News

PolyU successfully completes Hong Kong's first chip-based quantum network and test

The quantum chip operates at a clock rate of 1.25 GHz, generating and transmitting high-quality quantum-encoded signals with remarkable stability. This enables secure key generation at a rate of 45.73 kbps, facilitating reliable encrypted optical fibre communications over distances exceeding 100 kilometres. Moreover, the system dynamically adapts to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and vibrations, maintaining stable connections and paving the way for commercial deployment. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commented, “The rapid progress of quantum technology has prompted financial centres worldwide to proactively explore solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the quantum era. As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong must anticipate the threat posed by quantum computing and prepare ahead of time. This milestone not only addresses a strategic priority of the 15th Five-Year Plan but also aligns with the key initiative of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, which prioritises advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. This quantum chip presents an excellent opportunity for our innovative ecosystem to leverage its capabilities. As a leading research university, PolyU will continue to translate research outcomes into impactful applications, driving Hong Kong’s development as a global innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Liu emphasised, “PolyU has pioneered a new generation of quantum chips suitable for massive rollout. Unlike solutions assembled with discrete and bulk optical devices, our innovative approach offers four major advantages: high speed, high stability, low cost and superior scalability for mass production. This compact, lightweight, plug-and-play equipment is essential for building high performance and scalable quantum communication networks. In addition, its compatibility with existing network systems will enable financial institutions and government sectors to smoothly transition their systems, responding to emerging cybersecurity threats amplified by advancements in computing power.” The PolyU research team has successfully completed a test on an optical fibre network of approximately 55 kilometres, connecting four nodes across Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The quantum chip operates at a clock rate of 1.25 GHz, generating and transmitting high-quality quantum-encoded signals with remarkable stability. This enables secure key generation at a rate of 45.73 kbps, facilitating reliable encrypted optical fibre communications over distances exceeding 100 kilometres. Moreover, the system dynamically adapts to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and vibrations, maintaining stable connections and paving the way for commercial deployment. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, commented, “The rapid progress of quantum technology has prompted financial centres worldwide to proactively explore solutions to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the quantum era. As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong must anticipate the threat posed by quantum computing and prepare ahead of time. This milestone not only addresses a strategic priority of the 15th Five-Year Plan but also aligns with the key initiative of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, which prioritises advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. This quantum chip presents an excellent opportunity for our innovative ecosystem to leverage its capabilities. As a leading research university, PolyU will continue to translate research outcomes into impactful applications, driving Hong Kong’s development as a global innovation and technology hub.” Prof. Liu emphasised, “PolyU has pioneered a new generation of quantum chips suitable for massive rollout. Unlike solutions assembled with discrete and bulk optical devices, our innovative approach offers four major advantages: high speed, high stability, low cost and superior scalability for mass production. This compact, lightweight, plug-and-play equipment is essential for building high performance and scalable quantum communication networks. In addition, its compatibility with existing network systems will enable financial institutions and government sectors to smoothly transition their systems, responding to emerging cybersecurity threats amplified by advancements in computing power.” Prof. Ai-Qun Liu (centre) with his research team at the PolyU Research Institute for Quantum Technology. He reiterated that RIQT will continue to refine and test the multipoint transmission technology at scale, leveraging existing network infrastructure. This will pave the way for the widespread adoption of quantum communication across various scenarios, encompassing multiple industries. Ultimately, Hong Kong can seamlessly transition to the next generation of smart quantum networks, supported by a comprehensive and secure environment.

PolyU participates in life and health industry roundtable conference, creating a new future for the industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the life and health industry roundtable conference in Changsha on 12 November, jointly organised by InvestHK, the Hunan Federation of Industry and Commerce, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan of the HKSAR Government. The event attracted over 70 representatives from enterprises, government, and media to explore the future of the life and health industry, with fruitful discussions and sharing. PolyU is dedicated to leveraging the University’s academic and research excellence in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and drug development to foster impactful applications and advance research translation in collaboration with industries and institutions. 

PolyU researchers drive commercialisation of energy-efficient solar cell technology towards 40% efficiency milestone

Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. An engineering research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has reported a breakthrough in their review of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs), focusing on addressing challenges that include improving efficiency, stability and scalability. The team has conducted a comprehensive analysis of TSC performance and provided strategic recommendations, which aim to raise the energy conversion efficiency of this new type of solar cell from the current maximum of approximately 34% to around 40%. The team hopes to accelerate the commercialisation of perovskite/silicon TSCs through industry-academia-research collaboration, while aligning with the Nation’s strategic plan of carbon peaking and neutrality and promoting the development of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence through renewable energy. The research team comprises leading scholars including Prof. LI Gang, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology and Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Energy, and Prof. YANG Guang, Assistant Professor, both of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. They conducted a critical review of the challenges and future prospects of perovskite/silicon TSCs. Their review article, “Towards efficient, scalable and stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells”, has been published in the international journal Nature Photonics. Tackling stability and manufacturing challenges “While lab-scale devices have shown impressive efficiency advancement, further efforts are needed to improve their reliability, including minimising efficiency losses from small-area devices to large-area modules,” said Prof. Li Gang. “Special focus should also be given to ensuring that the manufacturability of materials and methods aligns with industrial standards.” To address these issues, Prof. Yang Guang and the team has highlighted several critical technical challenges. First, the intrinsic instability of perovskite materials under environmental stresses such as moisture, oxygen, ultraviolet light and thermal fluctuation remain a major challenge. Secondly, translating tandem devices to commercial-scale modules requires overcoming hurdles related to uniformity, defect control and large-area fabrication. Although preliminary outdoor testing of perovskite/silicon TSCs has been conducted, certified data on their long-term reliability remain scarce. To better assess the actual lifetime and commercial potential of these cells, the researchers recommend rigorous accelerated stability testing based on standardised procedures outlined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Additionally, while perovskite raw materials are relatively low-cost, the use of rare elements and heavy metal lead in most cell designs raises significant environmental and regulatory concerns. The research therefore advocates for the development of sustainable alternatives, along with efficient recycling or lead sequestration strategies to enable viable commercialisation. Promoting industry-academia-research collaboration to accelerate deployment and drive cost reduction and efficiency gains The PolyU team advocates for industry-academia-research collaboration through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates material science, device engineering and economic modelling to advance this promising photovoltaic technology. “The development of efficient and reliable perovskite/silicon TSCs must address these remaining scientific challenges to achieve lower levelised electricity costs,” said Prof. Yang Guang. “The team hopes this research review will facilitate the transition of the technology from laboratory studies to commercial fabrication, while closely aligning with the Nation’s strategic plan of carbon peaking and neutrality. By providing a stable supply of high-efficiency renewable energy, we aim to deliver green and reliable power support for high-energy-consuming industries such as artificial intelligence, thereby helping to achieve a low-carbon transformation of the energy structure.”

PolyU scholar named Fellow of the China Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge knowledge and fostering academic excellence across various disciplines. Prof. QIAO Zhonghua, Chair Professor of Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing and RGC Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Mathematics, has been named a Fellow of the China Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (CSIAM). The fellowship is the highest and lifetime academic honour conferred by the CSIAM, recognising of the recipient’s extraordinary achievements in the field of industrial and applied mathematics. This honor not only signifies high recognition of Prof. QIAO’s significant contributions to the design and analysis of numerical algorithms for differential equations but also highlights his groundbreaking achievements in the numerical study of multiphase complex systems. Prof. QIAO's research on semi-implicit and unconditionally energy-stable numerical methods for multiphase complex systems holds pioneering significance. He has proposed a series of original energy-stable algorithms and numerical methods preserving the maximum bound principle, while introducing efficient adaptive time-stepping strategies that achieve an optimal balance between computational efficiency and accuracy, significantly enhancing the reliability and precision of phase-field model simulations. Furthermore, he has conducted rigorous theoretical analysis of the L-infinity stability of exponential time differencing (ETD) numerical methods, providing crucial impetus for the theoretical development and computational practice of phase-field models containing high-order diffusion terms. CSIAM, incorporated in 1990, aims to promote innovation in industrial and applied mathematics research and to advance the application of mathematics to industry, science, and society. This year's the 23rd annual conference was held in Changsha, Hunan, with over 1,800 experts, academics, and enterprise leaders participating.

Media interview: PolyU scholar discusses innovation and digitalisation

Ir Prof. ZHENG Pai, Associate Professor and Wong Tit Shing Endowed Young Scholar in Smart Robotics in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was invited to present his latest research at the 2025 World Laureates Forum in Shanghai. He was later featured in a media interview to share his insights on the transformative role of technology in shaping the future of industries. In the interview, he emphasised how innovation and digitalisation are driving structural changes across sectors, creating new opportunities for growth and competitiveness. He highlighted the importance of integrating advanced technologies with practical applications to build resilient business models that support sustainable development strategies. Prof. Zheng also discussed the global implications of these trends, noting that enterprises must adapt quickly to remain relevant in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world. His perspective underscores the critical role of research and collaboration in fostering innovation ecosystems that create shared value for both industry and society.  

PolyU strengthens international ties with the German delegation focused on food innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomed a distinguished delegation from the German Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt on 10 November for a collaborative exchange on the future of food technology and sustainable innovation. The delegation, comprising senior officials from the State Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt, leaders from the German food industry, and academics from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, embarked on a curated programme to explore PolyU’s cutting-edge research facilities. They toured the Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment and the Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture, where Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food at PolyU, showcased pioneering work in urban agriculture and the development of 3D printing materials made from food waste. The delegation also visited the Food and Wine Academy at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, gaining insight into PolyU’s interdisciplinary approach to the food ecosystem. This fruitful visit marks a significant step in fostering international collaboration, and PolyU looks forward to potential partnerships that advance global food sustainability.  

PolyU research develops AI-driven, GIS Compatible vehicle type detection system supported by Smart Traffic Fund

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing innovative transportation technologies that shape the future of mobility. A novel PolyU research project to develop a vehicle type detection system using artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies has received support from the Smart Traffic Fund, helping to facilitate traffic management in Hong Kong. Led by Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence and Global STEM Scholar at the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Director of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) and JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations, and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Land and Space, the project titled “AI-Driven, GIS-Compatible Vehicle Type Detection System Riding on Fusion of Satellite, CCTV, and Geospatial Data” has received support from the Smart Traffic Fund, with approximately HK$3.23 million in funding over a duration of 24 months. With matching funds, this project will have a total budget of over HK$4.03 million. This project aims to develop a vehicle type detection system based on satellite and CCTV images. It will address existing AI limitations, such as limited generalisation capability and complex background interference. By developing AI-powered image analysis technology and establishing a vehicle type detection system compatible with geographic information systems, the project will deliver precise vehicle data analytics to facilitate traffic management in Hong Kong. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with a total of 27 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to date. The RCAIG was established as a joint effort between five academic departments in three faculties at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The RCAIG focuses on developing innovative Al technologies for solving environmental and societal challenges in geomatics, with the vision of becoming a global R&D hub in GeoAl. The JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations is a joint effort of PolyU, Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and the Hong Kong SAR government to support the "Global STEM Professorship Scheme". The laboratory focuses on the development of original and innovative Earth Observation (EO) methodologies and technologies and their applications for studies of the causes, effects, and responses to environmental and societal challenges in cities and urban areas, with the goal of becoming a global research hub in EO. The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety.

PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially inaugurated, four major research centres to support industrial upgrading

Jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the People’s Government of Keqiao District, Shaoxing, the PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute) was officially inaugurated yesterday, together with a plaque-unveiling ceremony to mark the setting-up of InnoHub@Shaoxing. This represents a new phase of collaboration in technological innovation between Hong Kong and Shaoxing, opening a new chapter in the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Marking the official establishment of the Institute, the inauguration ceremony in Shaoxing was officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement); Prof. John XIN, Director of the Institute, together with Ms WU Dengfen, Deputy Secretary of the Shaoxing Municipal Party Committee and Mayor; Ms ZHANG Xue, Vice Mayor of the Shaoxing People’s Government; Mr JING Yao, Deputy Secretary of the Keqiao District Party Committee and District Mayor; and Mr PAN Xiaodong, Standing Committee Member and Head of the Organisation Department of the Keqiao District Party Committee. Dr Lam Tai-fai remarked, “The Institute is Shaoxing’s first collaborative platform between the Shaoxing Government and academic partner outside Shaoxing, fully demonstrating the strong emphasis placed by all levels of Government on higher education and technological innovation. PolyU will work hand in hand with Shaoxing to deepen collaborative innovation among Government, industry, academia and research sectors, encouraging the translation of high-calibre research outcomes for mutual benefit and growth.” Ms Wu Dengfen said, “Since Keqiao District and PolyU signed the agreement to jointly establish the Institute last September, we have worked together closely. In just over a year, the Institute has been established and brought into operation, and has become a national-level intellectual property protection demonstration zone. This provides enterprises and talent with strong support for innovation and an enabling environment for development.” The Institute has established four major research centres, focusing on smart textiles, modern residential construction, carbon fibre composite materials, and food nutrition and health. Prof. Christopher Chao noted that these research areas are closely aligned with national strategies and the mission of local industry clusters. By leveraging PolyU strength in research innovation and knowledge transfer, the Institute will drive technological innovation and the commercialisation of research outcomes, thereby promoting sustainable regional development. The event also featured a plaque presentation marking the setting-up of InnoHub@Shaoxing, during which Dr Lam Tai-fai and Prof. Christopher Chao presented the plaque to Prof. Dong Cheng and Prof. John Xin. Agreements were signed between the Institute and several local enterprises in Shaoxing to promote collaboration in technological innovation and deepen industry integration. The Institute is not only a research platform but also a significant initiative to support PolyU’s deep integration into the innovation ecosystem of the Yangtze River Delta and to serve the Nation’s regional development strategies, becoming a model of cooperation between Hong Kong and Shaoxing. Moving forward, the Institute will adopt a development philosophy of “openness, synergy and efficiency”, pooling innovation resources at home and abroad to address the practical needs of Keqiao industries and inject fresh momentum into Shaoxing’s high-quality development, making greater contributions to national technological innovation. At the same event, Dr Lam Tai-fai (2nd from left) and Prof. Christopher Chao (1st from left) presented a plaque to Prof. Dong Cheng (2nd from right) and Prof. John Xin (1st from right) to mark the setting-up of InnoHub@Shaoxing. Agreements were signed between the Institute and several local enterprises in Shaoxing to promote collaboration in technological innovation and deepen industry integration.  

Delegation from the Guangdong Science and Technology Department visits PolyU

A delegation led by Mr Yang Jun, Deputy Director-General of the Guangdong Science and Technology Department, visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 6 November to explore opportunities for deepening scientific research collaboration and advancing the development of joint laboratories between Guangdong and Hong Kong. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of the University's research achievements in driving industrial development, as well as its strategic vision for future innovation.  Mr Yang elaborated on both national and industrial needs, highlighting the strong alignment in collaborative priorities between the two sides. During the meeting, both parties discussed potential research partnerships in fields such as artificial intelligence and sustainable development. They also explored strategies to accelerate the establishment of joint laboratories and to enhance resource allocation, aiming to facilitate the transformation of research outcomes by leveraging Hong Kong's distinctive advantages. Following the discussions, the delegation visited the Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Marine Infrastructure, gaining first-hand insight into PolyU's leading technologies and practical achievements in developing next-generation marine infrastructure. The delegation highly commended the research team's work. The laboratory, supported by Guangdong Science and Technology Department and led by PolyU in collaboration with the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority, Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute and CCCC Fourth Harbor Engineering Institute Co., Ltd., exemplifies the deep integration and strong cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong across government, industry, academia, and research sectors.  

PolyU researchers innovate multi-tier intelligent inspection system for safer and sustainable bridge infrastructure

The rising traffic density and heavier loads on the city’s vast network of bridges and highways have posed challenges to establishing an efficient and reliable inspection system for road safety. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed an innovative intelligent model with a multi-tier design to advance the inspection and evaluation process for surface and subsurface defect detection and safety for concrete bridges, contributing to a more sustainable public infrastructure.   Elevated temperatures and humidity accelerate rebar corrosion and concrete degradation, leading to cracks, spalling, and structural weakening. These issues are further exacerbated in dense urban environments, where inspection and repairs are logistically complex. While visual inspection (VI) remains the primary method for assessing structural conditions, it often fails to identify subsurface defects such as rebar corrosion. To overcome these limitations, Prof. Tarek ZAYED, Professor of the Department of Building and Real Estate of the PolyU, and his research team have advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies to proactively detect both surface and subsurface defects in concrete bridge decks, enhancing accuracy and improving road safety.  The research integrated advanced technologies, including drone-enabled VI for automated data collection, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for mapping subsurface corrosion, and infrared thermography (IRT) for detecting internal concrete delamination. Machine learning algorithms help analyse the combined data, forming a comprehensive multi-tier system for identifying critical structural defects.  Prof. ZAYED said, “Our hybrid inspection system innovatively combines drones, GPR, and IRT to enhance defect detection through an integrated, AI-powered approach. It improves inspection efficiency and accuracy, and generates deterioration analysis reports, such as the bridge deck efficiency index. A smart, user-friendly tool that automates bridge deck efficiency data analysis is designed for practical applications. Furthermore, we standardise inspections with the establishment of a 5-point severity rating scale to prioritise repairs.” Growing traffic loads heighten the need for frequent bridge inspections, particularly for detecting surface cracks, which are the most prevalent defects. However, conventional VI has certain limitations in accuracy, labor intensity, and subjectivity. In response, Prof. ZAYED and the team developed YOLOv8-GAM-WISE-IoU, a highly efficient deep convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model for automated bridge crack detection. Research results demonstrated superior precision, showing that this novel computer vision model holds strong potential for real-world deployment across various applications.  GPR is a leading NDT technology for real-time evaluation of concrete corrosion, but its data analysis can be complex and time-consuming. To address this, the research team introduced a fully automated method for GPR data interpretation, along with reinforced corrosion evaluation. The developed method features both robust rebar picking and corrosion mapping, with over 98% precision and recall. This standardised approach also accurately identifies potential corrosion zones.  Harsh environments, aging, and traffic-induced wear can deteriorate concrete elements, and cause structural damage and surface cracks, leading to rebar corrosion in bridge decks. Harnessing IRT technology, the team established an optimum thermal gradient threshold (OTGT) system to detect delaminated areas in the concrete bridge deck. This smart system also generates delamination maps and threshold values, facilitating timely diagnosis and maintenance to extend bridge lifespan.  Prof. ZAYED’s research in advancing bridge inspection and safety has been published in international journals, including Construction and Building Materials, Automation in Construction, and Advanced Engineering Informatics. The research was also supported by the Smart Traffic Fund, with a grant of around 8 million under the grant number of PSRI/14/2109/RA.