Media Releases

The third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival to launch on 24 March, tracing the footprints of six literary masters in Hong Kong and celebrating a century of cultural heritage

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), with staunch support from various sectors of the community, successfully organised its annual Chinese Culture Festival over the past two years, receiving an enthusiastic response and widespread acclaim. Building on this success, the University will launch the “Third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival” next Tuesday (24 March). The festival’s inaugural event, titled A Window onto Vast Vistas: Master Writers’ Hong Kong Traces, is co-organised with the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature. Through an exhibition of rare archival materials, immersive reconstructions of literary study rooms, and a series of lectures and workshops, the programme invites the public to open a window onto literature and engage in a cross-temporal cultural dialogue with master writers. The initiative aims to nurture students’ and the wider community’s sense of national identity and cultural confidence, as well as to strengthen their sense of pride and belonging. The exhibition highlights six prominent modern Chinese writers, namely Lu Xun, Xiao Hong, Mao Dun, Ba Jin, Liang Yusheng and Jin Yong, and features their precious manuscripts, letters and other archival materials. The exhibition also features specially reconstructed study rooms of Ba Jin and Mao Dun, faithfully recreating the ambience of their original study rooms. Through this immersive experience, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of the literary masters’ footprints in the city and their intellectual spirit. The exhibition further seeks to strengthen the emotional connection between the public and the Nation’s rich historical and cultural heritage. As one of the University’s signature annual cultural events and a key activity for whole-person education, this year’s PolyU Chinese Culture Festival brings together the preservation of literary classics and contemporary innovation. In addition to the core exhibition, a series of lectures, a reading session and workshops centred on Lu Xun, Xiao Hong and Jin Yong will be organised. Two public lectures on the convergence of technology and literature will explore the development of artificial intelligence writing and literary innovation, extending the dialogue from classical literary traditions to the challenges posed by emerging technologies, and inspiring a new generation of creators to reflect on the transmission of literary traditions in a rapidly evolving era. The festival will also feature a screening of Da Xia Gui Lai (《大俠歸來》, literately “The Hero’s Return”), an episode from the documentary series Da Xia Jin Yong (《大俠金庸》, literately “The Great Wuxia Hero Jin Yong”), premiered in 2025 by the China Media Group after three years of production. Ms Duan Xin, the documentary’s Chief Director, will share insights into the creative process, offering a multi-dimensional portrayal of Jin Yong’s patriotism, cultural vision and personal charisma. All activities of the third PolyU Chinese Culture Festival are offered free of charge. PolyU students, staff and alumni, as well as secondary students and members of the public, are welcome to participate. For programme details and registration information, please visit the event website: https://polyu.me/3PaMVGt. Literary treasures by Lu Xun on display at PolyU, including centenary first editions of Call to Arms (1923) and Wandering (1926) from the collection of the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature. A rare manuscript of Ba Jin’s Random Thoughts from the collection of the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature will be exhibited at PolyU. A precious manuscript by PolyU Honorary Doctor of Laws Jin Yong (Dr Louis Cha) is being exhibited for the first time, documenting his heartfelt reflections on the conferment of his honorary doctorate. A workshop on decoding the martial world and the personality codes of Jin Yong’s heroes will be conducted by Dr Cheung Yuen-man, Instructor of the Chinese Language Centre at PolyU, on 26 March. A lecture on the development and applications of digital and intelligent arts, with reflections on online literature and micro-short dramas in the age of artificial intelligence, will be delivered by Professor Xia Lie, Dean of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries at Hangzhou Normal University, on 1 April. ***END***

PolyU wins 37 awards at 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva; Earning global recognition for frontier research excellence

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) seized a total of 37 accolades at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo), a widely recognised annual event dedicated exclusively to inventions. The remarkable achievement demonstrates the University’s research excellence and global influence in frontier technology development. A total of 32 PolyU winning innovations received 37 accolades, including two Special Awards, six Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 14 Gold Medals, 10 Silver Medals, two Bronze Medals, one Special Prize and two Special Merit Awards. Among them, two were led by the InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), a partnership between PolyU and the University of Waterloo. The project titled “PD-001R: A First-in-Class Candidate for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases”, developed by the research team led by Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen, Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation, Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, and Founder of PolyU startup AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited, in collaboration with Dr ZHAO Chen, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chief Technology Officer of AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited, won the Prize of Korea Invention Promotion Association and a Gold Medal. PD-001R is a first-in-class, novel small-molecule drug candidate for Parkinson’s disease (PD), derived from Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus and synthesised as a new molecular entity. Its primary mechanism of action is the promotion of pathological α-synuclein aggregate degradation. Preclinical studies show that PD-001R efficiently crosses the blood–brain barrier and exerts neuroprotective effects in animal models of PD and Alzheimer’s disease. It also exhibits favourable oral bioavailability and safety. The project titled “Revolutionising Power Generator Inspection: The Baffle-compatible Autonomous Robot”, developed by the research team led by Prof. TAM Hwa Yaw, Chair Professor of Photonics, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, in collaboration with CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, won the Thailand Award for the Best International Invention & Innovation and a Gold Medal. This low-profile autonomous robot is designed for inspecting electrical generators. With a thickness of 36mm, it can pass through the gap between the stator and rotor without the need to dismantle the multi-ton rotor. The robot efficiently reduces costs and downtime, and supports proactive maintenance while enhancing generator reliability. Additionally, the robot carries a fibre-optic condition monitoring system that continuously assesses the health of its critical components, providing early indication of failures and ensuring inspection safety. This year’s award-winning breakthroughs demonstrate strong transformative potential and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. These ground-breaking innovations span diverse fields, including life sciences, healthcare, vision health, aerospace, artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainable energy, green applications, engineering, advanced materials and sustainable textiles. They are poised to create a tangible impact for society and build a smarter, healthier and more sustainable future.  Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), commended the award-winning teams and startups, stating, “PolyU teams’ exceptional performance at the Geneva Inventions Expo this year is a testament to the strong international recognition of the University’s research excellence and innovation capabilities. Their accomplishments affirm PolyU’s steadfast commitment to advancing frontier research innovation and translating research outcomes into impactful real-world solutions. We will continue to nurture world-class researchers and startups, strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration and deepen knowledge transfer, creating lasting impact for Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.” Prof. DONG Cheng, PolyU Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement), attended the exhibition and award ceremony in Geneva, where he supported the participating teams and startups. He also presented the “Prize of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University” and the “International Strategic Technology Alliance (ISTA) Global Innovation and Invention Award”. Prof. Dong Cheng presented the “Prize of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University” on stage. Prof. Dong Cheng presented the “International Strategic Technology Alliance (ISTA) Global Innovation and Invention Award” on stage. As a pioneer in innovation and entrepreneurship, PolyU actively fosters a vibrant startup ecosystem. Among this year’s award-winning teams, 11 were PolyU startups supported by “PolyVentures”, the University’s flagship startup ecosystem. To date, over 600 active startups, including 2 listed companies, 3 unicorns and 26 ponies, have been nurtured in this ecosystem, underscoring the University’s leadership in research commercialisation and entrepreneurial impact. The 51st Geneva Inventions Expo attracted over a thousand entries from about 40 countries and regions. PolyU’s impactful award-winning projects are listed below. For details, please refer to the Appendix or visit the website of the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office. Project Principal Investigator(s) Award PD-001R: A First-in-Class Candidate for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation; Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Director, PolyU-BGI Joint Research Centre for Genomics and Synthetic Biology in Global Ocean Resources; Founder, AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited (a PolyU startup)   Dr ZHAO Chen Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Chief Technology Officer, AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited (a PolyU startup) Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association     Gold Medal Revolutionising Power Generator Inspection: The Baffle-compatible Autonomous Robot Prof. TAM Hwa Yaw Chair Professor of Photonics, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Associate Director, Photonics Research Institute Thailand Award for the Best International Invention & Innovation   Gold Medal Viromids: A Redosable, Low-Cost Gene-Delivery Platform for Ocular Therapy Prof. Roderick SLAVCEV Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research   Prof. HUANG Chien-ling Associate Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research Special Prize of “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Romania     Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury oka³y! Personalised Freeform Orthokeratology Contact Lens with AI-guided Astigmatic Asymmetric Design Prof. KEE Chea-su K.B. Woo Family Professor in Optometry; Head and Professor, School of Optometry; School of Optometry; Associate Director, Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV); Co-founder, GOOD Vision Technologies Co., Limited (a PolyU startup) Special Merit Award from CORNELIUGROUP Association   Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Proactive Early Warning System for Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbine Blades and Towers Prof. YU Changyuan Chair Professor of Photonic Information System, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Director, PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Scientific Advisor, Xiaoma Technology Limited (a PolyU startup)   Ms MA Zhiqin PhD Candidate, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Founder, Xiaoma Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Special Merit Award from “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Romania   Gold Medal Stairio: Automated Staircase Safety Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Robot with Handrail-affixed Locomotion System Prof. HSU Li-ta Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering; Limin Young Scholar in Aerospace Navigation Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Anti-ageing Beauty and Healthcare via Advanced Microfluidics Dr XIE Fengjia Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics; Co-founder, X Beauty Technology Limited (a PolyU startup)   Dr TSOI Chi Chung Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics; CDO, X Beauty Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury Determination of Airframe Coating Degradation by Hyperspectral Imaging Correlation with Offline Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Dr TANG Hon Ping Principal Research Fellow and Project Lead, Aviation Services Research Centre Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury AI-driven Third-generation Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Design Dr ZHOU Xin Yu Research Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury LEO C-NAV: A Spaceborne Payload for Low-Earth Orbit Communication and Navigation Services Prof. WEN Chih-yung Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering; Director, COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft; Director, Research Centre for Unmanned Autonomous Systems; Associate Director, Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology   Prof. XU Bing Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering Gold Medal Magnetophages: A New Class of Programmable Viral Nanocontainers with Active Control Prof. CHUA Song Lin Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology   Dr MA Yeping Scientific Officer, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Gold Medal OmniCare: A Magic PGLADMA Platform for Advanced Wound Management Prof. ZHAO Xin Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology; Limin Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering; Founder, ReNew Biotechnology Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal Dragonfly Vision: A Mini Camera for Instant 180° Imaging Prof. ZHANG Xuming Associate Head and Professor, Department of Applied Physics; Advisor, Dragon Vision Technology Limited (a PolyU startup)   Dr JIANG Heng Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics; Co-founder, Dragon Vision Technology Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal A Mechanical Cleaning Method for Semiconductors and Electronics Using Ice Prof ZHAO Jiong Professor, Department of Applied Physics; Co-founder and Scientific Advisor, Clean2D Co., Limited (a PolyU startup)   Dr LIU Haijun Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Physics; Founder, Clean2D Co., Limited (a PolyU startup) Gold Medal Construction Robot for Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and Steel Structure Dr HAN Xiao-Zhou Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Gold Medal Green Energy-driven Electrochemical Upcycling of Urban Solid Wastes Prof. ZHANG Shipeng Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Associate Director, Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality   Prof. POON Chi Sun Michael Anson Professor in Civil Engineering; Distinguished Research Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Director, Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality Gold Medal Latching-based Smart Control System for Mitigating Ultra-low-frequency Vibrations: Inspired by Wave Energy Converters Prof. ZHU Songye Interim Head and Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Interim Director, Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch)   Mr WANG Hao PhD Candidate, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Gold Medal WING: Wireless Infrastructure for Next-generation EV Charging Prof. CHAU Kwok-tong Chair Professor of Electrical Energy Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Gold Medal Fast-charging Anode-free Sodium Metal Batteries Prof. XU Zheng Long Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Systems and Engineering   Dr LYU Lin Long Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Industrial Systems and Engineering Gold Medal Adaptive Freeform Eyeglass for Instant Refractive Control Dr Elie Aymard Jonathan de LESTRANGE-ANGINIEUR Research Fellow, School of Optometry   Prof. George WOO Emeritus Professor and Senior Advisor, School of Optometry Gold Medal Safety-assured AI-driven Drone System for Cleaning Building Exteriors Prof. WEN Weisong Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering; Founder, CeresRobotics.ai Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal Hydrogel Dressing for Drug-resistant Bacterial Infection via Sonodynamic Therapy Prof. HAO Jianhua Head and Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, Department of Applied Physics; Associate Director, PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute Silver Medal ProMuki: Wearable Ultrasound Monitoring and Analysing of Muscle Activities for Fitness, Sports and Rehabilitation Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering; Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering; Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing; Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub Silver Medal Nanocarbon-coated Conductive Aggregates (NCCA) for Smart, Sustainable Asphalt Pavement Prof. LENG Zhen Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Associate Director, Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality Silver Medal Next-generation Electric Vehicles Based on In-motion Wireless Resonant Charging Technologies Prof. NIU Shuangxia Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Silver Medal DermaScan AI Prof. CAI Jing Head and Chair Professor of Medical Physics and Intelligent Oncology, Department of Health Technology and Informatics; Technical Advisor, InsightRT Limited (a PolyU startup)   Dr MA Zongrui Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Health Technology and Informatics; CEO, InsightRT Limited (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal Intelligent Driving Training and Evaluation System for Heavy-duty Trucks Prof. FU Xiaowen Head and Chair Professor of Logistics Engineering, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering   Dr TANG Yuk Ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Silver Medal Intelligent Ankle Rehabilitation Robt Prof. ZHANG Dan Chair Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Director of PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute Silver Medal Carbon Dioxide Reduction Device Mr TAN Qian Alumnus, Department of Management and Marketing; CEO, Huaxia Gallium Carbon Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd (a PolyU startup) Silver Medal FlavoTear - Baicalein: A Novel Disease-Modifying Agent for Dry Eye Disease Prof. Chi-wai DO Associate Professor, School of Optometry; Associate Director, PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research   Prof. Emmanuel HO Associate Director, Graduate Studies and Research, University of Waterloo; Principal Investigator, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research Silver Medal Oral-motor Assessment and Rehabilitation Mobile App (ORAR App) Dr Winsy WONG Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Ltd (a PolyU startup)   Miss YIP Chi Hay Founder, Feelings Group Limited (a PolyU startup) Bronze Medal Sustainable Long-lasting Rewritable Textiles for On-demand Pattern Customisation Prof. XU Bingang Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles  Bronze Medal                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ***END***

PolyU shines at MWC Barcelona 2026 as the sole university exhibitor from Hong Kong and recognised as GLOMO Award Finalist

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) made its debut at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026, the world’s largest and most influential event for the mobile and connectivity industry. The only higher education institution from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, PolyU showcased a range of pioneering research innovations spanning the interdisciplinary fields of artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare and education, next-generation connectivity and security, as well as smart city infrastructure, demonstrating the University’s capability to translate research outcomes into real-world solutions that benefit the global community. Leading the delegation, Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), said, “PolyU is honoured to be the first university from Hong Kong to participate at MWC Barcelona. This major international event enables us to demonstrate our capabilities in advanced technologies and interdisciplinary research to global audience. By engaging with leading industry representatives and presenting our world-class 6G, AI, and smart city innovations, we are not only showcasing PolyU’s research excellence but also expanding our global footprint and fostering partnerships that accelerate the transfer of knowledge from laboratories to the global market.” The PolyU booth attracted strong interest from industry leaders and international delegates such as the 6G France and French delegation. They interacted with PolyU researchers, exchanging insights on the technological landscape and potential cross-border research synergies. Among the PolyU innovations was the Virtual Patient Simulation System, which was shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards in the category of Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Health and Wellbeing. This places PolyU among the top tech innovators, alongside China Mobile, China Telecom, and Huawei, while also highlighting the University’s innovation and advancement in leveraging mobile connectivity to support the healthcare and wellness ecosystem. Developed by Prof. CHAN Wing Chi Lawrence, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics, the System is an AI platform designed to support medical professionals in making improved clinical decisions through simulated cases and predictive analysis. It facilitates early detection and personalised treatment, enabling hospitals and medical professionals to deliver precise, data-driven care. During the Congress, the PolyU delegation also engaged in high-level dialogues with key ecosystem partners, including senior representatives from world-leading technology giants, major telecommunications operators and smartphone manufacturers. These meetings explored avenues for joint research initiatives, standardisation efforts, and the commercialisation of mobile technologies. Additionally, one PolyU researcher participated in a pivotal roundtable discussion focusing on how optical fibre technology enables the future development of AI. The PolyU innovations showcased at the MWC Barcelona 2026: AI for Healthcare and Education Virtual Patient Simulation System:This AI platform uses simulation and predictive analytics to support early detection and personalised care. DocsDocs: LexiCare Companion: A mobile dialogue-practice platform designed for non-native nursing professionals. NeuroVoice – Full-Stack Verbal Brain-Computer Interface (BCI): A non-invasive system designed for psycholinguistic research. Next-Generation Connectivity and Security TruTru–An Embodied Tactile Companion: An interactive companion that replicates sensations. AI-Driven Third-Generation Semiconductor RF Integrated Circuit Design: This platform revolutionises the creation of wide-bandgap semiconductor circuits. Private Call Guard: A privacy-first, AI-driven phone scam detection platform. Smart City Infrastructure Blockchain-Enabled Cyber-Physical System for City-Wide Parking: A flexible solution designed for heterogeneous infrastructure Held from 2 to 5 March, MWC Barcelona 2026 has attracted over 100,000 attendees from 207 countries and territories. In addition to the exhibition, the event also featured keynote speeches, thematic summits, roundtable discussions and networking sessions—serving as a strategic platform for strengthening international collaboration.   ***END***

PolyU all-acoustics brain-computer interface system forges new paths for Parkinson’s disease therapy through precise ultrasound neuromodulation

An ageing population is often accompanied by an increase in age‑related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that impairs body movement and which is mainly alleviated by medicines or surgical procedures. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed the next‑generation “All‑Acoustics Brain‑Computer Interface (BCI) System”, leveraging “transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation” to deliver fully non‑invasive, deep‑brain and high‑precision neural modulation with ultrasound. The system presents a promising new therapeutic approach for treating Parkinson’s disease, as well as other neurological and psychiatric disorders. The team has begun clinical research in collaboration with Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University. Developed by Prof. SUN Lei, Director of the Research Centre for Non-invasive Brain Computer Interface and Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, Prof. QIU Zhihai, a PhD graduate of the same department, and their research team, the system harnesses the physical properties of ultrasound to penetrate the skull and precisely target deep brain regions. Featuring a transcranial sparse ultrasound array comprising more than 128 individual transducer elements, it is paired with a custom driving system capable of independently controlling each channel for precise manipulation of the acoustic field. Through advanced dynamic focusing and beam steering techniques, the system achieves spatial resolution finer than 4 mm, enabling highly targeted modulation of deep brain regions to alleviate Parkinsonian symptoms. Prof. Sun explained that each of the two existing BCI technologies has its own constraints. Invasive approaches require craniotomy to implant electrodes into the brain, posing higher risks and irreversible consequences; while traditional non-invasive techniques, such as electrical stimulation, are limited by inadequate spatiotemporal resolution or insufficient penetration depth, making it difficult to precisely modulate deep brain regions. “Our BCI system can communicate with the brain to modulate its functions. With our PolyU-developed helmet-shaped gear, we can modulate brain cells by utilising ultrasound to achieve non‑invasive treatment for relieving Parkinsonian symptoms,” he elucidated. Building on ultrasound neuromodulation, the team has further developed sonogenetics technology to significantly enhance precision. “Different types of cells in the brain are intermingled, making it challenging to selectively modulate a specific cell type. Our sonogenetics technology can precisely identify and modulate targeted cell types—it is currently the only technique of its kind to be successfully validated by multiple independent laboratories, demonstrating its scientific significance,” Prof. Sun noted. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “The draft outline of the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan has identified brain-computer interfaces as one of the fresh growth drivers for the economy. Committed to supporting the Nation’s strategic development, PolyU has developed the All-Acoustics BCI System, representing a significant breakthrough in the field of biomedical engineering. Leveraging the University’s robust network in the Chinese Mainland, the research team has collaborated with leading hospitals to translate PolyU’s impactful research into applications, contributing to medical technology innovation and the wellbeing of our Nation.” The team has validated the technology’s efficacy through animal studies. “The mice with Parkinson’s disease exhibited significant improvement in motor function after receiving ultrasound modulation. Although Parkinson’s disease is primarily caused by excessive loss of certain brain cells during ageing, a process that is irreversible, we can significantly improve the symptoms by modulating the function of existing cells through ultrasound,” Prof. Sun added. In the next stage, Prof. Sun will expand the scale of clinical validation. He plans to collaborate with five leading medical centres to conduct a clinical study involving 100 Parkinson’s disease patients and systematically assess the ultrasound technique’s safety and efficacy, paving the way for regulatory approval and commercialisation. Looking ahead, the team also aims to partner with Hong Kong hospitals for clinical study and develop a more portable household version of the system, enabling patients to receive continuous treatment at home. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, the team is testing transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation for treating depression, weight control and sleep regulation. Devoted to the study of sonogenetics for a decade, Prof. Sun’s team has achieved remarkable results, filing more than ten patents for various technical approaches while receiving total research funding of over HK$76 million from the Innovation and Technology Fund, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other sources. Prof. Sun has also been named a Senior Research Fellow in 2025/26 by the Research Grants Council for his research in sonogenetics. The team’s research findings have been published in leading international journals, including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Communications and Cell Reports.  ***END***

PolyU research unveils mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines, empowering next-generation biomimetic sensors

Sea urchin spines are not only for defence—they also act as natural sensors. A research team led by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with scholars from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), has discovered the mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines, originating in their gradient porous structure, that allows the spines to instantly detect water flow. Using 3D printing, the team has replicated this structure and developed a bionic metamaterial sensor, which holds promise for breakthroughs in sensing technology. This innovation will drive the advancement of deep-sea technology such as marine monitoring and underwater infrastructure management, and can be extended to other emerging fields like brain-computer interfacing and aerospace. The research team found that, in the long-spined sea urchin (Diadema setosum), when a seawater droplet strikes the tip of a spine, the spine rotates rapidly within a second. Electrical measurements revealed that the droplet simulation produced a voltage of about 100 millivolts inside the spine; when the spine is immersed in water, water flow stimulation triggers a voltage of several tens of millivolts. This mechanoelectrical perception was observed even in dead spines, indicating that the mechanism is unrelated to biological cells. This response originates from the stereom structure of the spine—the porous internal skeleton composed of pores with varying sizes and distributions. These pores exhibit a gradual gradient along the spine from the base to the tip: larger pores and lower solid density at the base, and smaller pores and higher solid density at the tip, forming a bicontinuous gradient porous structure. As water flows through the porous structure, solid-liquid interfacial interaction occurs and the flow exerts shear force on the electric double layer, inducing the separation and redistribution of interfacial charge, which generates a voltage difference. The gradient structure intensifies the interaction between water flow and pore surfaces, resulting in a stronger voltage difference and enhancing the spine’s sensing capabilities. Inspired by these findings, the researchers used vat photopolymerisation 3D printing to create artificial samples from polymer and ceramic materials that resemble the spine’s stereom. Experiments showed that the spine-mimicking design produce a voltage output about three times higher and an amplitude about eight times greater than non-gradient designs under water flow stimulation, demonstrating that the key to the mechanoelectrical perception lies in the structure rather than the material. They also constructed a bionic 3D metamaterial mechanoreceptor that is designed in a 3 × 3 array with each unit made of gradient porous material. This mechanoreceptor can record electrical signals in real time underwater and precisely locate the position of water flow impact, without the need for additional electricity. The team’s bionic 3D metamaterial mechanoreceptor is designed in a 3 × 3 array, with each unit made of gradient porous material. It can record voltage signals in real time underwater and precisely locate the position of water flow impact, without the need for additional electricity. The research team points out that the gradient porous structure in sea urchin spines enhances signal transmission, thereby improving the precision and sensitivity of the mechanoreceptor. By replicating this structure in different materials, it is possible to extend its application beyond water flow sensing to various types of signals, including those measuring pressure, vibration and electromagnetic waves. This will inspire sensing technologies in multiple fields, such as in relation to its use in brain-computer interfaces to enhance the sensing of brainwaves and neural signals, with tremendous application potential. Prof. Wang Zuankai said, “Compared to traditional mechanoreceptors, our design excels in manufacturability, structural design flexibility, material versatility, geometric and performance control, and real-time underwater self-sensing. Leveraging gradients of porous materials and 3D printing technologies, we aspire to produce more nature-inspired metamaterial sensors with a range of materials, pore sizes and surface features that support potential applications in many fields.” At the forefront of nature-inspired science and engineering research, Prof. Wang’s team has also invented various new materials, including lotus leaf-inspired self-cleaning surfaces capable of rapid water repellency, Araucaria leaves-inspired surfaces that enable self-propelled liquid transport, and anti-icing structures that achieve spontaneous ejection of freezing droplets by replicating the biological mechanism of spore shooting in fungi. He envisions that their research will open up new avenues for the development of nature-inspired materials. “For natural porous materials, mechanical properties such as strength may not be the primary function, but rather a by-product of complex biomineralisation. Uncovering previously unknown mechanisms that lie beyond a material’s traditionally recognised function helps us to more comprehensively understand and fully utilise these natural resources. This is crucial for advancing biomimetic research,” he added. This joint research was co-led by Prof. LU Jian from CityU, and Prof. YAN Chunze and Prof. SU Bin from HUST. The study findings have been published in the international journal Nature.   ***END***

PolyU launches next-generation ophthalmic AI clinical co-pilot system, driving innovation in clinical-grade intelligent decision support platforms

With the accelerating trend of population ageing and a growing shortage of specialist doctors, enhancing the efficiency and consistency of ophthalmic diagnosis has become a critical challenge for global healthcare systems. A research team of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has launched the development of a next-generation clinical-grade ophthalmic artificial intelligence (AI) co-pilot system “EyeAgent 2.0”, aiming to construct an intelligent decision support platform with advanced clinical reasoning capabilities to assist doctors in disease diagnostic analysis, treatment planning and follow-up management, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of clinical judgments. The PolyU team previously developed the “EyeAgent 1.0” prototype system, capable of integrating multimodal medical data including clinical text and images, to provide diagnostic assistance. Pilot testing in hospitals across Hong Kong and Chinese mainland yielded positive clinical feedback. Leveraging this, the team is now developing “EyeAgent 2.0”. The new system is being developed around a domain-specific foundation model trained on large-scale, real-world multimodal electronic medical data from leading ophthalmic centres across different regions. It will integrate fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, angiography and clinical text data. The system will also simulate actual clinical workflows, including data integration, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease progression prediction through a multi-agent collaborative framework, realising the goal of upgrading from one-time image analysis towards continuous decision support throughout the course of disease. Based on current model validation and prototype testing results, the team anticipates that when fully developed the system, will significantly enhance diagnostic consistency and efficiency, while reducing the time doctors spend on case organisation and documentation. This will help alleviate work pressure in high-load clinical environments. The system’s design emphasises human-AI collaboration, with AI serving as an auxiliary tool for enhancing data integration and analytical capabilities while all final clinical decisions remain doctor-led. Prof. HE Mingguang, Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology and Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health of the School of Optometry, and Director of Research Centre for SHARP Vision, who leads the research, said, “We will continue to incorporate into the system real-world clinical data from diverse regions for training and validation, further optimising reasoning performance and stability. Our goal is to develop the system into a ‘Software as a Medical Device’ compliant with regulatory standards, with plans to progressively advance registration and deployment efforts following completion of clinical validation.” He added that the project had applied for relevant government innovation and technology funding. The team plans to complete system development and validation within the next two years, followed by productisation and commercialisation. The system will pilot first in the Hong Kong market before expanding to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Chinese mainland and overseas markets. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, stated, “PolyU is actively promoting interdisciplinary innovation in AI and healthcare, striving to translate research outcomes into applications with social value. The development of ‘EyeAgent 2.0’ demonstrates the University’s substantial expertise in integrating AI, data science and clinical specialities. It also serves to enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness in medical AI.” The system is intended to adopt a hybrid business model combining annual subscriptions with usage-based charges and will enable flexible deployment tailored to diverse hospital information system architectures. The team aims to foster a trustworthy, standardised and sustainable medical AI ecosystem through continuous technological refinement and clinical collaboration, thereby enhancing regional and global ophthalmic healthcare standards. Looking ahead, PolyU will remain guided by societal needs, deepening the integration of AI with clinical medicine and delivering more efficient, higher quality and more sustainable solutions for healthcare systems through sustained research and development alongside institutional capacity building. ***END***

PolyU fully supports “Study in Hong Kong” Week, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as international education hub

In support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s “Study in Hong Kong” Week, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has rolled out a series of international education activities this week, including co-hosting the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition with the seven other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities. Through these efforts, PolyU is helping to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for post-secondary education, expand the global academic network, and showcase to the world the strengths and excellence of Hong Kong’s higher education sector. Themed “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, this year’s APAIE conference was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Tim LUI, Chairman of the UGC; Dr David WONG, Chairman of the Education Commission; Prof. James TANG, Secretary-General of the UGC; Prof. Venky SHANKARARAMAN, President of APAIE; together with Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and representatives from the other UGC-funded universities on 24 February. The gala event attracted a record-breaking attendance of more than 3,000 global education leaders from over 70 countries and regions, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique status as a venue for international educational exchange. A highlight of APAIE 2026, the Presidents’ Dialogue featured a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng. Focusing on building partnerships for the global good, Prof. Teng, together with presidents and representatives from leading universities worldwide explored how higher education institutions can respond to challenges arising in this fast-changing era by fostering new frameworks for win-win international collaborations. He also shared valuable insights into driving the long-term development of education and research through innovation. The Dialogue brought together global education and industry leaders for forward-looking discussions on key issues in higher education, further consolidating Hong Kong’s leadership on the global higher education stage. In a seminar on supporting international students, Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU, introduced PolyU’s comprehensive support services tailored for international students, highlighting efforts to foster interaction among students from diverse backgrounds, help international students adapt smoothly to a new learning and living environment, and enhance these students’ sense of belonging to the University. Prof. Young also discussed with representatives from local universities how Hong Kong can leverage its many advantages in higher education to attract top students from around the world. During “Study in Hong Kong” Week, PolyU also hosted the PolyU Partners Day, a major event that welcomed over 180 representatives from its partner institutions across 37 countries and regions. The University management team introduced latest PolyU’s remarkable achievements over the years, its latest developments, academic and research strengths, and internationalisation strategies, while campus tours and networking sessions with faculty and students were held to deepen the partnerships. In addition, the PolyU Chinese Language Centre, together with the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong, organised a series of cultural activities for the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, featuring calligraphy, paper cutting, traditional Chinese costume experiences and festive foods. These activities helped foster a culturally inclusive atmosphere on campus and provided international students with the opportunity to experience the charm of Chinese culture firsthand, showcasing Hong Kong’s appeal as a top study destination. To support the Government’s efforts to build the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, PolyU will continue to expand its global recruitment network, with a particular focus on outreach to emerging markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.  The University will offer a wide range of scholarships and comprehensive support to attract international students from diverse cultural backgrounds to pursue their studies in Hong Kong. At the same time, PolyU will leverage its unique academic strengths and international influence to actively promote high-level international academic exchange and collaboration and maintain close partnerships with world-leading institutions such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. By further advancing research collaboration and academic engagement, the University will enhance the appeal of the “Study in Hong Kong” initiative. PolyU Partners Day welcomed over 180 representatives from the University’s partner institutions across 37 countries and regions, fostering in-depth exchanges and collaboration. Over 150 APAIE delegates visited PolyU on the final day of the conference to learn more about the University’s latest developments and strengths, further supporting PolyU in expanding its global partnership network. ***END***

PolyU hosts Spring Media Luncheon

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today held a Spring Media Luncheon. Dr LAM Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, and Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President, along with members of the central management team, including Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education); Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs); Dr Ben LAU, Interim Vice President (Campus and Facilities); deans and directors, gathered with media friends to share the PolyU’s key initiatives for the coming year. The central management team members held festive red fans, symbolising their wishes for the University to reach new heights and achieve swift success. Dr Lam Tai-fai said PolyU would continue to leverage its strengths to make contributions to Hong Kong and the Nation. This year, the University will establish an institute dedicated to policy research on education, technology and talent, in support of the Nation’s strategic goals of developing into a leading country in technology, education and talent, with the aim of providing integrated, professional and forward-looking policy advice for Hong Kong and the Nation. PolyU also plans to set up additional Patriotic Education Bases in Nanjing, Huizhou and Jinjiang to nurture socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective; strengthen the development of the University’s Confucius Institute of Hong Kong, revive the Global Confucius Institutes Hong Kong Forum; and host the third “PolyU Chinese Culture Festival” to promote China’s rich cultural heritage. Meanwhile, preparations for PolyU’s 90th anniversary celebrations are under way, and stakeholders are invited to witness the University’s development milestones at the celebrations. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said PolyU is committed to ranking among the global top 50 universities, helping Hong Kong become an international education hub. Plans include upgrading the College of Professional and Continuing Education to a private university, with the long‑term goal of developing it into a world‑class private institution and seeking approval to establish a PolyU campus at the Northern Metropolis University Town to address the University’s severe land and space shortage. It will also launch the PolyU Education 4.0 initiative to implement AI‑driven educational reform, and drive the development of its Mainland Translational Research Institutes to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs, contributing to the Nation’s technological self‑reliance. ***END***

PolyU welcomes 2026-27 Budget initiatives, driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development with I&T and talent

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the 2026-27 Budget announced by the Financial Secretary. With innovation and technology as its core driving force, the Budget focuses on nurturing and strengthening strategic and emerging industries, such as AI+, life and health technology, the low-altitude economy, aerospace and quantum technology, expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis, as well as enhancing the nurturing and attraction of talent, thereby fostering the integrated development of “Education, Technology and Talent”. PolyU is pleased to see the Government’s efforts to drive the industrialisation of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is one of PolyU’s key research areas, and last year the University established the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) to support Hong Kong’s development as an AI innovation hub. In line with the Government’s strategy to nurture emerging industries, PolyU plans to establish the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA) this year, which, together with the existing PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), will further advance the University’s organised research efforts. PolyU also welcomes the accelerated development of the third InnoHK research cluster. At present, the University has established and is participating in multiple research centres under the two existing InnoHK clusters, covering cutting-edge areas such as AI in design, eye and vision research, space robotics and energy, as well as generative AI.  PolyU also welcomes the Government’s strong push to promote the integrated upstream, midstream and downstream development of life and health technologies, including the establishment of the headquarters of the Life and Health Technology Research Institute in the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Co-operation Zone, as well as support for universities to set up branch institutes. Leveraging its unique strengths in AI-powered medicine and in “medicine-engineering integration”, PolyU will accelerate the translation of medical research outcomes and help develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.  In advancing green technology, PolyU has secured funding for a total of nine projects under the Government’s Green Tech Fund since its launch, achieving the highest aggregate funding amount among all local universities. These projects span key areas such as new energy development, green buildings and waste-to-resource conversion, including research on next-generation fuel cells and ammonia-based power generation systems. PolyU will continue to promote the translational application of these research outcomes, contributing to the Nation’s “dual carbon” targets. In terms of talent development, PolyU is pleased that the Government is encouraging universities to introduce new STEAM-related programmes, and supporting graduates to pursue I&T-related and R&D work through the STEM Internship Scheme and the Research Talent Hub. As early as 2022, PolyU took the lead in making AI and Data Analytics a compulsory subject for all undergraduates. The University has launched the BSc (Hons) Scheme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Data Science and Analytics/Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence) in the 2025/26 academic year, and will further expand its STEAM programme offerings by introducing new programmes in sports science and technology and language science and technology in 2026/27. PolyU also supports the Government’s efforts to build the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and will continue to expand its global student recruitment network. PolyU welcomes the Government’s efforts to advance the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, in particular the plan to make land in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area available in the short term for university applications, as well as the provision of loan support for campus development.  Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “The Budget aligns with the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and its strategic deployment for frontier technology development, providing solid support for Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre. In education, PolyU is at the forefront of AI-empowered learning and teaching and has launched the ‘Education 4.0’ initiative. In research, the University will continue to leverage its strengths in interdisciplinary research to promote the translation of research outcomes, contributing to the Nation’s drive for greater technological self-reliance and strength. Looking ahead, PolyU is facing a severe challenge of inadequate campus space for future development, which constrains the University’s long-term planning. We therefore welcome the Budget’s commitment to expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, and we look forward to overcoming the current land bottleneck through a new campus, thereby providing the necessary space to support the University’s sustained growth.”  Moving forward, PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer, foster collaboration among industry, academia and research sectors, and contribute to the development of both Hong Kong and the Nation. ***END***

Three PolyU innovative projects receive support from Smart Traffic Fund, enhancing driving safety and transportation efficiency

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to pioneering research that contributes to a smarter and safer future. In the 23rd batch of the Smart Traffic Fund, three PolyU projects have received total funding of HK$18.6 million. With a focus on intelligent driving systems, wearable monitoring technologies and bus emergency braking solutions respectively, these projects aim to enhance transportation efficiency and driving safety.  Prof Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “We are delighted to receive support from the Smart Traffic Fund. These PolyU projects bring forward novel solutions to address critical and emerging challenges in transportation and logistics. They have the potential to propel transport technology toward new frontiers. PolyU remains committed to translational research, steadfast in our vision of creating tangible benefits for society.” Led by Prof. Weisong WEN, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project “Application of End-to-End Intelligent Driving System in Logistics Industry” secured funding of approximately HK$7.06 million for 24 months. This project aims to develop an end-to-end intelligent driving system for the logistics industry, incorporating a unified artificial intelligence framework for spatial localisation through multi-modal sensor fusion, a Bird’s Eye View perception system for 360-degree environmental understanding, and sim-to-real training and validation based on the Hong Kong landscape. By providing this integrated solution, the system supports the future development of intelligent driving technology in Hong Kong. Led by Dr Qinbiao LI, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project “Wearable Wristband-based Driver Attention Monitoring and Alerting System” secured funding of approximately HK$4.51 million for 24 months. This project aims to develop a real-time driver attention monitoring and alerting system using data collected from wearable health-tracking wristbands. The system continuously tracks physiological signals such as photoplethysmogram (PPG), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood oxygen saturation to assess attentiveness while driving. Leveraging deep learning algorithms, it detects signs of drowsiness and distraction, generates a Unified Attention-Loss Index and issues graded alerts, providing early warnings to drivers and fleet managers in support of enhancing road safety. Led by Prof. SZE Nang Ngai, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the project “Bus Automatic Emergency Braking System Designed for Hong Kong Road and Traffic Conditions” secured funding of approximately HK$7.04 million for 24 months. This project aims to design an Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) for buses tailored to Hong Kong’s road and traffic conditions. It will analyse traffic accident records and real-time bus trajectory data collected during shadow tests to evaluate AEBS performance and its effectiveness in reducing collisions while ensuring passenger safety. The research deliverables include providing empirical evidence for bus operators to formulate AEBS deployment strategies in Hong Kong and the enhancement of overall bus safety. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with 31 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to-date. This achievement underscores the University’s contribution to advancing innovation in transportation technology. 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.    ***END***