PolyU hosts Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Conference cum 1st Annual General Meeting of Mainland Translational Research Institutes

To deepen industry-academia-research integration and accelerate the translation of research outcomes, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the People’s Government of Fujian Province, hosted the two-day “PolyU Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Conference cum 1st Annual General Meeting of Mainland Translational Research Institutes (2025)” in Jinjiang, Fujian Province. The event attracted over 3,500 participants from government, academia, the innovation and technology sector, the investment sector and the public. Through the Conference, roundtable forums, exhibition and project roadshows, the event showcased PolyU’s cutting-edge research achievements and built bridges between research and industry, supporting the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy.

The event was held at the Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center. The opening was officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Mr LIN Ruiliang, Vice Governor of Fujian Province; Mr LI Zhizhong, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Fujian Province; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Mr LI Lin, Director General of HKMAO of Fujian Province; Mr LEI Lianming, Vice Mayor of Quanzhou Municipal Government; Mr WANG Mingyuan, Mayor of Jinjiang; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; and Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) of PolyU.

In his address, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “The PolyU Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Conference will become a significant annual event. The inaugural conference in Jinjiang further highlights Jinjiang’s pivotal role in the PolyU innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Together, we will witness a series of PolyU research outcomes transitioning from ‘laboratory to production line’ and from ‘academic papers to products’, fostering a more advanced innovation ecosystem through pragmatic collaboration and achieving deeper synergistic development.

Guided by our University motto ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’ and our mission ‘To pursue world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits’, PolyU has established 12 Translational Research Institutes in different Chinese Mainland cities, as well as two Research Institutes and a Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre in Shenzhen. Until now, nine InnoHub centres have been launched to support research translation and entrepreneurial talent cultivation. Each Institute focuses on specific areas, aligning precisely with local industrial and societal development needs to facilitate the translation and application of PolyU research outcomes. We look forward to driving the implementation of further high-level research outcomes, achieving mutual benefit and coordinated development, and contributing to building a technologically advanced nation and promoting high-quality development.”

During the event, PolyU and Anta (China) Co., Ltd signed a collaboration agreement. Meanwhile, the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute entered into partnerships with Fujian Panpan Food Co., Ltd, Quanzhou Normal University, Kaida Group, Jinjiang New Silk Road Health Industry Co. and Jinjiang Nursing Association. Additionally, agreements were signed with Fujian Jinjiang Industrial Development Investment Group Co., Ltd and AnLight Optoelectronic Technology Inc., further strengthening technological innovation cooperation and deepening industry integration.

The event featured distinguished speakers: Prof. Jin-Guang Teng highlighted PolyU achievements in knowledge transfer and tech entrepreneurship; Mr FANG Bing, Co-founder of Hai Robotics in Shenzhen, shared insights on intelligent manufacturing collaboration; Mr MI Lei, Founding Partner of CASStar, discussed investment in future industries; and Mr WANG Jun, Deputy Executive President of Bank of China Group Investment Limited, shared practical experiences in technology investment.

PolyU and the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute signed collaboration agreements with multiple local corporations, and higher education and professional institutions, strengthening technological innovation cooperation and deepening industry integration.	Mr Fang Bing, Co-founder of Hai Robotics in Shenzhen, shared insights on intelligent manufacturing collaboration.
Mr Mi Lei, Founding Partner of CASStar, discussed investment in future industries.	Mr Wang Jun, Deputy Executive President at Bank of China Group Investment Limited, shared practical experiences in technology investment.

Two roundtable forums explored key topics in innovation and technology:

• “Talent and Research”: Moderated by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU, with participation from Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research) of PolyU; Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Director of the PolyU-Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute and Chair Professor of Smart Structures and Rail Transit of PolyU; Prof. LEE Ming-yuen, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences of the PolyU Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Prof. Hongxia YANG, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence and Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences; and Prof. YU Hongyu, Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering
• “Incubation and Translation”: Moderated by Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Director of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices of PolyU, with participation from Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Ms Yuxia ZHANG, Chairperson of the Zhongcai Financial New Media Fund; Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU; and Prof. Tommy WEI, PolyU-Qianhai Technology and Innovation Research Centre and Professor of the PolyU Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering

A concurrent exhibition showcased technological outcomes across five themed zones: Smart Manufacturing and Materials, Biomedicine and Medical Devices; Information and Artificial Intelligence; Smart City and Transportation; and Green, Low-Carbon and Energy. With over 140 booths, the exhibition featured nearly 250 outstanding research projects from PolyU, 15 research institutes and research centre in Chinese Mainland, startups, Future Challenge winners and alumni, attracting industry representatives for on-site engagement.

The guests visited the technological outcomes exhibition which highlighted nearly 250 PolyU research projects.

The technological outcomes exhibition featured five themed zones with over 140 booths, showcasing outstanding research projects from PolyU, 15 research institutes and research centre from Chinese Mainland, startups, winners from PolyU International Future Challenge, and alumni.

The exhibition also featured PolyU postgraduate and undergraduate admission briefings. Among the speakers, Prof. HE Mingguang, Programme Director of the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology of the PolyU School of Optometry, introduced the newly launched Master of Technology Entrepreneurship, which aims to cultivate the next generation of technological entrepreneurs. Students will primarily study at the PolyU main campus and subsequently undertake a practical immersion project at one of the Mainland Translational Research Institutes, equipping students with skills to transform innovative ideas and cutting-edge research into successful startups.

The Exhibition also included PolyU postgraduate and undergraduate admission briefings, highlighting the newly launched Master of Technology Entrepreneurship.

PolyU has long been committed to technological innovation and research translation, establishing 12 Translational Research Institutes in Jinjiang, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Nanjing, Huizhou, Zhongshan, Wuhan, Shaoxing, Hefei, Ganzhou and Zibo, two Research Institutes in Shenzhen, and a Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre in Qianhai. These form a robust network integrating industry, academia and research.

This event marks a significant step in integrating innovation resources and deepening collaboration with Chinese Mainland. The PolyU Fujian Alumni Network and the PolyU Finance Industry Alumni Network were also officially established, further uniting alumni strength. Looking forward, PolyU will continue to leverage its research and talent advantages, deepen cooperation with governments and industry partners across Chinese Mainland, contributing to the Nation’s technological self-reliance and Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.

***END***