PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute unveiled, propelling medical and health industry development across regions

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday hosted an unveiling ceremony with the Wuhan Municipal People’s Government and the Qiaokou District People’s Government for the jointly established PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute). This milestone event marks a new chapter in advancing the medical and health industry development between Hong Kong and Wuhuan. Mr SHENG Yuechun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Wuhan Municipal Party Committee, said he attached great importance to the collaboration and held in-depth discussions with the PolyU delegation, led by Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, on the future development of the Institute.

The unveiling ceremony in Wuhan was officiated by Dr Lam Tai-fai; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Mr MENG Hui, Vice Mayor of Wuhan; Mr JIANG Tiebin, Deputy Head of the Organisation Department of the Wuhan Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Municipal Talent Work Bureau; Mr ZHU Xiaobin, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee and Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office; Ms DONG Danhong, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology Innovation; Ms BAI Meixia, Acting Director of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China’s Wuhan Economic and Trade Office; and Mr ZHOU Geng, Secretary of the Qiaokou District Party Committee, who witnessed the official establishment of the Institute in Wuhan.

Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Hubei Provincial Government, the Wuhan Municipal Government and the relevant departments for their trust and support, enabling PolyU to become the first university in Hong Kong to establish a technology and innovation research institute in Wuhan.” He added that the Institute will focus on ophthalmology and optometry, digital health, rehabilitation sciences, advanced medical technologies and smart ageing. By integrating Hong Kong’s research strengths with Wuhan’s robust healthcare industry, the Institute aims to drive technological innovation and product development for local enterprises, contributing to regional and national innovation.

Mr ZHAO Hongliang, Deputy Secretary of the Qiaokou District Party Committee and Mayor of the District Government, remarked, “Hubei and Hong Kong share close cultural ties and common values. As a hub for Hong Kong-funded enterprises, Qiaokou has a solid foundation for collaboration with Hong Kong. PolyU’s academic excellence and leading research capabilities align closely with Qiaokou’s key industries, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, and art and design.” He noted that the collaboration will drive deep integration of technological innovation and industrial development, creating a multiplier effect. Qiaokou will provide high-quality spaces, a comprehensive ecosystem and liveable environment, hoping that all parties can seize opportunities and achieve shared success in the future.

During the Ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao and Ms HE Min, Member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Organisation Department of the Qiaokou District Party Committee officiated at the plaque presentation for the Qiaokou District Overseas (Hong Kong) High-Level Talent Recruitment and Cultivation Base. Prof. HE Mingguang, Director of the Institute and Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology at PolyU School of Optometry, together with Mr CHEN Hua, Vice President of the Hong Kong Hubei Association and Founding Partner of Gaosen Capital, launched the PolyU Wuhan Science and Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Fund.

Prof. Marco Pang, Director of the Institute’s Rehabilitation Centre and Head of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (1st from left), represented the Institute in signing agreements with various enterprises.

At the same event, the Institute signed framework agreements and joint laboratory cooperation agreements with 22 local enterprises, ecosystem partners and collaborative laboratories in Wuhan to facilitate research projects, strengthen collaboration in technological innovation and deepen industry integration. The Institute features a 4,000-square-metre facility with 17 specialised laboratories, bringing together top research teams led by six PolyU professors. Four major centres have also been set up in ophthalmology and optometry, optoelectronic health monitoring, smart ageing and rehabilitation, and smart nursing.

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