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Delegation from Keqiao District, Shaoxing visits PolyU to strengthen collaboration in technology and research

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PolyU and Shaoxing government host global innovation and entrepreneurship contest to foster tech talent and innovation transfer

The 10th Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Contest of High-Level Talents, Shaoxing 2025  (Hong Kong Division Competition) was held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 22 April. Focusing on cutting-edge technology such as new materials and pan-semiconductors, the competition attracted 15 projects from Hong Kong and Macau, showcasing their strengths in integrating technology and industry. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, delivered an opening speech, highlighting that the competition not only promotes innovation exchange and regional collaboration, but also reinforces PolyU’s leadership in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, nurturing talent, and facilitating the transfer of research achievements. Last year, the PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially opened in Keqiao District, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative development between Hong Kong and Shaoxing. By hosting the competition’s first stop, PolyU further deepens the cooperation between Shaoxing’s Keqiao District and Hong Kong, strengthening ties in talent development, technological innovation, and industrial advancement, and creating mutually beneficial growth opportunities for both regions. During the event, a panel of senior judges conducted comprehensive evaluations of the participating projects. High-level talent initiatives, including the “Koya Creative Intelligence UTV Project” and the “AI-TOF Processor Chip Design and AI Motion Recognition System Industrialization,” presented roadshows to showcase their innovations and share their experiences. In addition, keynote speeches highlighted development opportunities and the innovation and entrepreneurship environment in Mainland China, explored investment trends, and introduced supporting policies for the Shaoxing Hai Chuang Competition, along with outlining the future direction of projects in Keqiao.  Following the event, the Keqiao Campus Job Fair for High-level Talents was held, attracting a diverse array of enterprises from high-tech industries such as new materials and pan-semiconductors. The fair offered abundant career opportunities and valuable networking platforms for fresh graduates and rising research talents. The final session featured an exchange conference, in which Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) and Chair Professor of Cell Engineering and ImmunoMedicine in the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, welcomed the delegation and provided updates on the latest developments of the PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Both sides reaffirmed a strong commitment to strengthening industry exchanges and exploring potential opportunities for future collaboration.

PolyU hosted technology matchmaking conference with Jiangsu province to strengthen innovation and technology collaboration

Research and Innovation Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, and Jiangsu Provincial Productivity Promotion Centre, successfully co-hosted the Jiangsu-Hong Kong Technology Matchmaking Conference on 15 April. The conference focused on four key areas: artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, healthcare, and new materials. Nearly 100 PolyU researchers and representatives from the Jiangsu government and industry attended and engaged in dynamic discussions and exchanges. During the event, PolyU's leading researchers presented their latest research findings and showcased the university's innovative breakthroughs in a dedicated exhibition area. Over 40 representatives from Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Productivity Promotion Centre, High-tech Industrial Development Zone, and various enterprises also shared their industry collaboration needs, facilitating a platform for enhanced industry-academia-research cooperation. To accelerate research translation, PolyU established research institutes in Wuxi and Nanjing between 2022 and 2023 through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding. The collaboration advanced further with the commencement of Jiangsu Provincial Productivity Promotion Centre’s joint innovation service centre and incubation base. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the PolyU-Jiangsu partnership, laying the foundation for enhanced industry-research cooperation in the future. The long-standing PolyU-Jiangsu partnership stands as a model for innovation collaboration, advancing technology, industry and talent exchange while supporting high-quality development in both Jiangsu and Hong Kong.

PolyU and CSU.CAS sign framework agreement to drive innovation in international space technology development

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), led a delegation to the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU.CAS). During the visit, Prof. Chao and Mr WANG Ke, Deputy Director of CSU.CAS signed a strategic collaborative framework agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in advanced space technologies. The agreement covers various areas, including space manufacturing, lunar exploration, electronic information and artificial intelligence. It also extends support for the national space strategy and international space science development. PolyU has harnessed its extensive international research network and innovative technologies to make significant achievements in lunar exploration. Notable contributions include those to the Nation’s historic Chang’e-6 lunar far-side sampling mission and the acquisition of lunar soil samples from the Chang'e-5 mission, providing crucial technical support for China's deep space exploration. CSU.CAS brings strong engineering expertise in the design and development of space application systems and payload technologies to the collaboration, tailored explicitly for manned space engineering endeavours. Under the agreement, the parties will collaborate to develop a cross-regional scientific research platform that leverages their respective and combined strengths. This long-term collaboration will include a joint space manufacturing laboratory, extensive research projects, academic exchanges and other collaborative activities. It aims to foster international cooperation, promote talent exchange and nurture a new generation of highly skilled and globally minded scientists and engineers. Mr WANG Qiang, Deputy Director (in charge) of CSU.CAS warmly welcomed the PolyU delegation and remarked, “We highly value our partnership with PolyU, given its active involvement in national space missions and expertise in key areas such as space manufacturing, satellite remote sensing, information and communication technology, and artificial intelligence. By combining our respective strengths and resources, we aim to deliver research outcomes of international significance and drive substantial innovation in national aerospace engineering technology.” Prof. Chaoexpressed his sincere gratitude to CSU.CAS for its trust and support, and stated, “The collaboration between PolyU and CSU.CAS leverages Hong Kong's international resources alongside the engineering strengths and practical expertise of Mainland China, thereby unlocking significant innovation potential. Guided by our motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’, PolyU is committed to fully leveraging the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework to enable Hong Kong to contribute its unique expertise and perspectives in support of national scientific and technological advancement.” This partnership represents a step forward in enhancing scientific research collaboration between Mainland China and Hong Kong, reflecting a move towards deeper integration. Looking ahead, the collaboration will align strategically with national priorities, focusing on the integration of space science, technological applications and industrial development to propel the growth of China's aerospace industry.

PolyU and CITIC Group join forces to establish Interdisciplinary Mathematical Digital AI Joint Laboratory

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Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics visited PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomed representatives from the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (SIOM), the Shanghai Municipal Talent Work Bureau and related organisations on 26 March for discussions on research innovation, talent development, and industry collaboration, aiming to enhance Shanghai-Hong Kong cooperation.   The plaque-unveiling ceremony for the establishment of the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Laser Press was held at PolyU on the same day. Officiating guests included Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. LAI Puxiang, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Laser Press, Prof. ZHANG Aping, Professor of the PolyU Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Secretary General of the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Laser Press, Prof. LENG Yuxin, Deputy Director of SIOM, Dr WANG Xiaofeng, Editor-in-Chief of Chinese Laser Press and Ms ZHANG Yuqing, Director of Editorial Department of Advanced Photonics. This marked a significant milestone in strengthening optics cooperation between Mainland China and Hong Kong.   During the meeting, Prof. CHAO highlighted PolyU's commitment to fostering research innovation and talent development. As the host institution for the Hong Kong Branch of the Chinese Laser Press, PolyU will fully utilise its scientific research and academic strengths to deepen regional synergy and further contribute to the advancement of optics.   Ms XU Hui, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of Shanghai Municipal Talent Work Bureau,emphasised Shanghai's support for collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong and expressed anticipation for expanded cooperation in various fields.   Prof. LENG provided a detailed overview of SIOM's research directions and achievements. In addition, PolyU professors shared their institution's remarkable accomplishments in relevant scientific research areas, focusing specifically on cutting-edge fields such as ultra-precision machining, photonics materials and technology, and biophotonics.   The delegation concluded the visit with tours of PolyU’s State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology and the Photonics Research Institute, where they explored micron-scale processing equipment and cutting-edge photonics research. This event deepened mutual understanding and laid a solid foundation for future PolyU and Shanghai collaborations in research, talent cultivation, and university-enterprise partnerships.

PolyU and Amway (China) establish Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Aging Research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Amway (China) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Ageing Research. Over the next three years, the parties plan to allocate dedicated research funding, jointly nurture postdoctoral researchers, and enhance the development of the health industry in the Greater Bay Area through the creation of a phytonutrient database and development of functional assessment models. Witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR); Dr Eric DU, Principal Scientist of the Research and Development Centre of Amway (China); andDr Clark CHEN, Senior Scientist of the Centre, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Mr Johnson HAN, General Manager of Innovation and Science of Amway (China). Following the signing, representatives from both parties officiated at a plaque unveiling ceremony, marking the establishment of the Joint Laboratory for Phytonutrients and Aging Research. Over 20 experts joined this noteworthy occasion to celebrate the collaboration. Prof. Wing-tak Wong highlighted the significant potential of this partnership, given the growing demand for phytonutrients products. The Laboratory aims to leverage the opportunities for research innovation and commercialisation in the field, developing new solutions that benefit human health, science and technology, and the economy. Mr Johnson Han shared his company’s decades of research and market experience in phytonutrients, which will complement the work of PolyU’s exceptional research team. In the afternoon, Amway (China) representatives engaged in a series of professional exchanges with PolyU faculty members and students, including at the Frontier Forum on Cognitive Enhancement and Health Management hosted by the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI), which attracted over a hundred participants. Dr Clark Chen, Prof. Raymond CHANG, Professor of the School of Biomedical Sciences of The University of Hong Kong, and Dr Fiona CHEN, Senior Lecturer of the College of Professional and Continuing Education of PolyU, delivered keynote speeches on phytochemical mechanisms and interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, Dr Eric Du conducted a lecture for students from the PolyU Department of Food Science and Nutrition, where he detailed Amway’s experience in building a phytonutrient-centric research and development model for advancing the modern big health industry. Through this partnership, both parties will integrate their strengths and resources to propel research development in phytonutrients, marking a significant step toward achieving a healthy ageing society.

PolyU and China Tower sign strategic cooperation agreement to advance innovation in low-altitude economy and next-generation networks

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China Tower Corporation Limited (China Tower) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance key research areas, including the low-altitude economy and next-generation network technologies. By fostering in-depth cooperation to promote technological innovation and translate research outcomes, this collaboration will accelerate the new quality productive forces in these pivotal sectors. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr ZHANG Zhiyong, Chairman of China Tower, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr CHEN Li, General Manager of China Tower, with the aim of establishing a robust and enduring framework for collaborative research and innovation, talent nurturing, and the translation of research outcomes. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng underscored PolyU’s leading role in low-altitude economy research, marked by the establishment last year of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy and the launch in the new academic year of a Master’s programme in Low Altitude Economy, along with the University’s internationally recognised expertise in data science, artificial intelligence and computer science. This partnership will integrate the University’s academic strengths and China Tower’s industry leadership to drive impactful research, build innovative platforms, facilitate effective technology transfer and cultivate highly skilled professionals, thereby contributing to the Nation’s high-quality development goals. Mr Zhang Zhiyong emphasised China Tower’s commitment to innovation-driven growth as the world’s largest telecommunications infrastructure service provider. By sharing resources and pursuing shared goals, China Tower aims to enhance its core competitiveness. This collaboration with PolyU will leverage the strengths of both parties to create a mutually beneficial partnership. With a focus on the low-altitude economy and next-generation networks, the cooperation seeks to generate strong synergy and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement through consistent communication and exchange. The collaboration marks a new chapter in the partnership between PolyU and China Tower. By combining efforts, the parties aim to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and make contributions to new quality productive forces, advancing technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Geely Holding Delegation visits PolyU

A delegation from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd.  (Geely Holding) visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 26 February. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on scientific research collaboration and talent cultivation. Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU, introduced the university's outstanding achievements in academic research, technological innovation, and the collaboration between industry, academia, and research. Meanwhile, Mr. REN Xiangfei, Executive Vice President of the Geely Research Institute, provided a comprehensive overview of Geely Group's current development, future strategies, and key technologies driving automotive advancement. During the meeting, Ir Prof. CHAN Ching-chuen, Distinguished Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU, and Prof. ZHAO Haitao, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, presented their research on electric vehicle, large language models, and smart manufacturing, showcasing PolyU's leading research in these vital fields.  Following the meeting, the delegation visited the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles and explored the university's research facilities and achievements. This visit provided an excellent platform for communications between Geely Holdingand PolyU, establishing a solid foundation for future collaborations and contributing to the high-quality development of China’s automotive industry.

Visit by Shunde District delegation

A delegation from Shunde District visited PolyU on 24 February to engage in industry-academia-research exchanges, aiming to fostering collaboration in research projects, technological innovation and transfer, as well as joint talent development initiatives. Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) and Chair Professor of Cell Engineering and ImmunoMedicine in the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU warmly welcomed the delegation. He highlighted PolyU's remarkable achievements in research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration, emphasizing its commitment to transforming research into practical solutions and applications for sustainable societal and economic development. Several PolyU scholars also shared the latest research progress in their respective faculties, and explored potential industrial applications. Prof. Henry DUH, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement) of the School of Design and Director of Research Centre for Art and Culture Technology, explained how artificial intelligence is empowering the cultural and creative industries, driving cross-disciplinary innovation; Prof. LIU Yan, Associate Professor of the Department of Computing, introduced the newly established Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and shared how artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction technology are being used to analyse and improve personal stress resistance and performance; Prof. Hailong HUANG, Assistant Professor of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering,discussed how perception modules and cutting-edge sensor technology contribute to the development of the low-altitude industry and its potential economic applications. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as robotics technology and talent cultivation, expressing interest in collaborative initiatives.  The delegation also visited PolyU's State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology to explore its cutting-edge scientific research and advanced laboratory facilities. PolyU will continue to leverage its advantages in academic and technological innovation, join forces with the Shunde District to promote the transformation of R&D achievements and talent cultivation, and support the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.