Media Releases

PolyU Aerospace Research Academy unveils research development roadmap, harnessing interdisciplinary strengths to advance aerospace research and innovation

The Nation is accelerating its development into a leading aerospace power, while Hong Kong is advancing in the areas of aviation, aerospace and the low-altitude economy, creating new opportunities for research innovation and industrial development. On 1 July this year, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) established the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA) to further consolidate the University’s research capabilities in aerospace. Today, PolyU unveiled PARA’s research development roadmap. PARA will continue to focus on key areas including deep space exploration, large aircraft, low-altitude economy and space manufacturing, while further expanding its focus into frontier research areas spanning advanced satellites and payloads, health and wellbeing in space and extreme environment, space computing, space governance, advanced aviation materials and advanced propulsion technologies, driving interdisciplinary aerospace research and technological breakthroughs. PolyU has a strong foundation in aerospace research and is the only university in Hong Kong to have participated consecutively in the Nation’s Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 lunar exploration missions, as well as the Tianwen-1 Mars exploration mission and Tianwen-2 asteroid exploration mission. Over the years, PolyU research teams have continued to advance research frontiers in areas including deep space exploration, space instrumentation, precision engineering and remote sensing, with relevant technologies applied in major national space missions. In recent years, PolyU has also expanded its research into related emerging areas such as the low-altitude economy and space manufacturing. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Interim Director of PARA, said, “PolyU has always placed strong emphasis on research and innovation, conducting impactful research that responds to the needs of the Nation and society. PolyU has distinctive and well-established strengths in aerospace. The establishment of PARA marks an important step in further strengthening the University’s research framework, with its research academies serving as key pillars. Driven by the demands of aerospace and oriented around critical challenges, PARA will synergise strengths and resources across disciplines to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating industry, academia and research, and advancing strategic research and knowledge transfer. We envision PARA not only as an important platform for aerospace research at PolyU, but also as a hub connecting research and industry in Hong Kong, the Nation and around the world. By better aligning the Nation’s needs, Hong Kong’s strengths and PolyU’s capabilities, we aim to contribute through research and innovation to the advancement of aerospace technology and related industries in Hong Kong and the Nation.” Aerospace research encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines and expertise. From deep space exploration and large aircraft to the low-altitude economy and space manufacturing, it draws on areas including precision engineering, materials science, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, robotics, data science, intelligent manufacturing, energy, communications and navigation. PARA will bring together PolyU research strengths in these areas, with a focus on major research challenges and practical needs, to foster interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration. Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Vice President (Research) of PolyU, said, “Interdisciplinary collaboration has been an important direction of PolyU’s efforts to advance ‘organised research’ in recent years. We aim to move beyond conventional research structures defined by departments and disciplines by bringing together researchers from different fields around major research challenges and societal needs, and effectively connecting diverse knowledge, technologies and research platforms. PARA will further consolidate PolyU’s aerospace research capabilities, forge closer collaboration with leading national research institutions and industry partners, and translate the University’s research strengths into major research breakthroughs, innovative technologies and tangible outcomes that serve the Nation and society.” PARA currently encompasses the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), the COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA), the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE), and the PolyU–CSU Joint Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology (RCSMT). PARA will also connect other relevant research capabilities across the University to further expand the PolyU aerospace research portfolio. Prof. Hongyu YU, Executive Director of PARA of PolyU, said, “PARA will fully leverage PolyU’s research strengths across different areas of aerospace, promote interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration, and open up new research directions. We will pursue breakthroughs in key technologies and accelerate research translation, expand collaboration with research and industry partners in the Nation and internationally, and nurture a new generation of aerospace research talent, thereby broadening the impact of the University’s research.” Externally, PolyU has established partnerships with research institutions under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in frontier areas including space manufacturing and lunar exploration. The University is also collaborating with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) in areas including artificial intelligence, big data and advanced materials, covering both research and talent development and the laying of a solid foundation for further advances in aerospace research. Looking ahead, PARA will further deepen collaboration with research institutions and industry partners within the Nation and internationally. Through research and innovation, talent development and research translation, PARA will strengthen PolyU’s research and innovation capabilities in aerospace technologies, while facilitating the translation and application of research outcomes in Hong Kong and contributing to the Nation’s development in space technology. ***END***

Advancing Innovation in Rehabilitation Services through the Strategic Academic-Private Partnership among PolyU, Precious Blood Hospital (Caritas) and Canossa Hospital (Caritas) to integrate research, clinical services and education

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Precious Blood Hospital (Caritas) (Precious Blood Hospital), and Canossa Hospital (Caritas) (Canossa Hospital) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic partnership covering rehabilitation services, research and clinical education. By leveraging their respective strengths in clinical practice, rehabilitation research and advanced technology (knowledge transfer), the three parties aim to advance rehabilitation services while nurturing the next generation of rehabilitation professionals. Under the collaboration framework, PolyU and Precious Blood Hospital will establish a Joint Health Centre dedicated to supporting patients preparing for and undergoing joint replacement surgery, particularly total knee replacement procedures. The Centre will provide a one-stop rehabilitation service covering the entire patient journey, from pre-operative preparation and inpatient care to post-operative rehabilitation. Drawing on its extensive research outcomes and innovative technologies, the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will provide differentiated diagnosis and personalised rehabilitation management tailored to patients at different treatment stages, strengthening continuity of care, enabling patients to regain mobility faster and improving their quality of life. PolyU will also collaborate with Canossa Hospital to set up a dedicated health centre that complements its niche specialty services. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus today. The signing was witnessed by Prof. Michael YING, Associate Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Ms Foina CHEUNG, Chief Operating Officer of Precious Blood Hospital. The MOU was signed by Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Prof. Joseph LUI, Medical Superintendent of Precious Blood Hospital, and Dr Andrew HUI, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Canossa Hospital, representing the three parties. Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Ying said, “PolyU has long upheld its motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’, and is committed to advancing impactful education, research and knowledge transfer initiatives that address societal needs. As the population ages and demand for high-quality rehabilitation services continues to grow, there is an increasing need for innovative care models that deliver more comprehensive, personalised and effective rehabilitation. PolyU has extensive research strength and clinical experience in rehabilitation sciences, and we hope, through this collaboration, to further integrate research innovation with clinical practice to advance physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitation disciplines, thereby contributing to the health and well-being of the community.” The Joint Health Centre will also serve as a platform for clinical research and knowledge transfer. By integrating routine clinical services with patient data collection and long-term follow-up, the Centre will establish a real-world clinical database to support the development of evidence-based rehabilitation pathways and further improve patient outcomes. In addition, the three parties will jointly advance research in digital health and artificial intelligence, exploring the potential of innovative technologies in pre-operative outcome assessment, post-operative recovery monitoring and personalised rehabilitation support. The collaboration seeks to promote more precise and patient-centred models of rehabilitation care. On the education front, the partnership will provide PolyU students in rehabilitation disciplines with enhanced clinical learning opportunities. Under the guidance of experienced practising clinicians, students will gain first-hand exposure to real-world healthcare settings, understand how technology-enabled models of care are integrated into clinical practice and appreciate how research findings are translated into healthcare services, thereby strengthening their professional competencies and innovative thinking. *** End ***

PolyU delegation visits Wuhan to deepen Hubei-Hong Kong collaboration in innovation and technology; PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute marks first anniversary and translation of research outcomes

A delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), led by Council Chairman Dr LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, visited Wuhan, Hubei, from 3 to 6 November. The delegation met with provincial and municipal leaders, including Mr GUAN Zhi’ou, Secretary of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee; Mr LI Dianxun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee and Governor of Hubei Province; Mr SHENG Yuechun, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Wuhan Municipal Committee; and Ms CHEN Ping, Vice Governor of Hubei Province. They exchanged views on strengthening collaboration between Hubei and Hong Kong in areas including innovation and technology, the translation of research outcomes and talent development. During the visit, the delegation also attended the first anniversary celebration of the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute (WHRI) and the Wuhan-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Exchange Conference, which showcased the Institute’s achievements over its inaugural year and outlined plans for the next phase of its development, further advancing the translation and commercialisation of PolyU research outcomes in Wuhan and Hubei. Dr Lam Tai-fai and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng outlined the University’s development, educational philosophy, collaborative innovation initiatives and approach to talent development. They stated that PolyU would continue to leverage its strengths in research, innovation and talent in support of Hubei’s development needs, while further strengthening the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute and deepening practical collaboration in areas including technology transfer and commercialisation, industrial transformation and upgrading, joint talent cultivation, as well as academic and cultural exchange. Through these efforts, the University aims to better serve national strategies and contribute to Hubei’s development as a key strategic hub for the rise of Central China. Mr Guan Zhi’ou noted that Hubei and PolyU have achieved fruitful results through their exchanges and collaboration in recent years, including in the joint establishment of WHRI. Hubei is currently working towards the mission set out by General Secretary Xi Jinping of accelerating its development into a key strategic hub for the rise of Central China. The province is making every effort to develop Wuhan into a regional innovation and technology centre, accelerate the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, and advance the integrated development of education, technology and talent. These priorities offer broad prospects for further collaboration between Hubei and PolyU. He expressed the hope that PolyU would leverage its unique strengths to further strengthen innovation collaboration with universities, local authorities and enterprises in Hubei, deepen comprehensive collaboration in talent development, and tackle key research challenges and the translation of research outcomes, thereby jointly serving overall national development. Meanwhile, Hubei will continue to foster a first-class innovation ecosystem and create a favourable environment for PolyU’s development in the province. During the visit, the delegation also attended the first anniversary celebration of WHRI and the Wuhan-Hong Kong Collaborative Innovation Exchange Conference. The event brought together representatives from the Hubei Provincial Government, Wuhan Municipal Government and Qiaokou District Government, as well as partners, PolyU scholars and startup teams, to witness the Institute’s achievements in its inaugural year and learn about plans for its next stage of development. In his address, Dr Lam Tai-fai stated, “WHRI serves as an important strategic platform for the University to support the development of Central China and strengthen innovation and technology collaboration between Hubei and Hong Kong. Over the past year, with the guidance of the Government and the concerted efforts of all parties, the Institute has established channels connecting innovation and technology resources in Hubei and Hong Kong, and has created an important bridge for collaboration between the University and the local community. PolyU will remain steadfast in its strategic positioning, deepen collaboration among stakeholders and nurture a solid talent foundation. The University will continue to fully support the Institute’s development, support technological innovation and industrial upgrading in Wuhan and across Hubei, and contribute to deeper integration of education, science and technology between Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong.” PolyU signed collaboration agreements with the Cyberspace Security University of China and Jianghan University respectively, further strengthening collaboration in research and education. The PolyU InnoHub@Wuhan was also officially inaugurated, with incubation agreements signed with its first cohort of resident organisations. In addition, WHRI signed collaboration agreements with a number of local organisations on implemented projects. A range of innovative products and projects were also showcased, highlighting the progress made in the translation and commercialisation of PolyU research outcomes in Wuhan. In the year since its establishment, WHRI has facilitated the translation and commercialisation of six high-quality projects, supported more than 10 projects under incubation and nurtured 10 technology enterprises. It has secured nearly RMB10 million in contract value for technology and service projects. The Institute has also filed eight patent applications, two of which have already been commercialised, effectively connecting Hong Kong research resources with the industrial needs of Central China. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to leverage WHRI as a key platform, bringing together Hong Kong’s unique role as a gateway to the international community and Hubei’s strong research and industrial foundations. The University will promote the commercialisation of further research outcomes and foster deeper integration between Hubei and Hong Kong in education, technology, talent and industry, injecting new impetus into national technological innovation and high-quality regional development. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (4th from right, back row); Ms Liu Jie, Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Hubei Provincial People’s Government (4th from left, back row); Mr Guo Shuangxi, Vice Mayor of Wuhan (3rd from left, back row); Mr Liu Danping, Vice Chairman of the Wuhan Municipal Committee of the CPPCC (3rd from right, back row); Mr Yu Feng, Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Wuhan (2nd from right, back row); Mr Chen Liang, Secretary of the CPC Qiaokou District Committee (2nd from left, back row); Mr Xu Liang, Deputy Director of the Wuhan Science and Technology Innovation Bureau (1st from left, back row); and Ms Dong Yipin, Level I Investigator of the Wuhan Municipal Education Bureau (1st from right, back row), Prof. Christopher Chao (left, front row) and Prof. Xiao Jiajie, Vice President of the Cyberspace Security University of China (right, front row), signed a collaboration agreement. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (4th from right, back row); Ms Liu Jie, Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Hubei Provincial People’s Government (4th from left, back row); Mr Guo Shuangxi, Vice Mayor of Wuhan (3rd from left, back row); Mr Liu Danping, Vice Chairman of the Wuhan Municipal Committee of the CPPCC (3rd from right, back row); Mr Yu Feng, Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Wuhan (2nd from right, back row); Mr Chen Liang, Secretary of the CPC Qiaokou District Committee (2nd from left, back row); Mr Xu Liang, Deputy Director of the Wuhan Science and Technology Innovation Bureau (1st from left, back row); and Ms Dong Yipin, Level I Investigator of the Wuhan Municipal Education Bureau (1st from right, back row), Prof. Christopher Chao (left, front row) and Prof. Jing Xinhua, President of Jianghan University (right, front row), signed a collaboration agreement. Prof. Hao Jianhua, Associate Director of the PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute (first from left), represented the Institute in signing collaboration agreements with various local organisations. ***END***

PolyU recognised at CES 2027 Innovation Awards

Two research projects developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been recognised at the distinguished Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation Awards 2027, garnering Innovation Awards in the “Digital Health” and “Artificial Intelligence” categories, respectively. These achievements demonstrate PolyU’s capabilities in interdisciplinary research and in translating research findings into practical applications. The Smart Motion Capture App for Rehabilitation (SMCAR), developed by a research team led by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Director of the Research Centre for Assistive Technology (RCATech) and Associate Head (Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Transfer) of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of PolyU, alongside the first inventor Dr Winnie LAM from RCATech and the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, was honoured in the “Digital Health” category. SMCAR is an innovative mobile application that transforms everyday smartphones and tablets into powerful, efficient rehabilitation tools. Without the need for wearable sensors or specialised equipment, the app enables accurate and reliable markerless motion capture, allowing healthcare and rehabilitation professionals to remotely monitor patients’ motor performance and assess their rehabilitation progress. Combining advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality technologies, SMCAR provides real-time visual feedback, automatically logs activity data and evaluates movement performance. The key strength of SMCAR lies in its harnessing of widely available consumer devices, allowing patients at home to efficiently receive professional rehabilitation evaluations and guidance while lowering the threshold for personalised care, thereby fostering favourable conditions for the widespread adoption of rehabilitation services worldwide. TruTru, an AI-powered handheld interactive companion device, was honoured with an award in the “Artificial Intelligence” category. Developed by Prof. MA Yuan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and his research team, the device assists users in improving their holistic and emotional well-being. Crafted from soft materials, TruTru houses electronic components that sense user touch, prompting AI to generate dynamic tactile feedback in real time. In addition, the device emits gentle, colourful illumination corresponding to various modes, providing users with real-time, personalised tactile and visual experiences. TruTru aims to offer gentle and subtle sensory support through dynamic tactile feedback, alleviating stress, anxiety or emotional distress. Upholding a human-centred spirit, the research team integrates AI technology into mindfulness and personal well-being routines, opening up warm, empathetic, and humanised technological solutions for mental well-being. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “As PolyU marks its fourth consecutive year of participation at CES, we are thrilled that our research achievements have once again gained international recognition on the global stage. These honours not only affirm the solid research foundation of PolyU teams in frontier interdisciplinary research but also reflect the University’s dedication to translating innovative ideas into impactful solutions that address societal needs and enhance quality of life through advanced technology.” Organised annually by the Consumer Technology Association, CES highlights breakthrough innovations in the consumer electronics sector and stands as one of the world’s most influential consumer electronics technology events. The award-winning teams and 13 PolyU start-ups will participate in CES 2027, held in Las Vegas, USA, from 6 to 9 January 2027, showcasing the University’s winning technologies alongside a broad portfolio of pioneering research across diverse fields. ***END***

PolyU startups shine at 9th CIIE, showcasing research translation outcomes and exploring industry–academia–research collaboration opportunities

Three startups nurtured by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) are participating in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), held from 5 to 10 November at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). At the Hong Kong Service Pavilion, they are showcasing innovative solutions spanning artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, food technology and digital creativity. Their participation highlights the diverse applications of PolyU research as it moves from laboratory to market, while also connecting the startups with potential clients, investors and industry partners to explore collaboration and market opportunities. Prof. Zijian ZHENG, PolyU Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), said, “PolyU is committed to translating research into impact. Through our comprehensive PolyVentures startup ecosystem and research translation network, we help research and startup teams turn innovative ideas into products and services that meet market needs, connecting them with industry, investment and market resources. Following the encouraging results of our first participation in CIIE last year, we are returning with our startups to showcase diverse innovations on this international platform for economic and trade cooperation, and to strengthen connections with the Chinese Mainland and international markets. The three participating PolyU startups demonstrate different pathways from the laboratory to the market and we hope their participation will help them connect with further potential partners and open up opportunities for industry–academia–research collaboration and market development.” The three participating PolyU startups are presenting innovative solutions in industrial technology, food technology and digital creativity. CobotAI Limited specialises in the development of industrial embodied intelligence technologies. Its industrial embodied skills platform combines AI and robotics to enable robots to learn and replicate human operational skills, accelerating the deployment of these technologies in industrial settings. Future Food Technology Company Limited is showcasing its innovative low-alcohol rice wine, “Hua Chang Zui Low-Alcohol Rice Wine®”. It is crafted from Hong Kong’s rare indigenous rice variety Fa Yiu Tsai together with the Chinese Mainland’s premium Wuchang Rice as the core raw materials and brewed through a proprietary low-temperature slow-fermentation process. Incorporating a research-supported ingredient with liver-protective properties, the wine represents a new generation of food technology that brings together culture and taste, tradition and innovation. Hong Kong MetaBridge Digital Intelligence Technologies Limited is showcasing the MetaBridge Platform, a virtual space creation and publishing platform that integrates AI and Web3 technologies. With applications in domains such as culture, education and tourism, the platform helps users produce immersive digital content, facilitating the digital preservation and commercial value transformation of cultural resources. During the Expo, Mr John LEE, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, accompanied by Prof. Frederick MA, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, visited the PolyU booth and exchanged views with Prof. Zijian Zheng. They also heard a presentation by a representative of CobotAI Limited on its industrial embodied skills platform. In recent years, PolyU has established a robust research translation network in the Chinese Mainland, comprising 12 technology and innovation research institutes in different cities, the PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre, and two research institutes in Shenzhen. This network closely aligns PolyU research outcomes with the Chinese Mainland’s industrial chains and market needs, providing on-the-ground platforms for startups to expand their businesses and identify industry partners in the Chinese Mainland. Through its PolyVentures startup ecosystem and cross-border research translation network, PolyU will continue to provide startups with support covering entrepreneurship incubation, technology and product development, market validation, investment matching and business development. These efforts will help translate promising research outcomes into impact and support Hong Kong’s innovation and technology enterprises in connecting with the Chinese Mainland and expanding into international markets. Mr Shen Yanfei, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province (4th from left), visited the PolyU booth. ***END***

Wuhan–Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Collaboration Conference and PIIRS held in Wuhan, connecting 23 deep-tech innovations with capital and industry to strengthen Wuhan–Hong Kong collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held the latest roadshow in its flagship PolyU Innovation Investment Roadshow Series (PIIRS) in Wuhan, at the Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development (WHIIID), a strategic partner of PolyU. On the same occasion, PolyU and WHIIID jointly hosted the Wuhan–Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Collaboration Conference, further strengthening exchange and collaboration between the two cities. The events attracted around 200 representatives from the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors, facilitating the connection of PolyU research outcomes with industrial needs and capital in Wuhan and the wider Central China region. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), led the PolyU delegation to the event. In his address, Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “PolyU has always upheld its motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’, closely aligning frontier research with industry needs to bring research outcomes out of the laboratory and put them to work for the Nation and society. Wuhan has a wealth of scientific and educational resources. In particular, China’s Optics Valley has strengths in optoelectronic information, life and health sciences, and high-end manufacturing, which closely align with PolyU’s research strengths. As collaboration between Hubei and Hong Kong continues to deepen, cooperation between PolyU and WHIIID has progressed rapidly. We look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with Wuhan, contributing PolyU’s strengths to the rise of Central China and to the Nation’s pursuit of greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.” Ms LI Xiling, President of WHIIID, said, “As an innovation hub developed as a priority by Hubei Province and Wuhan, in the more than four years since it began operations WHIIID has established close partnerships with leading universities and research institutes in China and overseas. WHIIID and PolyU have maintained close engagement and taken the lead in implementing a series of substantive collaborations. These include the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement in July this year and the joint establishment of the Wuhan–Hong Kong Collaborative Life and Health Industry Innovation Base in Qiaokou District. We look forward to further strengthening the mechanisms and models that underpin our collaboration, helping to accelerate the translation and application in Wuhan of more PolyU research outcomes.” At the event, Prof. HAO Jianhua, Associate Director of the PolyU–Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute, Head of the Department of Physics and Materials, and Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, and Mr ZHANG Peng, Director of the Innovation Hub Office and Head of the Science and Technology Development Department of WHIIID, signed a grant-to-equity agreement for the project “Advanced Copper Foil for High-frequency, High-speed GPUs and 6G Communications”. Under the agreement, WHIIID will support Prof. Hao’s team in advancing research and translating its outcomes into practical applications, contributing to the socio-economic development of Wuhan and the wider Central China region. A letter of intent for cooperation on the PolyU Yangtze River Science and Technology Innovation Investment Fund was also signed. The Fund is jointly funded by four parties: Yangtze River Industrial Investment Private Equity Fund Management Co., Ltd, Wuhan Qiaokou Industrial Development Co., Ltd, Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development Investment Co., Ltd, and Wuhan Gaosen Asset Management Co., Ltd. With a size of no less than RMB100 million, the Fund will invest specifically in PolyU startups, focusing on strategic emerging industries such as next-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, high-performance integrated circuits, and life and health sciences. As a project partner, PolyU will recommend high-quality innovation and technology projects from the University and connect them with the Fund, facilitating the translation and application of further research outcomes in Wuhan.   Ms SUN Wei, Head of the Investment Services Department of Yangtze River Industrial Investment Private Equity Fund Management Co., Ltd; Mr LI Shengbing, General Manager of Wuhan Qiaokou Industrial Development Co., Ltd; Mr WANG Xinfeng, Deputy General Manager of Wuhan Institute of Industrial Innovation and Development Investment Co., Ltd; and Mr CHEN Hua, Chairman of Wuhan Gaosen Asset Management Co., Ltd, signed the letter of intent on behalf of the four investors. Ms Amylia CHAN, Interim Director of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office, PolyU, signed on behalf of the University as a project partner. Ms Li Xiling then presented Dr Lam Tai-fai with a letter of appointment as an Honorary Advisor of Weichu Academy. An innovation and entrepreneurship talent development platform under WHIIID, Weichu Academy is committed to building a multi-level talent development system and expanding global innovation partnerships, providing intellectual support and innovation momentum for high-quality regional development. The PolyU delegation subsequently held discussions with the WHIIID leadership team. Held alongside the Conference, PIIRS in Wuhan showcased 23 deep-tech innovations developed by teams led by PolyU professors, spanning five key domains: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Materials, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Smart City and Sustainable Development, and Aerospace and Aviation Technology. These projects highlight the University’s research excellence and innovation capabilities. The event featured project presentations and roadshows, enabling teams to introduce their technological strengths and potential applications to investment institutions and industry representatives. An on-site PolyU Innovation and Technology Showcase facilitated in-depth exchanges and business discussions between research teams and potential investors, helping projects connect with local capital and industrial markets. As an important platform connecting PolyU with the innovation and technology industry in Central China, PIIRS in Wuhan brought together PolyU research outcomes, regional capital and industry needs. It promoted the deployment of PolyU innovations in the Central China market and accelerated research translation and industrialisation, injecting fresh momentum into the high-quality development of the innovation and technology ecosystem in Wuhan and the wider region. The event also featured a sharing session - “Deep Tech Investment Opportunities from the VC Lens”. Mr ZHANG Jie, Founder of the Chuanxin Innovation and Technology Platform and Executive Director of Wuhan Juhua Chuanxin Private Equity Fund Management Co., Ltd, shared his experience of translating research outcomes into practical applications on his journey from scientist to entrepreneur. He explored investment opportunities and practical challenges, helping research and entrepreneurial teams assess their projects from a market perspective and improve their prospects for successful research translation and commercialisation. For details of the projects showcased at PIIRS in Wuhan, please refer to the event brochure. Ms Li Xiling (right) presented Dr Lam Tai-fai (left) with a letter of appointment as an Honorary Advisor of Weichu Academy. Dr Lam Tai-fai (2nd from left) and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (3rd from left) led the PolyU delegation to tour the “PolyU Innovation and Technology Showcase”. Dr Lam Tai-fai (2nd from right), Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (1st from right) and Prof. Christopher Chao (4th from right) listened to project briefings on site. The PolyU Innovation Investment Roadshow Series in Wuhan showcased 23 deep-tech innovations developed by teams led by PolyU professors, demonstrating the University’s research capabilities and innovation strengths. During the sharing session “Deep Tech Investment Opportunities from the VC Lens”, Mr Zhang Jie, Founder of the Chuanxin Innovation and Technology Platform and Executive Director of Wuhan Juhua Chuanxin Private Equity Fund Management Co., Ltd, shared his experience of translating research outcomes into practical applications on his journey from scientist to entrepreneur. *** End ***

PolyU research uncovers hidden cause of ageing in perovskite solar cells; new strategy significantly extends cell lifetime

A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has found a previously overlooked cause of ageing in perovskite solar cells exposed to light. The team has also developed a solution that effectively extends the cells’ lifetime, an important step towards bringing the technology to market. The study was conducted by Prof. YANG Guang, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, together with a team from Zhejiang University, and has been published in the international journal Watt. Prof. Nam-Gyu PARK of Sungkyunkwan University, Korea, a pioneer in perovskite photovoltaics, commended the work in a research highlight in the same journal. Perovskite solar cells are efficient, low-cost, lightweight and versatile, and are widely seen as one of the most promising next-generation solar technologies. However, their performance gradually declines after long exposure to sunlight, a process known as photodegradation. Solar panels must work reliably outdoors for many years, so photodegradation has long been a major barrier to large-scale perovskite solar cell commercialisation. The layer of a perovskite solar cell that generates electricity comprises countless tiny crystals called grains. The surface of each grain has a particular orientation, known as its crystal facet. In mixed-facet perovskite solar cells, grains with different facets sit side by side. Each facet has its own properties, which can affect how charges move, how defects form and how the material ages under light. The places where grains meet are called grain boundaries. When the cell absorbs sunlight, it produces negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes. Ideally, the two collect to form an electric current, but if they meet defects at grain boundaries, they can become trapped and cancel each other out. This wastes solar energy and gradually damages the cell. The team found that in mixed-facet structures, when grains with two common facets, (100) and (111), sit next to each other, charge losses on the two sides of the boundary between them are uneven. The (111) side of the boundary has more defects. Most of these are vacancies: gaps left where formamidinium (FA) ions should be in the material. As a result, an abnormal build-up of holes develops on that side. The (111) facet is naturally more resistant to ageing under light. However, the build-up of holes unexpectedly makes the (111) grains degrade faster, turning them into a source of ageing in the cell. The finding shows that a cell's lifetime depends not only on how stable each grain is, but also on how neighbouring grains interact. To address this source of degradation, the team added a compound called 3-fluorophenylethylammonium bromide (m-F-PEABr). Its molecules are too bulky to enter the grains, so they naturally collect at the grain boundaries. The positively charged end of each molecule takes the place of the missing FA ions and fills the vacancies at the (111) boundaries. Meanwhile, the fluorine-containing part holds the molecule firmly in place. Once the boundaries are repaired, charge losses on both sides become balanced, so no single spot becomes a focal point for degradation. Cells treated with this targeted strategy reached a power conversion efficiency of 26.55%. They also kept over 90% of their initial efficiency after more than 2,200 hours of continuous operation under light equivalent to one sun. This measure, known as the T90 operational lifetime, is a key indicator of long-term durability. Prof. Yang said, “Perovskite solar cells are already highly efficient, but stability is still the biggest barrier to commercialisation. Previous research has mostly focused on reducing the number of defects. We have shown for the first time that uneven charge losses between neighbouring grains are a key cause of ageing while the cells are working. By balancing the charge losses between grains, we can improve both the efficiency and the stability of the cells. This offers a new way of understanding cell ageing and opens a new path for developing more durable, commercially viable perovskite solar cells.＂ ***END***

PolyU establishes Research Institute for Microbiology to tackle antimicrobial resistance and drive AI-empowered medical innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) officially inaugurated the Research Institute for Microbiology (RIM) on 23 October, taking a critical step forward in advancing interdisciplinary microbiology research and innovation across the University. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. GAO Fu, Director of the CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. CHEN Sheng, Director of RIM, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chair Professor of Microbiology; Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) and Associate Director of RIM; Prof. ZHANG Weixiong, Associate Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), Associate Director of RIM and Chair Professor of Systems Biology and Artificial Intelligence; Prof. HUANG Jian, Associate Director of RIM, Chair Professor of Data Science and Analytics of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, witnessed the official establishment of RIM. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “The establishment of the Research Institute for Microbiology marks an important milestone in PolyU’s pursuit of interdisciplinary research and innovation. Embracing a One Health perspective, the Institute will bring together expertise in microbiology, immunomedicine, data science, systems biology, and artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery and address pressing challenges. Through close collaboration across disciplines and sectors, we aim to translate research into innovations that safeguard public health and advance biotechnology, and to develop RIM into a world-renowned research institute in microbiology with impact extending well beyond the laboratory.” Prof. Zhang Weixiong, said that, with the valuable addition of RIM, PAIR now comprised 20 research units. The Institute will accelerate collaboration among PAIR’s research units and across its three research themes: Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing, Good Health and Well-being, and Smart and Sustainable Cities. Prof. Chen Sheng introduced RIM to the audience, outlining the Institute’s vision and mission which encompasses five research focus areas: infectious diseases; bacterial antimicrobial resistance under the One Health framework; drug and vaccine development; beneficial microorganisms and human health; and AI core. Following the ceremony, a seminar - “AI-Empowered Vaccine Development” - was delivered by renowned microbiologist Prof. Gao Fu who shared significant research breakthroughs in COVID-19 vaccine, therapeutic antibodies development, and T-cell immunotherapy. He also explained how AI can facilitate antibody design and modification. The seminar and subsequent inspiring discussion engaged over 16,000 online and in-person participants. ***END***

PolyU joins Excellence 9 and elected as next rotating presidency institution; Participates in UK-China Excellence University Presidents Forum to explore educational transformation in AI era

The Excellence 9 (E9), an alliance comprising nine leading universities in the Chinese Mainland, convened its 15th Presidents’ Joint Conference on 29 October at Southeast University in Nanjing. With the approval of all member institutions, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) officially joined the alliance, marking the expansion of E9 into a new “9+1” framework. PolyU was also elected as the next rotating presidency institution of the alliance. It will work closely with fellow member universities to deepen collaboration in engineering education, research innovation, talent cultivation and teacher-student exchanges, fostering regularised communication between Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland higher education to better integrate into and serve national development strategies. Academician Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, expressed his gratitude for the trust and support of the other member institutions. He noted that PolyU has long attached great importance to exchange and cooperation with Chinese Mainland higher education, enjoying robust partnerships and fruitful achievements with E9 institutions, such as Tongji University, Tianjin University and Harbin Institute of Technology, across academic exchanges, research collaboration, talent development and innovation and entrepreneurship. Academician Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), knowledge acquisition is no longer a barrier of learning. We must encourage students to step beyond the classroom, apply their professional expertise to community service and broaden their global perspective, while enhancing students’ cross-cultural exchange through practical engagement.” He looked forward to increasing reciprocal visits among teachers and students, expanding diverse collaborative platforms such as joint laboratories and international academic conferences, and establishing a regularised cooperation mechanism between Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland higher education to elevate the alliance’s global influence and discourse power. Renowned for its robust engineering disciplines, PolyU possesses distinct strengths in nurturing engineering and innovation talent, advancing research excellence and promoting internationalisation. Upon joining the alliance, PolyU will leverage disciplinary synergies with other member universities to strengthen cooperation in engineering education reform, joint scientific research, academic exchanges and global talent cultivation, while actively supporting key initiatives such as international career development for outstanding engineers. As PolyU celebrates its 90th anniversary next year, the University plans to seize this milestone as an opportune moment to host the next E9 Presidents’ Joint Conference, celebrating the occasion together with fellow member institutions. Established in 2010, the Excellence 9 (E9) was co-founded by the Beijing Institute of Technology, Chongqing University, Dalian University of Technology, Southeast University, Harbin Institute of Technology, South China University of Technology, Tianjin University, Tongji University and Northwestern Polytechnical University. Upholding the philosophy of “Pursuing Excellence and Resource Sharing”, the alliance is dedicated to driving higher education pedagogical reforms and jointly fostering exceptional talent. Following the Conference, Academician Jin-Guang Teng attended the UK-China Excellence University Presidents Forum held in Nanjing on 30 October. Hosted by Southeast University and with the theme “Breaking Education Borders for a New Global Future”, the Forum brought together leaders from over 20 premier universities across China and the UK, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and Tongji University, to share educational innovations, foster interdisciplinary synergy and explore new pathways for international collaboration in higher education in the AI era. Attending Panel One as the head of E9’s newest member university, Academician Jin-Guang Teng engaged in in-depth dialogue with Academician Sun Youhong, President of Southeast University; Prof. Sai Gu, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (East and South East Asia) of the University of Warwick; Prof. Zhao Xianzhong, Vice President of Tongji University; Prof. Matthew Grenby, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University; and Prof. Wang Bo, Vice President of the Beijing Institute of Technology. Centred on the theme “Transformation and Innovation: AI Revolution in Global Education”, the leaders explored institutional transition paths and future talent cultivation paradigms, with Prof. Teng sharing innovative PolyU practices in advancing towards a “Fourth-Generation University”. Academician Jin-Guang Teng highlighted that, with the advent of the AI era, higher education is transitioning from the traditional discipline-based and curiosity-driven paradigm towards a fourth-generation university model characterised by “demand-driven, problem-oriented, interdisciplinary and academia-industry collaboration”. PolyU’s strategic positioning as an innovative world-class university, alongside its educational goal of nurturing students through the vision of “value-led, competency-based, fostering proactive learning and embracing innovation”, exemplifies this developmental model. He further elaborated on PolyU’s forward-looking explorations in AI education: well before generative AI tools swept the globe, PolyU was a pioneer in incorporating AI into compulsory curricula for undergraduate students. Furthermore, the University launched its visionary “Education 4.0” initiative, integrating AI and smart technologies into teaching and learning to empower future-ready leaders capable of addressing emerging global challenges. During the Forum, participating universities released a joint initiative on reshaping the future of global education, establishing consensus on tackling shared challenges, deepening educational exchange, transforming talent training models, driving interdisciplinary innovation and building enduring dialogue mechanisms. PolyU remains steadfast in its aim of deepening collaboration with higher education in the Chinese Mainland and across the globe. Moving forward, the University will continue to demonstrate its unique advantages of being “rooted in Hong Kong, backed by the Motherland and connected to the world”, fostering cross-regional and interdisciplinary educational and scientific partnerships to contribute to higher education development locally, nationally and globally. ***END***

China Railway Electrification Engineering Group visits PolyU to jointly promote innovation in rail transit

A delegation led by Mr DOU Baoxin, Chairman of China Railway Electrification Engineering Group Co., Ltd., visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 22 October. The delegation was warmly received by the University’s senior management, including Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation). The two parties engaged in in-depth discussions on topics that included technological innovation in rail transport, the translation of research outcomes and talent development. They jointly explored collaborative pathways to advancing research in response to industry needs and facilitating the application of research outcomes in engineering scenarios. Rail transit is vital infrastructure that supports social and economic development. In April 2025, PolyU and the China Railway Electrification Engineering Group established the Joint Innovation Laboratory for Rail Transit Digital Twin and Intelligent Operation and Maintenance. This visit has further deepened collaboration between the two parties. Moving forward, PolyU will continue to leverage its research and innovation capabilities, combining them with the Group’s engineering expertise to foster the integration of technology with industry, while advancing the integrated development of education, technology and talent. As a patriotic university with affection for the Nation and Hong Kong, PolyU will continue to align itself with national strategies, promote the development of the rail transit industry through technological innovation and support the Nation’s efforts to become a leading country in transport. The delegation from China Railway Electrification Engineering Group also included Mr LI Lei, General Manager of the Group; Mr WANG Hao, Executive Director of the International Company; Mr ZHANG Bin, General Manager of Beijing Electrification Engineering Co., Ltd.; Mr LI Yubing, Deputy General Manager of Beijing Electrification Engineering Co., Ltd.; Mr LIU Yuanlue, Deputy General Manager of the International Company; and representatives from the Group’s technical and Hong Kong business teams. Prof. Yi-Qing NI, Director of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Center (Hong Kong Branch) and Director of the PolyU Hangzhou Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Prof. ZHANG Chengqi, Director of the PolyU Shenzhen Research Institute; as well as representatives from relevant academic departments and research teams, also attended the meeting. Dr Lam Tai-fai extended a warm welcome to Mr Dou Baoxin and his delegation. He noted that PolyU has actively promoted the integrated development of education, technology and talent, and is committed to nurturing socially responsible professionals with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, thereby serving society and contributing to the Nation. PolyU also placed great emphasis on integrating education and research with practical societal needs, demonstrating the value of university innovation through community service. Dr Lam expressed his hope that, building on the Joint Innovation Laboratory for Rail Transit Digital Twin and Intelligent Operation and Maintenance, the two parties would broaden their collaboration from single-project engagement to the joint development of regularised platforms; extend it from technological research and development to the translation and application of research outcomes; and expand the university-enterprise partnership to Beijing-Hong Kong collaborative innovation. In doing so, both sides would jointly explore a practical and effective model for collaboration in technological innovation, thereby supporting the high-quality development of the Nation's railway and rail transit industry. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng outlined PolyU’s approach to fostering closer integration of technological innovation with industrial innovation. He noted that the principles of being “demand-driven, problem-oriented, interdisciplinary and integrating education with industry” were central to PolyU’s development towards a “fourth-generation university”. He added that deepening collaboration between PolyU and China Railway Electrification Engineering Group aligned with the University’s development strategy. He hoped that both sides would strengthen cooperation and empower one another, thereby better serving national strategies and industry needs through tackling key research challenges and nurturing talent. Mr Dou Baoxin commended PolyU research capabilities and innovation achievements, and reviewed the progress made in research exchanges and engineering applications since the establishment of the Joint Innovation Laboratory in April 2025. He stated that China Railway Electrification Engineering Group was developing a platform for commercialising research outcomes and preparing to establish a related technology company. These initiatives aim to better connect research platforms with commercialisation, helping more innovations move from the laboratory into engineering applications. During the visit, the delegation was accompanied by Prof. Yi-Qing Ni on a tour of the PolyU campus and research facilities, including the 3D Printing Laboratory, the Rail Transit Project Corner and the Digital Machining Workshop. The delegation gained a deeper understanding of the University’s research platform development, technology development and research achievements in rail transit, intelligent equipment, advanced manufacturing and related fields. The visit has further strengthened the ties between PolyU and China Railway Electrification Engineering Group in rail transit and related engineering fields. Both sides will continue to leverage their respective strengths in research and innovation, engineering practice, technology application and talent resources. They will deepen collaboration across three areas—frontier technologies, engineering application technologies and talent development —to foster closer integration between technological innovation and industrial development, facilitate the translation of research outcomes, support technological innovation in rail transit and contribute to the Nation’s efforts to become a leading country in transport. Mr Dou Baoxin (left) presented a commemorative souvenir to Dr Lam Tai-fai (right). Prof. Yi-Qing Ni (right) introduced the development of the Rail Transit Laboratory and its latest research achievements to Mr Dou Baoxin (centre). The delegation visited the 3D Printing Laboratory. PolyU researchers introduced the University’s latest technologies to Mr Dou Baoxin (2nd from right) and the delegation. Prof. Yi-Qing Ni (centre) accompanied the delegation led by Mr Dou Baoxin (6th from left) on a campus tour. ***END***