading position in gerontechnology, biomedical engineering and community-based innovation, while its AGE-WELL has a nationwide network across Canada. Their collaboration will enable development of a robust international platform for gerontechnology that will advance translation of research outcomes and nurture a new generation of talent in relevant fields. In addition, the two universities will seek support from the communities in both cities, and, through the joint research centre, continuously innovate and promote the use of gerontechnology in community, with the vision of bringing older adults a “HAPPI” life: Healthy, Active, Positive, Prepared, and Independent.

The project "Suture Anchor-Tendon Hybrid Graft" of Prof. Elmer KER's research team has been awarded the Bronze Medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) won a total of 36 accolades at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), a widely recognised annual event devoted exclusively to invention. This remarkable achievement highlights the University’s strong research capabilities and commitment to innovation on the global stage. 33 PolyU innovations seized 36 accolades, including 2 Special Prizes, 10 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 8 Gold Medals, 11 Silver Medals, 4 Bronze Medals and 1 Special Merit Award. Led by Prof. Elmer KER, Associate Professor of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Dr Chenyang WANG, Postdoctoral Fellow of PolyU translational startup programme, the project "Suture Anchor-Tendon Hybrid Graft" won the Bronze Medal at the Expo. Congratulations to Prof. KER's research team on this innovation breakthrough! Suture Anchor-Tendon Hybrid Graft is a bone-tendon graft that combines a suture anchor and tendon graft to restore biomechanical function. Its simple approach uses a single stem or progenitor cell treated with the same biochemical cues to simultaneously generate fibrocartilage and tendon, thereby enhancing biological healing. This invention aims to revolutionise the century-old practice of using separate devices for bone-tendon repair, such as suture anchors for bone fixation and tendon grafts for tendon replacement. It shows promise for improving rotator cuff repair. More about this invention: https://polyu.hk/LQPsd   Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “I am immensely proud of PolyU’s remarkable achievements at this year’s Exhibition. These projects exemplify PolyU’s research and entrepreneurial strength across diverse disciplines and demonstrate how our researchers combine visionary thinking with cutting-edge technologies to shine on the international stage. Their accomplishments reinforce our commitment to translating innovative knowledge into impactful solutions and motivates us to pursue further breakthroughs for the betterment of society and humanity more broadly.”   More about Geneva Inventions Expo Established in 1973, the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo) is the largest global exhibition devoted exclusively to inventions. Industrial and commercial companies, universities, inventors and researchers, associations, private and state organizations and institutions present their inventions, the results of their research and their new products.

Prof. Xiaoling HU’s research on “Sensorimotor Integration by Targeted Priming in Muscles with Electromyography-Driven Electro-vibro-feedback in Robot-Assisted Wrist/Hand Rehabilitation after Stroke” published in Cyborg and Bionic Systems

Research paper titled “Sensorimotor Integration by Targeted Priming in Muscles with Electromyography-Driven Electro-vibro-feedback in Robot-Assisted Wrist/Hand Rehabilitation after Stroke”, with Professor Xiaoling HU as the corresponding author, was recently published in Cyborg and Bionic Systems, an open access journal, published in association with BIT, that promotes the knowledge interchange and hybrid system codesign between living beings and robotic systems.   “Sensorimotor Integration by Targeted Priming in Muscles with Electromyography-Driven Electro-vibro-feedback in Robot-Assisted Wrist/Hand Rehabilitation after Stroke” Legeng Lin, Yanhuan Huang, Wanyi Qing, Man-Ting Kuet, Hengtian Zhao, Fuqiang Ye, Wei Rong, Waiming Li, and Xiaoling Hu* Cyborg and Bionic Systems. Vol 7. Article ID: 0507. doi: 10.34133/cbsystems.050   Abstract Restoring precise muscular control in the poststroke wrist/hand (W/H) demands sensorimotor integration to correct compensatory neuroplasticity. However, current rehabilitation robots inadequately modulate ascending somatosensory pathways from specific muscles. This study developed an electromyography (EMG)-driven soft robot with electro-vibro-feedback (EVF-robot) for targeted somatosensory priming in W/H muscles. This system integrates (a) focal vibratory stimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation for recruiting the somatosensory pathways of the targeted W/H flexors and extensors; (b) an EMG-driven control algorithm for strengthening the voluntary motor control of a driving muscle; and (c) robot assistance to achieve coordinated joint extension and flexion. In a single-arm trial with 20 sessions, 15 chronic stroke participants assisted by the system achieved significant improvements in voluntary W/H behavioral control, somatosensory feedback, and intermuscular coordination in the paretic upper limb (P

PolyU and The Beijing Institute of Technology sign MoU on 22 January 2026

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and The Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on propelling research and innovation in biomedical engineering, and nurturing talents in the field. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Prof. Lan JIANG, President of BIT, the MoU was signed by Ir Prof. Ming ZHANG, Head of PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Prof. Duanduan CHEN, Director of BIT Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs on 22 January 2026 at PolyU. This partnership is of great significance, as it not only catalyses the education and research development, but also fosters the international competitiveness by integrating the strengths of both parties to open a new chapter in biomedical engineering advancements.

The 6th Biomedical Engineering Innovation Competition "Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing" (第6屆生物醫學工程創意競賽之「愛．創耆樂」) Challenge Competition

Since 2019, the "Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing 愛．創耆樂" programme has upheld the mission of nurturing the younger generation to care for the elderly and to develop innovative solutions that improve the lives of seniors through technology. The programme consists of a Design Competition and a Challenge Competition, and has so far engaged around 2,000 young participants.   Following the inspiring Tencent STEAM for Good "Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing" Design Competition held last Saturday (10 January 2026), the 6th Biomedical Engineering Innovation Competition "Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing 愛．創耆樂" Challenge Competition, co-organised by the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council and the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, also reached a meaningful conclusion on 17 January 2026 at the PolyU campus.   Embodying the spirit of "Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing," the Challenge Competition is an intergenerational tournament featuring robotic cars in two categories: Micro:bit and LEGO. The competition includes team contests for Micro:bit and LEGO cars, as well as an individual contest for Micro:bit cars. In the team competitions, participants control their robotic cars to target the balloons attached to their opponents' cars while defending their own balloons. In the individual contest, participants use Micro:bit cars to navigate an obstacle course.   The event encouraged enthusiastic and inclusive participation from primary and secondary school students, as well as seniors over 60 years old. More than 70 teams took part in the Micro:bit and LEGO team competitions, while 77 individuals entered the Micro:bit individual competition, filling the day with laughter, excitement, and energy.   The programme continues to inspire young innovators to harness technology for the benefit of the ageing community, fostering a culture of care, creativity, and social responsibility - and bringing hope for a brighter, more inclusive future for all generations.   Visit Action Hub website for more details: https://actionhub.hk

The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, spearheaded by Ir Prof. Yongping ZHENG, has been awarded the 2026 Honoree in Digital Health at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2026

PolyU is committed to nurturing startups through its unique PolyVentures innovation ecosystem. These outstanding results are a testament to the University’s dedication to world-leading research and innovation, as well as its efforts to translate research excellence into impactful solutions that benefit society. Three innovations developed by PolyU and its startups have achieved remarkable success at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2026, garnering three prestigious Innovation Awards for their cutting-edge research and development achievements. One of the award-winning projects is the FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, spearheaded by Ir Prof. Yongping ZHENG, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of Eieling Technology Limited. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighing only 120 grams, this palm-sized portable device, complemented by its mobile app, can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards. This project has been awarded the 2026 Honoree in Digital Health of CES Innovative Awards 2026. Congratulations to Prof. ZHENG for this remarkable accomplishment! More: https://polyu.hk/kUgwO About CES Innovation Awards Organised annually by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is among the world’s most influential consumer electronics technology exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge electronic technology for modern living. The award-winning technologies alongside a diverse portfolio of forward-looking research innovations were showcased at CES 2026 held in Las Vegas on 6-9 January 2026.

Congratulations to Dr Man Ting AU on receiving the 2025 iCANX Young Scientists Award

Congratulations to Dr Man Ting AU on receiving the 2025 iCANX Young Scientists Award! Established in 2021, the iCANX Young Scientists Award is an annual award that recognises and honours leading young scientists worldwide for their exceptional achievements. As one of the three awardees from PolyU, Dr AU earned praise for her breakthrough research “Revitalising joints – In situ CAR Therapy for Osteoarthritis Treatment”. Her innovative Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) therapy targets senescence in osteoarthritic joints, offering a long-lasting, disease-modifying treatment to halt progression and revitalise joint tissue without the need for surgery. Congratulations once again to Dr AU for her excellence in research innovation!

Tencent STEAM for Good "Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing" (騰訊小紅花科創家之「愛．創耆樂」) Design Competition

Since 2019, the "Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing 愛．創耆樂" programme has upheld the mission of nurturing the younger generation to care for the elderly and to develop innovative solutions that improve the lives of seniors through technology. The programme consists of a Design Competition and a Challenge Competition, and has so far engaged around 2,000 young participants.   This year, the Design Competition is co-organised by the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, Tencent Charity Foundation and Tencent WeTech Academy.   Themed "Tech for Good", the Tencent STEAM for Good "Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing" Design Competition and Award Ceremony was held on 10 January 2026 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.   In addition to interactive sessions with seniors to understand their real needs and workshops on gerontechnology product design, the programme introduced new elements including STEAM workshops on Sports Science & Biomedical Engineering / Artificial Intelligence & Smart Home / Sensors & Robots, as well as in-school support sessions. Over 200 elderly participants were recruited and 15 “Gerontechnology Supervisors” were trained to offer guidance to the participating teams on how to better address the needs of seniors.   Over 100 teams across primary, secondary, and open categories submitted their proposals. After a preliminary selection, 60 teams with more than 260 participants competed on 10 January for 16 awards and 3 “Love. Innovate for Happy Ageing” scholarships.   The winning teams were selected based on their products' STEAM application, usability, and potential for improvement by a judging panel comprising over 250 biomedical engineers, representatives from technology companies, and elderly end-users. Scholarships were also awarded to teams whose products were considered suitable for further research and development, encouraging them to continue designing products using STEAM knowledge and skills.   The programme continues to inspire young innovators to harness technology for the benefit of the ageing community, fostering a culture of care, creativity, and social responsibility - and bringing hope for a brighter, more inclusive future for all generations.   Visit Action Hub website for more details: https://actionhub.hk

Prof. Emma Shujun WANG’s research on “Knowledge-guided adaptation of pathology foundation models effectively improves cross-domain generalization and demographic fairness” published in Nature Communications

Research paper titled “Knowledge-guided adaptation of pathology foundation models effectively improves cross-domain generalization and demographic fairness”, with Professor Emma Shujun WANG as one of the corresponding authors, was recently published in Nature Communications, an open access, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in all areas of the biological, health, physical, chemical, Earth, social, mathematical, applied, and engineering sciences.   “Knowledge-guided adaptation of pathology foundation models effectively improves cross-domain generalization and demographic fairness” Yanyan Huang, Weiqin Zhao, Zhengyu Zhang, Yihang Chen, Yu Fu, Feng Wu, Yuming Jiang, Li Liang*, Shujun Wang* and Lequan Yu* Nature Communications 16: 11485 (2025). doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66300-y   Abstract Foundation models in computational pathology suffer from site-specific and demographic biases, which compromise their generalizability and fairness. We introduce FLEX, a framework that employs a task-specific information bottleneck, guided by visual and textual domain knowledge, to disentangle robust pathological features from these artifacts. Using three large cohorts (The Cancer Genome Atlas, Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium, and an in-house dataset) across 16 clinical tasks, totaling over 9,900 slides, we demonstrate that FLEX achieves superior zero-shot generalization to unseen external cohorts, significantly outperforming baselines and narrowing the performance gap between seen and unseen domains. A comprehensive fairness analysis confirms that FLEX also effectively mitigates disparities across demographic groups. Furthermore, its versatility and scalability are proven through compatibility with various foundation models and multiple-instance learning architectures. Our work establishes FLEX as a promising solution for developing more generalizable and equitable pathology AI for diverse clinical settings.

PolyU BME welcomes new Professor Prof. Nanguang CHEN

PolyU BME warmly welcomes Prof. Nanguang CHEN, our new Professor! Prof. CHEN received his BEng in Electromagnetic Measurement and Instrumentation from Hunan University in 1988, MSc in Theoretical Physic from Peking University in 1994, and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Tsinghua University in 2000. His research interests include deep learning approach to inverse problem/image reconstruction, AI assisted resolution enhancement, laser speckling imaging, lightsheet microscopy, optical coherence tomography, microcirculation imaging, diffuse optical tomography for breast cancer detection, functional near-infrared spectroscopy for mental disease diagnosis/staging, and portable/wearable optical spectroscopy/imaging devices.