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PolyU and Jinchuan Group sign strategic cooperation agreement to jointly advance high-quality development in non-ferrous metals industry

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Jinchuan Group Co., Ltd (Jinchuan Group) have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to address major national strategic needs and jointly promote high-quality development in the non-ferrous metals industry. The partnership will focus on green, low-carbon development of nickel, copper, cobalt and rare precious metals, as well as the advancement of new materials. By leveraging the strengths of both parties, the collaboration aims to foster in-depth collaboration among industry, academia and research sectors and drive innovation in response to national strategic needs. The signing ceremony was held on 21 August at the PolyU campus. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, and Mr Ying RUAN, Chairman of Jinchuan Group, the agreement was signed by Prof. H. C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, and Mr Yonghong CHENG, International Business Director of Jinchuan Group. Following the signing, Prof. Jianquo LIN, Chair Professor of Materials Technologies of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU, provided an overview of the collaboration. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng remarked, “As an industry leader addressing major national strategic needs, Jinchuan Group has achieved remarkable accomplishments in research innovation. PolyU looks forward to leveraging this partnership to help fully utilise our strengths in research and talent cultivation, in conjunction with Jinchuan Group’s extensive industrial resources and sector expertise. Together, we aim to overcome key technological bottlenecks, promote efficient and green production within the industry, and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub.” Mr Ying Rung stated, “PolyU is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and is internationally recognised for its excellence in research innovation and talent cultivation, making significant contributions to Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world. Building on PolyU’s extensive experience in university-industry collaboration, combined with Jinchuan Group’s technological strengths and strategic positioning in non-ferrous metals smelting, new energy and new materials, we will explore new models for deep integration of among industry, academic and research sectors. Jinchuan Group is committed to deepening cooperation with PolyU in cutting-edge technology research and development as well as high-end talent cultivation. Through this partnership, we aim to drive technological advancement in the industry and make greater contributions to Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre.” PolyU and Jinchuan Group will adhere to the principles of long-term vision, complementary strengths, resource sharing and mutual benefit as they collaborate in areas such as platform development, technological innovation, research commercialisation and talent cultivation. During the visit, the Jinchuan Group delegation held in-depth discussions with the Faculty of Engineering at PolyU and toured the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, the University Research Facility in 3D Printing and the Industrial Centre.

PolyU’s State Key Laboratories support Hong Kong's integration into national development and establish the city as an international hub for high-calibre talents

To align with the national development plan and fully leverage the nation’s strong support and global connectivity, the HKSAR Government’s Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), following consultations with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), launched a restructuring exercise for the State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong in 2023. Based on nominations from MOST, ITC invited experts from the Mainland to participate in the assessment process. Following rigorous review and evaluation, PolyU’s proposals for the "State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities" and the "State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology" were officially approved by MOST as State Key Laboratories. This achievement signifies recognition of PolyU's research strength and its dedicated contribution to the nation's new quality productive forces and global leadership in science and technology. The HKSAR Government held the State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong - Plaque Unveiling Ceremony today, officiated by Mr YIN Hejun, MOST; Mr ZHOU Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; and Mr John LEE Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, attended the ceremony along with other PolyU representatives, including: Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment; Prof. Benny C. F. CHEUNG, Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology; and Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation. They joined other distinguished guests in witnessing this milestone, underscoring the integration of Hong Kong’s universities into the national innovation system and their active engagement in advancing science and technology. PolyU has partnered with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to establish the new “State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities,” led by Prof. Xiang-dong Li as Director, with Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai, Vice President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST, as Co-Director. The Laboratory operates under national and international development strategies in response to the escalating threats of climate change and disaster risks. Its primary focus is to promote resilient city development and disaster management, enhance climate resilience in coastal areas, and address the challenges of climate change through innovative technologies. The key research areas of the Laboratory include predicting extreme weather and risk assessment in coastal cities; developing climate-adaptive and resilient infrastructure; innovating disaster risk management and mitigation strategies; and supporting national and regional sustainability. In addition, PolyU has established the “State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology,” led by Prof. Benny C. F. Cheung. The Laboratory focuses on advancing ultra-precision micro-nano technologies and processes, including machining mechanics, advanced processing technologies, precision measurement, and equipment innovation. Furthermore, it serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research and technology transfer, nurturing top-tier innovative talent and driving industrial transformation to support the next generation of advanced manufacturing. The key research areas of the Laboratory include developing atomic-scale manufacturing, energy-field coordinated ultra-precision machining; achieving breakthroughs in ten-nanometer glass additive manufacturing; advancing ultra-precision machining and intelligent measurement for semiconductor production and intelligent testing; pioneering next-generation in-situ intelligent three-dimensional surface metrology and instruments; and expanding applications in aerospace, deep space exploration, and emerging energy sectors. The State Key Laboratories at PolyU have achieved internationally recognised standards of excellence in research, organisational structure, and operational management, supported by state-of-the-art equipment aligned with national scientific and technological priorities. The Laboratories will facilitate collaborations with leading universities and research institutions, attract and nurture outstanding scientific talent, and actively foster regional and interdisciplinary innovation. This strategic initiative will enhance Hong Kong’s position as a global centre for scientific excellence and contribute to the sustainable development of Hong Kong, China, and the international community.

Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group visits PolyU

A delegation from Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Farizon Auto), a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group specialising, visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 25 August to explore collaboration opportunities in the field of new energy vehicles and to strengthen industry-academia collaboration. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, welcomed the delegation and chaired the meeting. Mr FAN Xianjun, CEO of Farizon Auto, and Mr SUN Guohui, Secretary of Party Committee, shared the company’s strategic plans and introduced its green methanol-hydrogen electric vehicle solutions. During the meeting, PolyU representatives also presented the University’s research strengths. Prof. SHI W.Z., John, Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute of PolyU, introduced research initiatives in smart cities, while Prof. ZHUGE Cheng-xiang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics of PolyU, highlighted big data analytics applications for new energy vehicles. In addition, the Research and Innovation Office showcased PolyU’s outstanding achievements in academic research, technological innovation, and industry-academia partnerships. This visit has established a valuable communication channel between Farizon Auto and PolyU, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration.  

PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially unveiled, deepening industry-academia-research collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the People’s Government of the Shandong District, Zibo, signed a collaboration agreement on 16 August to jointly establish the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Institute). Leveraging Zibo’s strong industrial foundation and integrated manufacturing ecosystem, alongside PolyU’s solid research capabilities as one of the world’s top 100 universities, this partnership will foster deep industry–university research collaboration, promoting synergistic development and growth in Hong Kong and Zibo. In line with Zibo’s economic development and industrial needs, the Institute will focus on strategic areas such as nanotechnology, industrial artificial intelligence, rehabilitation therapy, as well as digitalisation and cultural tourism. It will capitalise on PolyU talent and research excellence toaccelerate related R&D processes and the development of key core technologes, supporting the transformation of local industries and fostering new productive forces. Through facilitating the translation of research outcomes into practical solutions, the Institute also aims to contribute to Zibo’s sustainable development. The signing ceremony took place in Zibo, witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Mr SUN Haisheng, Director of the Science and Technology Department of Shandong Province; Mr MA Xiaolei, Secretary of the Zibo City Committee and other distinguished guests. The collaboration agreement was signed by Prof. DONG Cheng, PolyU Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement), and Mr LI Xinsheng, Vice Mayor of the Zibo Municipal People’s Government, marking the official establishment of the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng highlighted that joint research institute will combine Zibo’s industrial prowess with PolyU’s world-class research acumen in support of the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy. It will serve as a vital hub for technological advancement, talent development and industrial evolution, unlocking new opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs in both Zibo and Hong Kong and creating a forward-looking innovation ecosystem. Mr MA Xiaolei emphasised that Zibo has a rich legacy of innovation and copious industrial resources that make the City an ideal place for creating new opportunities. He anticipated deepening collaboration with PolyU to elevate the Institute into a globally influential centre for technological advancement, attracting leading researchers and resources to foster high-quality regional economic development. The event also featured the innovation and entrepreneurship matchmaking conferences, where a number of PolyU start-ups showcased their latest technologies and projects to local universities, technology enterprises and industry partners through on-site roadshows. They also discussed the development prospects of various key industry sectors, including new materials, intelligent manufacturing and smart healthcare, as well as the technological empowerment of cultural tourism. The conferences significantly enhanced interaction among industry, academia and research, facilitated the more precise alignment of innovative resources and promoted the integration of high-quality research outputs with industrial needs. Shouldering the vital task of talent development, the Institute seeks to attract top-tier professionals and cultivate future industry leaders equipped with innovative capabilities and research experience to support Zibo’s integration into the international arena. Furthermore, it will assist PolyU faculty, students and start-ups in establishing businesses in Zibo and strive to foster a sustainable technological innovation ecosystem, with the aim of becoming a leading example of regional collaborative innovation and setting a new standard for industry-university research partnerships across the two regions.

PolyU hosts technology and industry innovation conference and launches PolyU InnoHub@Wuxi

PolyU bolsters Beijing-Hong Kong tech and talent exchange during “2025 Hong Kong Talent Beijing Tour”

A delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the “2025 Hong Kong Talent Beijing Tour” from 28 July to 2 August, co-organised by the Beijing Overseas Talent Center and the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities. The six-day event, themed “Gather in Beijing, Create the Future,” promoted Beijing and Hong Kong collaboration in technology, innovation, and talent development to support national progress. PolyU delegation showcased its interdisciplinary research strengths, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role in global innovation. The event commenced at Zhongguancun Life Science Park, in which Changping District shared its industrial strategies, talent policies, and innovation ecosystem. PolyU delegation presented groundbreaking research in AI, biomedicine, smart manufacturing, and sustainability, engaging with enterprises and innovation parks in Beijing and Xiong’an to explore collaboration and local insights. The PolyU delegation included:  Prof. Wanyu LIN, Assistant Professor in the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Department of Computing, specialising in generative AI algorithms and collaborative intelligent systems Dr Yong TAO, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, focusing on low-carbon building materials and smart city solutions Dr Bruce WANG, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of English and Communication, advancing language and speech analysis through data-driven methods Dr Gail CHANG, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of  Food Science and Nutrition, developing functional foods and the natural fat substitute AkkMore™ Dr Zaixin SONG, Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, specialising in smart manufacturing and sustainable energy management Ms Sisi TANG, Doctoral Researcher of the School of Fashion and Textiles, exploring smart textiles and digital human monitoring Ms Celia LEE, Manager of Research and Innovation Office, driving industry-academia collaboration and translational research The delegation visited major innovation hubs in Beijing. PolyU members engaged in technical exchanges, with Prof. Lin discussing AI applications with Beijing AI experts, and Dr Tao sharing insights on low-carbon buildings with Beijing’s government officials. At the “2025 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Young Scientists Conference” in Yizhuang, themed “Together Toward Innovation,” the PolyU delegation joined discussions on AI, biomedicine, quantum communication, aerospace, and new energy. Dr Wang presented ultrasound-based speech diagnostics for articulation disorders, opening new avenues in medical diagnostics. Dr Chang introduced  AkkMore™ for health and chronic disease prevention, drawing industry interest. These efforts connected research and industry, fostering new collaborations. The event enhanced PolyU’s insight into Beijing’s innovation landscape and highlighted PolyU’s strengths in AI, biomedicine, smart manufacturing, and sustainability. PolyU’s robust engagement with Beijing’s top research institutions and enterprises reinforced academic, industrial, and talent ties, laying a solid foundation for future Beijing-Hong Kong collaboration.

PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies establish AI and Web3 Joint Lab

he Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ant Digital Technologies today signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish the “PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies Joint Lab on AI and Web3”. This collaboration will drive breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies, innovation ecosystem and incubation, as well as a source of innovation and technology. By exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies, the Joint Lab is poised to be a global innovation hub. Ant Digital Technologies plans to invest up to HKD100 million over the next three years to support the Joint Lab’s research work and project incubation. Witnessed by Mr CHAN Ho Lim, Joseph, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; and Mr Eric Xiandong JING, Chairman of Ant Group, the agreement was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Wenbiao ZHAO, Chief Executive Officer of Ant Digital Technologies. The Joint Lab will focus on three core domains: trustworthy AI agents, AI-enhanced blockchain security architecture and data privacy verification technologies. Related initiatives will accelerate the development of intelligent services and help ensure the secure circulation of digital assets. To foster the development of innovation ecosystem and incubation, an “AI + Web3 Education Fund Platform,” will be established to fully leverage PolyU’s strong research capabilities and Ant Digital Technologies’ extensive industry resources, supporting Hong Kong’s development into a digital technology talent hub. The Joint Lab will host international technology seminars and innovation competitions, solidifying its position as a world-class academic brand. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “The Joint Lab is a strategic initiative designed to foster interdisciplinary convergence of cutting-edge technologies, propelling Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub and a global hub for digital asset innovation. We anticipate this strong partnership will drive deep integration and breakthrough innovation in AI and Web3 applications, yielding globally impactful solutions that accelerate the growth of a digital economy in Hong Kong and beyond.” Mr Wenbiao Zhao said, “Harnessing its robust technological expertise and comprehensive service scenarios, Ant Digital Technologies will partner closely with PolyU to bridge industry, academia and research capabilities. This collaboration will accelerate breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies and facilitate their widespread commercial implementation.” Mr Eric Jing said, “Ant Group is optimistic about Hong Kong’s future and remains committed to investing in the City. We look forward to this collaboration, which unlocks Hong Kong’s transformative potential at the intersection of AI and Web3 – accelerating its growth as a global hub for innovation and technology, finance, and trade.” Reflecting its academic leadership in AI and Web3 technologies, PolyU was ranked first in CoinDesk’s Best Universities for Blockchain 2022, outperforming 240 other universities globally. Building on this excellence, PolyU established the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in January 2025, combining the expertise of its Department of Applied Mathematics, Department of Computing, and Department of Data Science and AI. The University offers comprehensive programmes in AI, big data computing, blockchain technology and metaverse studies – all designed to develop future-ready technologists with both visionary thinking and practical skills. This strong academic foundation creates an ideal platform for this collaboration. As Ant Group’s digital technology subsidiary, Ant Digital Technologies possesses industry-leading expertise in AI and Web3 innovation. The company’s pioneering solutions – including its Agentar AI development platform and financial large language model – have achieved widespread adoption across the financial services sector. In 2024, Ant Digital Technologies participated in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Ensemble project, applying its advanced blockchain technology to facilitate multi-enterprise tokenisation of renewable energy real-word assets. The company further strengthened its Hong Kong presence this April when it was named a “Key Enterprise Partner” by the HKSAR Government and established its international headquarters in the City. This extensive industry experience positions the Joint Lab to forge industry connections and create valuable partnership opportunities.

PolyU and HUST National Centre of Technology Innovation for Intelligent Design and Numerical Control signed MoU to explore the establishment of Hong Kong Branch

On 24 July 2025, a delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited the National Centre of Technology Innovation for Intelligent Design and Numerical Control (NCDC) at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan. Both parties expressed strong mutual interest in establishing the Hong Kong Branch of the NCDC and engaged in in-depth discussions on potential collaboration opportunities for its development. The PolyU delegation was led by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, and comprised Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Zheng Pai, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dr. Chili Wu, Associate Director of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, and Ms. Amylia Chan, Assistant Director of the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office. The delegation met with Prof. Liang Gao, Vice President of HUST and Director of NCDC, Prof. Xinyu Li, Vice Dean of the School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Prof. Jianzhong Yang, Executive Deputy Director of NCDC, Dr. Zixun Liu of the Institute of Science and Technology Development, and Prof. Hao Li and Prof. Mi Xiao of the Department of Industrial Engineering, for in-depth exchanges on collaboration opportunities. The signed memorandum of understanding lays the foundation for further exploration of joint development initiatives at the Hong Kong Branch of NCDC. The collaboration will focus on key areas including human-machine collaborative manufacturing systems, ultra-precision machining CNC systems, workshop and logistics scheduling and management, industrial domain models and embodied intelligence, as well as intelligent design and interaction systems. The partnership aims to address national strategic needs and significant industrial challenges by leveraging Hong Kong’s geographical advantages and its strengths in international cutting-edge innovation. Both parties agreed to sign a formal agreement and establish detailed terms and arrangements upon obtaining approval from the relevant authorities. The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at PolyU will serve as the executing unit for the Hong Kong Branch.

PolyU signs MoU with Peking Union Medical College Hospital to advance AI-powered precision diagnosis and treatment for tumors and nurture outstanding medical talent

China Aviation Technology Industry Delegation Visit PolyU

A delegation from China Aviation Technology Industry (Hong Kong) (AVIC) visited PolyU to engage in in-depth discussions on collaboration in aviation technology and artificial intelligence, fostering industry-academia-research integration. PolyU’s Research and Innovation Office showcased the University’s exceptional achievements in academic research, technological innovation, and industry-academia partnerships during the meeting. Prof. HUANG Hailong and Prof. GUAN Yu, both Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Aeronautics and Aviation Engineering, along with Prof. ZHANG Xiaoge, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, participated in the meeting. They presented cutting-edge advancements in safe low-altitude flight technology, solutions for thermoacoustic instability, and reliability engineering and trustworthiness assurance for AI-powered intelligent systems, highlighting PolyU’s leadership in these research domains. Mr HAO Weidi, Executive Director and General Manager of AVIC, outlined the company’s strategic priorities and innovative solutions for the low-altitude economy. Mr TAN Fei, Planning Director of Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG), shared insights into the current state and challenges of the aviation industry.  Following the meeting, the delegation toured PolyU’s Aviation Engineering Laboratory, Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, and Aviation Services Research Centre, gaining a deeper understanding of the University’s state-of-the-art facilities and research achievements. This visit established a robust communication platform between AVIC and PolyU, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration in research and technology transfer.