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PolyU School of Optometry and CEVR join hands with HKSTP to launch Global VisionTech Incubation Programme, bringing together global vision innovation to accelerate research translation and commercialisation

Events School of Optometry
The launch ceremony of the Global VisionTech Incubation Programme was was held yesterday on the PolyU campus. Officiating guests were Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (centre); Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP (2nd from left); Prof. Zijian Zheng, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU (2nd from right); Prof. Ben Thompson, CEO and Scientific Director of CEVR, and Professor of the School of Optometry and Vision Science of the University of Waterloo (1st from right); and Prof. Allen Cheong, Associate Head (Academic Programmes and Clinical Training) and Professor of the School of Optometry of PolyU, and COO and Deputy Scientific Director of CEVR (1st from left).
The launch ceremony of the Global VisionTech Incubation Programme was was held yesterday on the PolyU campus. Officiating guests were Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (centre); Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP (2nd from left); Prof. Zijian Zheng, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU (2nd from right); Prof. Ben Thompson, CEO and Scientific Director of CEVR, and Professor of the School of Optometry and Vision Science of the University of Waterloo (1st from right); and Prof. Allen Cheong, Associate Head (Academic Programmes and Clinical Training) and Professor of the School of Optometry of PolyU, and COO and Deputy Scientific Director of CEVR (1st from left).
In her video address, Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for ITIB said the Government is committed to fostering a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem that supports research excellence, knowledge transfer, and the translation of impactful technologies into real-world applications.
In her video address, Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for ITIB said the Government is committed to fostering a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem that supports research excellence, knowledge transfer, and the translation of impactful technologies into real-world applications.
Prof. Christopher Chao said PolyU has long been committed to driving knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. Through its flagship startup ecosystem PolyVentures, the University nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs who aspire to change the world with innovation and technology, thereby contributing to society and benefiting humanity.
Prof. Christopher Chao said PolyU has long been committed to driving knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. Through its flagship startup ecosystem PolyVentures, the University nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs who aspire to change the world with innovation and technology, thereby contributing to society and benefiting humanity.
Mr Terry Wong said through the Global VisionTech Incubation Programme, we are bringing together global research excellence, entrepreneurial talent and HKSTP’s comprehensive incubation ecosystem to accelerate the commercialisation of high impact vision technologies.
Mr Terry Wong said through the Global VisionTech Incubation Programme, we are bringing together global research excellence, entrepreneurial talent and HKSTP’s comprehensive incubation ecosystem to accelerate the commercialisation of high impact vision technologies.

The School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), and the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO) of PolyU, in collaboration with the School of Optometry and Vision Science of the University of Waterloo and The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), have officially launched the Global VisionTech Incubation Programme. The Programme aims to bring together leading vision science research teams, medical technology startups and entrepreneurial talent from around the world, positioning Hong Kong as a key hub for research translation, technology validation, venture incubation and market expansion. It seeks to accelerate the journey of cutting-edge vision technologies from the laboratory to clinical application, market adoption and international development.

The Programme launch ceremony was held yesterday (28 May) during the International Conference of Vision and Eye Research 2026 on the PolyU campus. Officiating guests were Ms Lillian CHEONG, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (ITIB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government of the People’s Republic of China; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Mr Terry WONG, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP; Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU; Prof. Ben THOMPSON, CEO and Scientific Director of CEVR, and Professor of the School of Optometry and Vision Science of the University of Waterloo; and Prof. Allen CHEONG, Associate Head (Academic Programmes and Clinical Training) and Professor of the School of Optometry of PolyU, and COO and Deputy Scientific Director of CEVR.

In her video address, Ms Lillian Cheong said, “Innovation and technology are key drivers of Hong Kong’s future development. The Government is committed to fostering a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem that supports research excellence, knowledge transfer, and the translation of impactful technologies into real-world applications. The launch of the Global VisionTech Incubation Programme is particularly meaningful. By integrating research, clinical expertise, entrepreneurship support, and international collaboration, the programme demonstrates how Hong Kong can serve as a platform for nurturing innovative healthcare technologies with global impact.”

Prof. Christopher Chao remarked, “PolyU has long been committed to driving knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. Through its flagship startup ecosystem PolyVentures, the University nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs who aspire to change the world with innovation and technology, thereby contributing to society and benefiting humanity. This incubation programme provides a robust research translation platform for global talents in the domain of vision technology. It enables the latest discoveries in the field to be transformed into real-world solutions to benefit those in need, safeguarding eye health and shaping a brighter future for humanity.”

In his remarks, Mr Terry Wong said, “Vision technology is a rapidly growing frontier at the intersection of healthcare and advanced innovation. Through the Global VisionTech Incubation Programme, we are bringing together global research excellence, entrepreneurial talent and HKSTP’s comprehensive incubation ecosystem to accelerate the commercialisation of high impact vision technologies. This initiative reflects our commitment to attracting world class innovation to Hong Kong and empowering startups to transform research outcomes into practical solutions with real-world value.”

The Global VisionTech Incubation Programme will focus on three major areas: vision science, healthcare and advanced technologies, with the goal of accelerating the translation and commercialisation of frontier innovations. The Programme is designed around three key objectives: advancing research translation and commercialisation, fostering VisionTech innovation and entrepreneurship, and attracting and nurturing global research talent and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, thereby further strengthening the City’s long-term competitiveness as an international innovation and technology hub. 

The PolyU School of Optometry and CEVR will leverage their strong academic, research and clinical capabilities to provide participating teams with expert knowledge support, guidance on technology translation, and advice on technology validation and optimisation. At the same time, HKSTP will offer comprehensive incubation support, including business development advisory, funding and investment matching opportunities, infrastructure support, and connections to industry partners, investors and global markets. The Programme is also supported by KTEO, which will facilitate innovation translation, entrepreneurship development and industry engagement to help accelerate the journey from research excellence to real-world impact.

The Global VisionTech Incubation Programme marks an important milestone in deepening collaboration among Hong Kong’s academic sector, clinical research community, and innovation and technology ecosystem. Through a structured incubation model spanning three years and three cohorts, the Programme will establish a sustainable pipeline of VisionTech innovation projects, nurture startups with global competitiveness, promote collaboration among industry, academia and research, and further enhance Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a premier destination for international innovation talent and research initiatives.

Applications for the first cohort of the Programme are now open.  For details, please visit the website.

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