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Qiangnao and PolyU launch “People-Oriented Technology Programme” to deploy cutting-edge intelligent bionic limbs for Hong Kong amputees

The kick-off ceremony of the “People-Oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University” (the Programme) was successfully held today at the Central Government Offices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Jointly organised by Qiangnao Technology (Qiangnao) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) of the HKSAR Government of the People’s Republic of China serving as the advisory body, the initiative marks a proactive response to the “Support People-Oriented Scientific Research” policy outlined in the 2025 Policy Address. The Programme introduces Qiangnao’s advanced intelligent bionic hands and bionic knee joints for local configuration and use. Funded and supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), the trial programme allows eligible amputees in Hong Kong to apply for configuration and use of these high-tech prostheses free of charge, facilitating the practical transformation of cutting-edge medical technology to tangible benefits for those in need. The kick-off ceremony was officiated by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Kelvin CHOI, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; and Mr Ivan LEE, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, alongside Mr Bicheng HAN, Founder and CEO of Qiangnao; Ms Sienna XU, Representative of Qiangnao; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; and Prof. Yongping ZHENG, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU. The event was also attended by participants from the first phase of trial who have already been fitted with the intelligent prostheses, medical rehabilitation experts and representatives from social welfare organisations. The event aims to raise awareness of the Programme within Hong Kong's disability community so that more individuals in need can benefit. Applications are now officially open to eligible individuals. Prof. Sun Dong stated, “Today’s I&T initiatives respond to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for the full implementation of the ‘AI+’ action plan to empower public well-being through AI. Hong Kong possesses strong research capabilities, with five universities ranked among the world’s top 100 and two medical schools in the global top 40. It has a solid foundation in life and health technology, AI, and robotics, and is well positioned to put into practice the principle of technology for the benefit of people. The launch of the programme also embodies the original intent of using technology for good and being people-oriented, bringing cutting-edge technologies into real-world applications, to the lives of citizens in need.” Mr Bicheng Han stated, “Over the next two years, with the support of the HKSAR Government, Qiangnao will work with PolyU and partners from all sectors of society to diligently implement the project and provide service support, so that more eligible amputees in Hong Kong can receive high-tech prostheses free of charge. We will also continue to enhance product experience and rehabilitation support services.” Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “Scientific research must ultimately benefit society. The vision for developing people-oriented technology, as outlined in the Chief Executive’s Policy Address, aligns perfectly with PolyU’s motto, ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’. This Programme holds immense significance: Qiangnao brings world-leading core technologies in intelligent bionic prostheses, while PolyU provides local implementation, promotion, and scientific research support. The team will evaluate the effectiveness of the technology based on clinical application scenarios, collect user feedback for timely adjustments and optimisations, and continuously improve the overall user experience. With the support of the Innovation and Technology Fund, this initiative ensures that cutting-edge technology truly serves public livelihood and benefits society.” The initial phase of the Programme aims to fit 60 Hong Kong amputees with intelligent bionic hands and bionic knee joints, managed by the PolyU team. The intelligent bionic hands help upper-limb amputees restore grip strength and fine-motor capabilities. The intelligent bionic knee joints are equipped with multi-sensor and a smart hydraulic system, and can detect walking intentions in real time. They support climbing stairs and switching between fast and slow walking speeds, and feature emergency-stop and fall-prevention protections. It is anticipated that users will experience a significant boost in self-care abilities and confidence in returning to the workplace after fitting. During the kick-off ceremony, amputees who had been successfully fitted with the high-tech prostheses under the Programme shared their experience and stories. The intelligent bionic hand contains sensors that detect myoelectric and neural signals from upper-limb muscles without any internal implantation, thereby controlling the hand’s movements. After training, wearers can perform delicate daily tasks such as writing and playing musical instruments. Users of intelligent bionic knee joints can walk on flat ground, climb stairs and participate in sports activities. Building upon existing roadmap, Qiangnao and PolyU will engage in deep cooperation, combining PolyU’s academic excellence, talent, and research and development capabilities with Qiangnao’s expertise in product commercialsation and advanced technology to co-establish the “Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interfaces”. The centre plans to explore areas such as custom prosthetics, rehabilitation training systems, and interdisciplinary interaction design. This will drive the integration of scientific research and clinical application, bringing solutions tailored to the needs of the local disability community. Against the backdrop of the HKSAR Government’s sustained investment in innovation and technology, emerging fields like Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) are gradually being included in urban development policy. As cross-disciplinary collaboration and technical evolution accelerate, BCI is moving toward broader application scenarios. While helping people transcend physical and mental boundaries, it is also becoming a vital force in driving social inclusion and technological transformation. For over a decade, Qiangnao has focused on the research and development and implementation of non-invasive BCI core technologies. From intelligent bionic hands and knee joints to autism intervention and sleep assistance products, the company adheres to the philosophy of “Tech for Good”, ensuring innovation serves society. Looking ahead, Mr Bicheng Han expressed his hopes for deeper future collaboration with Hong Kong in medical rehabilitation and other sectors, leveraging technology to drive urban development and allowing frontier technology to truly serve the public. PolyU has spent years cultivating expertise in medical and rehabilitation technology, housing Hong Kong’s only internationally recognised education and training pathway for prosthetics and orthotics. Utilising its unique advantages in “medicine-engineering integration” and clinical translation, PolyU is helping top-tier intelligent prosthetic technologies successfully land, expand, and continuously optimise in Hong Kong. The PolyU team will leverage real-world clinical settings to validate technical efficacy and collect user feedback for adjustments, fully enhancing and optimising the application experience for users. Ms Sienna Xu introduced Qiangnao’s advanced intelligent bionic hands and bionic knee joints. During the kick-off ceremony, amputees who had successfully been fitted with the high-tech prostheses under the Programme shared their experience and stories.

PolyU International Future Challenge 2026 launched to drive innovative ventures through cross-border network of Mainland Translational Research Institutes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held the Launch Ceremony of the PolyU International Future Challenge 2026 (PolyU IFC 2026), a flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition, yesterday (13 May). With eight competition regions spanning Hong Kong and strategic Chinese Mainland cities, PolyU IFC 2026 invites local and global innovators and entrepreneurs to participate, converting their ideas into impactful ventures that address real-world challenges in these regions. The Launch Ceremony featured an insightful fireside chat and a sharing session with last year’s participants, drawing the keen participation of industry experts, scholars and startup representatives. In his opening remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President, stated, “PolyU IFC reflects our deep commitment to driving innovation and nurturing top-quality talent for societal benefits. This year’s Challenge has been strategically aligned with the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and focuses on the ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI)+’ initiative. Leveraging the robust network of PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs), it connects local and global innovators to regional industrial clusters, offering market opportunities across key industry domains spanning life sciences, advanced manufacturing, fintech, smart cities and aerospace.” He encouraged global talents to seize this invaluable opportunity to contribute to the social development of the competition regions while achieving personal growth. Building on the success of the inaugural PolyU IFC last year, the competition returns with eight competition regions, spanning Shenzhen Qianhai, Jinjiang, Nanjing, Wuhan, Hong Kong, Hefei, Hangzhou and Wuxi. It aims to empower innovative talent to dream and deliver, supporting them in creating opportunities for the future of innovation while leveraging the cross-border network of PolyU MTRIs. All those who believe in the unlimited potential of AI+ and pursue technology-driven social impact are encouraged to turn their dreams into reality on the PolyU IFC 2026 stage. Participants will earn the chance to win a wealth of rewards and opportunities, including up to HK$120,000 (Hong Kong Region) or RMB100,000 (each Chinese Mainland region) for regional champion teams, who can then compete for greater honours and awards at the Grand Final. In addition to monetary prizes, participants will also have the opportunity to connect with Chinese Mainland markets via the University’s MTRI network, join local and overseas entrepreneurial visits, secure commercialisation support from the PolyVentures startup ecosystem, access PolyU’s established network of investors and corporate leaders, receive mentorship from industry experts and obtain tuition sponsorship for the PolyU Master of Technology Entrepreneurship programme. Moreover, all participants will be entitled to join the “KT&E Skills Acceleration Hub” training series to enhance their innovation and entrepreneurship skillsets. With AI+ at its core and the vision to bring positive impact to local industries and societal wellbeing, PolyU IFC 2026 strategically focuses on five industry domains: Life Sciences and Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics, Digital Economy and FinTech, Smart City and Green Living, as well as Aerospace and Aviation Technology. The focus domains of each competition region are outlined as follows: Competition Regions Industry Domains Life Sciences and Healthcare Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics Digital Economy and FinTech Smart City and Green Living Aerospace and Aviation Technology Qianhai ✓ ✓   ✓ ✓ Jinjiang ✓ ✓   ✓   Nanjing ✓ ✓   ✓ ✓ Wuhan ✓ ✓       Hong Kong ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Hefei ✓     ✓ ✓ Hangzhou ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓   Wuxi ✓ ✓   ✓ ✓ PolyU is in discussion with government authorities, enterprises and institutions across Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland to secure their participation as sponsors, strategic partners and supporting organisations of the Challenge, offering them enhanced brand visibility, cross‑border market exposure and access to top innovative talents. By building a robust cross-border innovation platform, PolyU and its partners will jointly drive innovation and create long-term value for society by leveraging synergistic collaboration. During the Launch Ceremony fireside chat, Mr Albert WONG, former CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with Prof. YANG Hongxia, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence; and Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence. The speakers explored a range of topics that included the innovation ecosystem, tomorrow’s ventures and talents, AI democratisation, and translational research, from both industry and academic perspectives. This exchange marked the start of the competition, inspiring everyone with an aspiration for innovation and entrepreneurship. Local and global applications are now open for all IFC 2026 competition regions, with the official application deadline set for 14 June. Regional finals will run from August to November, while regional top teams will compete at the Grand Final in January next year. For details of the Challenge, please visit the official website.

Baoshan District Government Delegation visited PolyU to advance Shanghai-Hong Kong innovation exchange

A delegation led by Mr Li Chenhao, Secretary of the CPC Baoshan District Committee visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 8 May to strengthen collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong in technological innovation and industrial development. The visit focused on exploring opportunities for partnership and driving the commercialisation of research achievements. The delegation first visited the PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Exploration, gaining insights into the University’s contributions to major national space missions and its applied research expertise. This was followed by an exchange meeting, where PolyU representatives presented the University’s latest research strengths and developments, while the Baoshan delegation introduced an overview of the district's innovation ecosystem and industrial landscape.  Prof. Lin Jianguo, Chair Professor of Materials Technologies of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU, together with his team, showcased the latest advancements in advanced smart manufacturing systems, highlighting strong R&D capabilities and commercialisation potential. By combining PolyU’s research innovation with Baoshan’s industrial strengths, both parties explored new opportunities for deeper collaboration, aiming to drive technological advancement and industrial upgrading in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

PolyU and Linkerbot collaborate to advance embodied AI research, pioneering innovation in smart manufacturing and robotics technologies

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Linkerbot Beijing Technology Co., Ltd. (Linkerbot) yesterday (29 April) signed a framework cooperation agreement to promote cutting-edge research and technological innovation in embodied artificial intelligence (AI). The two parties will explore conducting joint research on frontier technologies in this field, including AI-driven dexterous hands, vision-language-action (VLA) models, and integrated flexible sensing and actuation systems, with a view to accelerating technology iteration and translation, and injecting fresh impetus into the development of smart manufacturing, robotics and other related industries. At the signing ceremony held on the PolyU campus, the cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU, and Ms ZUO Jiaping, Co-founder and Vice President of Linkerbot. Prof. Xiaowen FU, Chair Professor of Logistics Engineering and Head of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU scholars who will participate in the collaborative projects, and representatives from the Linkerbot research outreach division, also attended the ceremony to celebrate the collaboration. Embodied AI has been incorporated into the country’s future industry plan and was identified as a new economic growth driver in the Outline of the National “15th Five-Year Plan,” demonstrating immense potential for industrialising related technologies. Prof. Zheng Zijian said, “PolyU is committed to advancing pioneering scientific research and fostering deep industry-university-research collaboration. Building on this partnership, the University will capitalise on its robust research strengths in AI, materials science and sensing technologies, and synergise with Linkerbot’s specialised expertise in dexterous robotic hardware and real-world commercial deployment, overcoming critical technical bottlenecks in embodied intelligence.” Ms Zuo Jiaping said, “Linkerbot is driven by ‘Clever Hands Create Everything’ and the philosophy of ‘One Million Hands, One Million Skills’, empowering robots with true dexterous manipulation. Harnessing PolyU’s world-class strengths in AI, materials science and flexible sensing, this collaboration will focus on skill learning and generalisation, end-to-end multimodal synergy, and flexible sensing and exoskeleton technologies. Leveraging the advantages of the Greater Bay Area, we will accelerate the transition of embodied AI from the laboratory to real-world scenarios, injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub, and the upgrading of the Nation’s intelligent manufacturing sector.” PolyU possesses solid fundamental research capabilities and high-calibre talent in the field of embodied AI, while Linkerbot boasts rich expertise in its technology development, adoption and marketisation. The two parties will foster comprehensive collaboration across research, knowledge transfer and industrial applications, creating an innovation ecosystem that integrates industry, academia, research and application. The first phase of the joint projects will cover areas such as human-robot collaboration based on AI and dexterous hands, synergy of skill primitive learning and vision-language-tactile models, VLA foundation models, and integrated flexible sensing and actuation systems for intelligent assistive exoskeletons. Building on this collaboration, PolyU and Linkerbot will actively respond to the national strategy of empowering all sectors with AI and of promoting the deep integration of the real and digital economies. The partnership advances efforts to fuel the development of embodied AI and smart manufacturing, and to drive technology breakthroughs and translation in key areas such as dexterous manipulation and human-robot collaboration, contributing to the Nation’s technological innovation.

Guangzhou Baiyun Jianke Holdings Group visited PolyU to envision a new blueprint for "Design Capital" and smart cities 29 Apr 2026 Events

A delegation from the Guangzhou Baiyun Jianke Group, along with representatives from the Guangzhou Baiyun District Liaison Office in Hong Kong and the Guangdong Industrial Design Association, visited PolyU on 29 April for a strategic exchange. During the meeting, both parties engaged in in‑depth discussions on design innovation and construction environment. By combining PolyU’s strengths in design, construction, and energy engineering with the Group’s excellence in urban development and industrialisation, the exchange explored new opportunities for industry-academic-research collaboration within the Greater Bay Area.   The delegation also toured the Digital Energy Intelligence Lab, gaining first‑hand insights into PolyU’s latest advancements in smart energy monitoring and digitalised management, and discussing the practical applications of cutting‑edge research in modern urban settings. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to strengthen collaboration with leading enterprise in the GBA, driving advancements in design innovation, smart city development, and deeper industry‑academia integration.

PolyU SHTM and THINK CHINA joint study offers strategic insights into capturing value of Chinese Mainland tourists in Hong Kong and Macao

As cross‑border travel between Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao continues to normalise, the challenge for both cities has moved beyond simply restoring visitor volumes to monetising evolving travel patterns characterised by shorter stays, increased price sensitivity and more deliberate spending behaviour. The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with THINK CHINA, today released the findings of a joint research study examining the spending habits, mobility patterns and value created by Chinese Mainland tourists in Hong Kong and Macao. Led by Prof. Kam HUNG, Principal Investigator and SHTM Professor; Prof. Tony TSE, Co‑Investigator and SHTM Professor of Practice; and Mr Benjamin SUN, Co‑Investigator and Managing Director of THINK CHINA, the study addresses a critical shift in the post‑pandemic recovery tourism landscape and translates empirical findings into strategic, forward‑looking recommendations for destination managers, tourism operators and policymakers. The study draws on a rigorous mixed‑method research design, combining enhanced survey instrumentation with strict data‑quality controls. A total of 3,209 valid responses were analysed, from 1,928 Chinese Mainland visitors to Hong Kong and 1,281 to Macao, enabling a detailed, segmented analysis of the spending, shopping behaviour, mobility and decision‑making of Chinese Mainland tourists.   Key findings from the study include the following. Chinese Mainland visitors should not be treated as a single demand pool Proximity drives visit frequency but not necessarily value.Same‑day visitors, predominantly from the Greater Bay Area, show significantly higher repeat visit rates, while overnight visitors remain the primary drivers of immediate per‑trip value due to their broader participation in shopping, dining, accommodation and experiential activities. The research advocates a shift from traffic‑based thinking to conversion‑based thinking: same-day visitors should be seen as a repeat-customer base with lifetime-value potential, whereas overnight visitors should be targeted for deeper cross-category spend. Accommodation choice emerges as a powerful commercial signal Travellers who combine star‑rated and non‑star‑rated stays show longer stays and stronger spending performance, indicating a trend of selective premiumisation rather than simple budget constraints. Luxury shoppers remain the clearest high‑value segment, though value creation differs across destinations In Hong Kong, luxury spending produces a step‑change in total expenditure, driven by fashion‑led baskets and large‑ticket purchases concentrated in established luxury districts such as Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay. In Macao, premium demand is most evident on the Macao Peninsula and, in particular, the Cotai Strip, where integrated resort environments amplify luxury intensity. Beauty and family shoppers represent scalable value pools Beauty shoppers sit within an affordable‑premium band and are responsive to trust‑building, curated content and digital touchpoints. Family travellers, while not always the highest spenders on a per‑capita basis, generate economic impact through larger baskets and wider category participation across attractions, dining, accommodation and household‑related purchases.They offer a wider commercial reach than luxury shoppers while supporting conversion levers. The study underscores that shopping demand is not fixed, but can be shaped through better‑designed visitor journeys, improved information accessibility, reduced transaction friction and stronger ecosystem integration among tourism, retail, hospitality, attractions, events and transport. Crucially, Hong Kong and Macao should not follow identical strategic playbooks. Hong Kong’s strength lies in its citywide retail connectivity, long-standing brand trust and the efficient conversion of short, multi‑stop trips into shopping and dining spend. Macao’s competitive advantage lies in ecosystem integration, where gaming, entertainment, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions), concerts, resort stays and retail can be orchestrated into unified total‑spend pathways. Prof. Kam Hung remarked, “Destinations that succeed in the next phase of competition will be those that shift away from treating visitors as mere footfall and instead manage them as distinct, monetisable customer segments.” Mr Benjamin Sun added, “It’s time to rethink Hong Kong and Macao beyond geographic borders. A decade ago, our consumer markets were clearly defined; today, seamless movement across the Greater Bay Area has blurred those lines. Locals remain the foundation, but GBA visitors should be seen as a natural extension of our core audience. The real opportunity lies in understanding the distinct segments within this expanded market—and activating them with precision and frequency. Those who act decisively will unlock the next wave of growth across tourism and retail.” Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, said, “This research underscores the importance of moving beyond volume‑driven thinking towards value‑oriented destination management. By bridging academic research and industry practice, we aim to help the industry and policymakers navigate shifting visitor behaviours and strengthen long‑term competitiveness.” To view the full report, please download it here.

PolyU and Anker Innovations establish joint laboratory to accelerate commercialisation of smart home products

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Anker Innovations Technology Co., Ltd (Anker Innovations) signed a collaboration agreement on 21 April to officially establish the “PolyU-Anker Innovations Joint Laboratory”, marking a new milestone in industry-university-research collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The Joint Laboratory will focus on the research and development of on-device AI technologies, aiming to accelerate the intelligent upgrade of home devices and promote the widespread application of related technologies in the international market. The signing ceremony was held on the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr Steven YANG, Founder and CEO of Anker Innovations, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Frank ZHU, President of Smart Home at Anker Innovations. Subsequently, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng; Prof. Christopher Chao; and Prof. Hongxia YANG, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI) and Director of the PolyU-Anker Joint Laboratory, together with Mr Steven Yang and Mr Frank Zhu, officiated at the unveiling ceremony of the Joint Laboratory. This collaboration will leverage PolyU research strengths in AI models, chip-level optimisation and model fusion, as well as Anker Innovations’ extensive industry experience in the global smart hardware market. Together, they will build a collaborative innovation model of “university research and development + industrial application” to promote the commercialisation of research outcomes. In his address, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng outlined PolyU’s strategic positioning. He noted that PolyU is a research university that actively responds to the Nation’s development strategy and aligns closely with the needs of industry and society. He emphasised that research outcomes should not only be targeted at publication in top international journals, but also be translated into technologies and products that benefit society. PolyU has high-calibre research teams in the field of AI and has established PAAI as a strategic development platform to drive the practical application of AI technologies, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub and supporting the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy. Through its collaboration with Anker Innovations, PolyU hopes to accelerate the commercialisation of PolyU research outcomes and enhance the competitiveness of Anker Innovations’ products in the international market, achieving mutual benefit and common development. Mr Steven Yang said, “Anker Innovations has always been committed to enhancing the intelligent experience of consumer electronics products through advanced technology. PolyU’s deep expertise in cutting-edge AI research is highly complementary to our strengths in product definition, scenario implementation and global marketing. The Joint Laboratory will act as an accelerator for technological innovation, promoting the widespread application of on-device AI in home hardware scenarios.” The Joint Laboratory will be jointly managed by PAAI and Anker Innovations’ technical team. Initial research will focus on low-precision training, inference and fusion technologies for on-device models, promoting the localised learning and deployment of large AI models. While balancing computational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, it will further enhance user privacy protection to address core market demands for smart home devices. Through the Joint Laboratory, both parties aim to align with the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy, leading the smart home industry’s transition from “connected intelligence” towards “decision intelligence”.

PolyU and Geely Farizon establish joint lab to promote methanol-electric mobility for a carbon-neutral Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Geely Farizon) recently held a signing ceremony on the PolyU campus to officially establish the “PolyU–Farizon Transport and Energy Joint Laboratory” (the Joint Lab), focusing on industrial development policies in relation to methanol-electric technologies, promoting their development across technical, economic, and social dimensions, and building a new methanol ecosystem to help Hong Kong achieve its carbon neutrality goals. PolyU possesses robust capabilities in engineering, construction, and environmental sciences. Its Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) has a proven track record in green transport, energy policy, and smart city development, generating significant impact in the low-carbon transport sector. This new collaboration will leverage PolyU interdisciplinary research capabilities to provide solid academic support for the emerging methanol ecosystem. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment of PolyU; Mr Mike FAN, Chief Executive Officer of Geely Farizon; and Ms DAI Huifang, Principal of Geely Academy, Geely Holding Group. The MoU was signed by Prof. CHEN Wu, Head of LSGI at PolyU, and Dr SONG Zhaohuan, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Geely Farizon. A project agreement marking the official launch of research on methanol‑electric vehicles in Hong Kong was subsequently signed by Prof. ZHUGE Chengxiang, Assistant Professor of LSGI at PolyU, and Mr Jack YANG, Head of Hong Kong Project Team at Geely Farizon, in the presence of senior leaders and scholars from both sides. In his welcoming remarks at the ceremony, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “PolyU is delighted to join hands with Geely Farizon to embark on this new journey of industry-academia-research collaboration. This collaboration marks a crucial step forward in advancing Hong Kong’s green and low-carbon transportation, contributing directly to the carbon neutrality targets set out in the ‘Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050’. By leveraging PolyU’s strengths in scientific and policy research alongside Geely Farizon’s deep industry expertise, we aim to provide evidence-based policy recommendations for green transport governance and offer citizens cleaner, more efficient travel options.” Mr Mike Fan stated, “PolyU brings together top global research talent and features deep industry-academia integration, making it one of the most pioneering and influential universities in Hong Kong. PolyU and Geely Farizon share a highly aligned vision for green transportation. Together, we will write a new chapter in energy transition for Hong Kong, promote high-quality green development in the Greater Bay Area, and bring Chinese solutions to the global stage.” The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is actively promoting the green transformation of vehicles and increasing the proportion of renewable energy usage. The Government’s initiatives create a favourable innovation environment for developing a methanol ecosystem in Hong Kong. Backed by Geely Farizon’s industry resources and PolyU research expertise, the Joint Lab will focus on three major research directions: research on policies for promoting and popularising methanol-electric technologies in the public transport sector; development of a smart energy supply operation platform tailored to Hong Kong’s green transport policies and urban traffic scenarios; and feasible solutions and advisory reports for the local introduction of methanol-electric vehicles. Furthermore, methanol-electric industry-academia-research fund and expert network will be established to provide comprehensive support for the effective integration of transportation and energy. Since initiating their partnership last year, PolyU and Geely Farizon have rapidly advanced exploratory work on methanol-electric applications in Hong Kong, in the areas of transportation, and methanol trade, storage, and refuelling. At the Intelligent Electric Vehicle Development Forum 2026, both parties witnessed the launch of the “Global Methanol-Electric Ecosystem Alliance”, of which they are both members. The Alliance’s first core event will be held in Hong Kong this June, showcasing the latest developments in the methanol-electric industrial ecosystem and demonstrating to the world the robust technological strength and ecological advantages of China’s methanol-electric solutions.

National Wind Power Generation Technology Innovation Center visited PolyU, jointly fostering green energy innovation

A delegation from the National Wind Power Generation Technology Innovation Center (the Center) visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 17 April, hosting a technical collaboration seminar and a campus recruitment event. The visit marked a new milestone in industry–academia–research collaboration and strengthened university–industry partnerships. The seminar focused on cutting‑edge topics such as advanced materials for offshore engineering, innovative structural design, and wind power technologies. With a focus on global energy transition and China’s “dual‑carbon” objectives, both parties aimed to integrate PolyU’s expertise in advanced materials and structural engineering with the Center’s leadership in wind power technology commercialisation, in order to tackle future challenges in green energy development. In addition, a Goldwind campus recruitment event attracted PolyU students and early‑career researchers, offering career and internship opportunities related to wind energy technologies, materials science, and sustainable energy, and creating a direct talent pipeline between academia and industry. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to embrace an open and innovative approach, working closely with national research institutions to drive breakthroughs in green energy technologies and talent development, contributing to long‑term sustainability and carbon neutrality.

International CCUS Technology Innovation Cooperation Organization visited PolyU to foster collaboration on energy and sustainable development

The International CCUS Technology Innovation Cooperation Organization visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 17 April to exchange views on energy and sustainable development, and to foster potential in-depth collaboration. The delegation was received by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), Prof. Raymond Wai-Yeung Wong, Dean of Faculty of Science, Prof. Yung Ka-fu, Associate Dean of Faculty of Science, Prof. Chow Ming-cheung, Head and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and Prof. Chen Sheng, Head of Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chair Professor of Microbiology. The visiting delegation from the International CCUS Technology Innovation Cooperation Organization included Prof. Li Yang, Secretary-General of the Organization, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Scientist of Sinopec; Mr Xue Zhaojie, Expert of Sinopec Group; Mr Wang Rui, Deputy Director of the Enhanced Oil Recovery Technology Research Institute of the Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, Mr Gao Ran, Expert of the Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, and Mr Pan Jie, Senior Engineer of Sinopec Petroleum Engineering Design Co., Ltd. In welcoming remarks, Prof. Teng said that PolyU is committed to pursuing excellence in talent nurturing, scientific research and knowledge transfer, to contribute to the Nation, Hong Kong and the global community. He highlighted PolyU’s strong international standing in engineering and technology disciplines and expressed gratitude to Sinopec for its longstanding support for PolyU’s education and research efforts, including the establishment of a dedicated scholarship for the fourth consecutive year to recognise outstanding doctoral students engaged in university–industry collaborative research. Prof. Li Yang said that, to accelerate global innovation and industrial development of CCUS technologies, Sinopec has taken the lead in establishing the International CCUS Technology Innovation Cooperation Organization, in collaboration with leading global enterprises and distinguished scientists. The Organization brings together enterprises, universities, research institutions and industry organizations to form a diversified, cross‑sector global innovation network. Looking ahead, the Organisation hopes to work with PolyU to advance international cooperation in low-carbon innovation technologies, build platforms for global technology exchange, and drive frontier research and technological breakthroughs.” The International CCUS Technology Innovation Cooperation Organization, established in July 2025 under the leadership of Sinopec, is the first international organisation initiated by China dedicated to carbon science and technologies. Upholding the mission of “Innovating Carbon Pathways, Sharing a Sustainable Future”, the Organisation seeks to develop a credible, influential and authoritative international CCUS platform, promote global knowledge sharing, and foster collective action to combat climate change and build a shared future for humanity.