PolyU x BOCHK launch space-themed programme 2025/26 to jointly nurture aerospace technology innovators in Greater Bay Area

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has played an active role in the Nation’s space missions and is committed to nurturing the next generation of space science and aerospace technology talent, contributing to the Nation’s space endeavours. This year, PolyU has once again launched its space-themed programme, “Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station”. An inaugural public lecture was held on 24 January on the PolyU campus to mark the launch of the programme. The event attracted over a hundred teachers and students from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to attend in person, while it was simultaneously live-streamed on multiple social media platforms in Chinese Mainland, drawing nearly 8,000 online viewers and receiving an enthusiastic response.

In her welcoming address, Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), said, “At PolyU, our commitment goes beyond education; we are deeply engaged in space research and missions. This strong research foundation enables us to engage you with authentic, cutting-edge topics such as robotic exploration, lunar mapping, surface operations, and planning for future facilities like the International Lunar Research Station. Through today’s lecture and the related competition, we hope you will discover how what you learn in school, such as physics, mathematics, computing, engineering and even design, can one day be applied to real missions in deep space exploration, contributing to humanity’s exploration of the universe.”

The lecture, themed “Robotic Exploration at the Lunar South Pole”, was delivered by Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations at PolyU. Prof. Wu gave an accessible yet insightful presentation on the construction of a lunar research station and the development of space robotics, inspiring students’ interest in aerospace technology. The lecture sparked lively discussion during the Q&A session, showcasing students’ strong enthusiasm for space technology and their inquisitive spirit.

This year’s space-themed programme is organised by PolyU and co-organised by the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. It is sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK), with support from the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics. The programme aims to inspire students’ interest in space science, engineering and exploration on the lunar south pole while enhancing their understanding of the scientific and technological challenges associated with robotics on the lunar south pole. The programme also aims to foster innovative thinking and nurture future talent for the Nation’s space endeavours.

In line with China’s plans for building the International Lunar Research Station as well as the upcoming Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions and aiming to foster innovation across STEM disciplines, the programme features a Lunar Robot Design Competition. Participating teams will be tasked with designing a robot capable of conducting research and exploration on the lunar south pole, with their designs supported by scientific research. Each team will be required to submit a written proposal comprising a conceptual design and technical drawings, followed by a prototype of their robot in 3D printed or digital model/animation format.

Registration for the competition is now open. Student teams from Secondary 3–5/Gao 1–2/Grade 9–11 (US curriculum)/Year 10–12 (UK curriculum) from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area are welcome to participate. Proposal submissions are due by 31 March 2026.

An adjudication panel will shortlist 10 finalist teams. The shortlisted teams will be invited to visit the PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and cash prizes will be awarded based on the final assessment results. All participating students will receive a certificate of participation, while finalists will be invited to join the PolyU Summer Institute 2026. Should the students participating in the competition later apply for admission to PolyU through the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme, their outstanding performance in this competition will be recognised.

For more information about the space-themed programme, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/polyu-space-themed-programme/

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