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PolyU and Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology sign MoU to explore the establishment of Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interface, driving deployment scheme of intelligent prosthesis in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Zhejiang Qiangnao Technology Co. Limited (Qiangnao Technology) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Cyberport to explore the establishment of the “PolyU-Qiangnao Joint Research Centre for Brain-Computer Interface”. The two parties will also collaborate on promoting the deployment scheme of Qiangnao Technology’s intelligent bionic limbs in Hong Kong, accelerating the translation and application of medical technology, and benefitting people with disabilities.  Witnessed by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Mr Bicheng HAN, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qiangnao Technology, the MoU was signed by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing of PolyU, and Ms Nyx HE, Partner of Qiangnao Technology.  “The landing of Qiangnao Technology in Hong Kong and its collaboration with PolyU mark a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem in the field of smart rehabilitation technology,” said Prof. Jin-Guang Teng. “For half a century, PolyU has nurtured over 50,000 healthcare professionals. The University has long been dedicated to deepening medicine-engineering integration and advancing AI-empowered medical development, while actively promoting medical innovation. PolyU is now making every effort to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, further leveraging its strengths in research and talent development. PolyU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering stands out as the only provider in Hong Kong offering undergraduate education and training Prosthetists and Orthotists accredited by the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics. Since the graduation of the first cohort in 1999, we have consistently provided the local healthcare system with professionals equipped with both expertise and practical skills. This collaboration with Qiangnao Technology will align with the recent Policy Address, in which the Government announced plans to introduce a two-year scheme: through the Innovation and Technology Fund, it will grant full subsidies to amputees in Hong Kong for the configuration and use of high-tech prostheses free of charge. We will actively participate in this scheme, carrying out installation of intelligent bionic limbs and evaluation in line with professional standard, thereby enabling amputees to benefit from innovative rehabilitation technologies.”  Mr Bicheng Han said, “Qiangnao Technology is committed to developing non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) and intelligent prosthetic technologies. Our team developed the world’s first mass-produced intuitive-controlled intelligent prosthetic bionic hands, as well as innovative application solutions in rehabilitation, sports health, and education. We’re thrilled to partner with PolyU on this exciting initiative to expedite the validation and application of our technologies in clinical and real-life scenarios, enabling the technologies to serve the public. We hope to combine strengths from industry, academia, and research institutions to drive product innovation, industry standardisation, and internationalisation leveraging the platform of this research centre. Our ultimate goal is to provide a wider range of affordable, sustainable, and diverse innovative solutions for users in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and around the world.”  Founded in 2015, Qiangnao Technology is a leading technology company in the field of non-invasive BCI in China. As the first Chinese team selected by Harvard Innovation Lab and the first unicorn in the field of BCI in China, it has made numerous breakthroughs in the research and development of products such as intelligent prosthetic bionic hands. With a portfolio of over 420 patents, Qiangnao Technology has achieved notable progress in the fields of rehabilitation for the disabled and assistive therapeutic technology for patients suffering from brain diseases. Its technologies and products have been successfully launched in multiple markets around the world.  With PolyU’s academic excellence, professional talents and research capabilities and Qiangnao Technology’s expertise in product development, commercialisation, and cutting-edge technologies, the two parties will collaborate on research, development, application, clinical studies, and technology upgrade for BCI-related products, establishing the next generation BCI technology platform. The partnership will also encompass education and training initiatives, including curriculum design, student competitions for different age groups, and training facilities. This programme will be jointly executed by PolyU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and Qiangnao Technology in collaboration with other departments.  The PolyU team for this collaboration will be led by Prof. Zheng Yongping. With a long-standing focus on ultrasound imaging, medical-engineering integration, intelligent rehabilitation, and smart ageing technologies, Prof. Zheng’s team has pioneered novel BCI signalling technologies based on ultrasound imaging of the brain and muscles. In 2024, Prof. Zheng achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva for ProRuka—a groundbreaking prosthetic hand controlled by sonomyography and AI algorithm developed by PolyU. As a seasoned expert in medical device invention and commercialisation, Prof. Zheng has successfully brought to market two ultrasound-based medical devices, namely Scolioscan (a device for scoliosis assessment) and Liverscan (a portable device for screening liver fibrosis and fatty liver). These solutions have been deployed in 15 countries and regions, providing services to more than 100,000 patients. Building on this success, Prof. Zheng will lead the establishment of a BCI platform for new generation research, development, application, evaluation and technology transfer in collaboration with Qiangnao Technology. The team will also coordinate clinical evaluation, installation, training, and follow-up assessment in relation to intelligent bionic limbs, as well as establish a standardised and scalable deployment systems.

PolyU and Huawei Jointly Establish Mathematical Optimization Innovation Laboratory to Advance AI Innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei) signed a collaboration agreement on 17 September 2025 to officially launch the PolyU–Huawei Mathematical Optimization Innovation Laboratory (MOI) at PolyU. As the first joint laboratory of Huawei in Hong Kong focusing on developing XPU-based advanced optimization solver, the MOI marks a significant milestone in the institutions’ long-standing partnership, which began in 2007 and has fostered collaboration across communications, big data, algorithms, and materials science. The MOI will focus on advancing mathematical optimization theory, developing cutting-edge algorithms, and applying XPU-accelerated solvers to artificial intelligence and data science challenges. Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in mathematics, statistics, and operations research—ranked 31st globally in Statistics and Operations Research by the 2025 QS World University Rankings and 36th in Mathematics by U.S. News, the highest in Hong Kong—the collaboration aims to drive research and innovation at the intersection of academia and industry. Witnessed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Daniel LUO, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU; Ms. Jie FU, Director of the Technology Cooperation Department of Huawei; and Mr. Bo BAI, Director of the Theoretical Research Department of Huawei, the agreement was signed by Prof. Defeng SUN, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics of PolyU, and Mr. Yanhui GENG, Director of the Huawei Hong Kong Research Centre. The plaque unveiling for the MOI was officiated by representatives from both organizations, formally inaugurating the laboratory. Prof. Christopher Chao expressed his appreciation to Huawei’s continued support to PolyU, emphasizing that the partnership will nurture innovative talent, promote knowledge transfer, and accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes. Together, PolyU and Huawei are committed to advancing mathematical optimization and technological innovation, creating greater value and contributing to economic development.

PolyU and CIOMP Sign MoU to Advance Deep Space and Optical Technology Collaboration

On 12 September, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Changchun Institute of Optics Chinese Academy of Sciences (CIOMP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for collaboration in deep space exploration, optical instruments, and intelligent equipment. During the signing ceremony, Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU emphasised PolyU’s mission of “Advancing Knowledge and Benefiting Society,” highlighting its commitment to transforming cutting-edge research into societal benefits. He also commended CIOMP’s global leadership in optics and precision mechanics, expressing enthusiasm for the deepened partnership. The collaboration focuses on optical instruments for deep space exploration, intelligent aerospace optical imaging and remote sensing, ultra-precision machining, and artificial intelligence applications. The two institutions will establish a joint laboratory for “Intelligent Aerospace Optical Imaging and Remote Sensing” and promote personnel exchanges and joint postgraduate training. Following the ceremony, the CIOMP delegation visited PolyU’s Research Centre for Deep Space Exploration and Jockey Club STEM Lab of Quantum Technology, engaging in in-depth discussions on future cooperation. The partnership aims to drive breakthroughs in aerospace technology and facilitate technology transfer, contributing to national aerospace endeavors and global scientific progress while deepening the integration of technological innovation between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

PolyU co-hosts 2nd GTI Forum, catalyzing global AI and 6G innovation in Hong Kong

The 2nd GTI Forum on Digital Intelligence Hong Kong, organised by GTI and co-hosted by China Mobile, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and other institutions, was successfully held in Hong Kong from 9 to 10 September. The forum attracted over 500 senior executives, leading academics, and young innovators from around the world, who engaged in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, innovative applications, and future development trends. The event highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international hub for technological innovation. At the main forum on 9 September, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasised that the sustainable development of AI relies not only on technological breakthroughs, but also on inclusivity and accessibility. PolyU has established strategic partnerships with numerous leading enterprises to drive the practical application of AI technologies and industrial innovation. By fostering open resources, shared capabilities, and collaborative ecosystems, PolyU is committed to empowering a wide range of industries with AI and delivering benefits to societies worldwide. During the forum, China Mobile and GTI jointly launched two major initiatives: the “Global AI+ Industry-Academia-Research Ecosystem Cooperation Initiative” and the “AI-Native 6G Open Testbed Hong Kong Node and Beijing-Hong Kong Interconnection.” Prof. Christina Wong, Director of Research and Innovation and Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles at PolyU, participated in the launch ceremony as a distinguished guest. These initiatives aim to establish a global collaborative innovation mechanism among industry, academia, and research, promote the standardisation, testing, and industrial application of AI and 6G technologies; and inject new momentum into the global blueprint for AI collaboration. On September 10th, the GTI Forum’s “Sub-Forum 3: Convergence of Networks and AI” was held at PolyU, attracting over 200 professionals and researchers from various sectors. In his opening remarks, Prof. Zhang Chengqi, Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Director of the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU, highlighted the university’s long-standing commitment to advancing AI research and industrial applications. He emphasised the importance of building interdisciplinary collaboration platforms and encouraging researchers to address key challenges of AI in complex real-world scenarios. Prof. Chen Changwen, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU, delivered a keynote speech on “AI-Driven 6G Semantic Communication.” He proposed leveraging lightweight Scene Graph Generation (SGG) algorithms to enable semantic analysis of video streams at IoT endpoints, facilitating efficient transmission of critical information even in unstable network environments. This approach supportsthe development of low-carbon computing networks, overcomes bottlenecks in IoT communications, and lays a solid foundation for intelligent networks in the 6G era. The sub-forum also featured distinguished speakers, including Prof. Liu Yuanwei from The University of Hong Kong, Prof. Saaidal Razalli Bin Azzuhri from the Universiti Malaya, Ir Dong Ying from the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Mr. Bo Hagerman from Ericsson, and Mr. Bai Rui from Nokia. They shared the latest advancements and practical applications in the integration of AI and 6G technologies. Founded in 2011 by major international telecom operators, GTI is a global cooperation platform that now brings together over 400 operators and partner members from 66 countries and regions across six continents. The 2nd GTI Forum on Digital Intelligence Hong Kong, themed “Openness, Sharing, and Cooperation Advancing AI Development,” aims to jointly promote AI research and applications and accelerate the digital and intelligent transformation of industries.

PolyU delegation participated the 8th COMAC International Science and Innovation Week

The 8th Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) International Science and Technology Innovation Week, themed “Sky Link: Sustainable Aviation for the Future,” was launched on 8 September at the Beijing Civil Aircraft Technology Research Center of COMAC. This year’s event focused on new‑energy aircraft, artificial intelligence, the low‑altitude economy and transformation of the air transport system, bringing together over 500 experts and stakeholders from government, academia, industry, research institutes, and industry associations across nine countries and regions. A delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated this event, including Prof. WEN, Chih Yung, Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering and Director of the COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA); Prof. Siyang ZHONG, Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering; as well as representatives from the PolyU Research and Innovation Office and RILA. The PolyU delegation took part in the opening ceremony, the SciTech and Young Talent Forum, and thematic seminars such as the Low‑Altitude Economy seminar, engaging in in‑depth discussions with representatives from leading institutions including Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Khalifa University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, exploring opportunities for future collaboration. COMAC–PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft (RILA) Established in November 2024 as a joint initiative between COMAC and PolyU, RILA is dedicated to advancing the development, innovation, and deployment of large‑aircraft technologies in support of China’s strategic aviation objectives. Leveraging PolyU’s strengths in aeronautical engineering and digital technologies, alongside COMAC’s extensive expertise in aircraft design, manufacturing and operations, RILA addresses critical challenges across the full aircraft lifecycle.  Currently, RILA is supporting research projects focusing on digital‑intelligent manufacturing, predictive maintenance, operations optimisation, and sustainable recycling solutions. Through joint efforts between PolyU and COMAC in research projects, patent applications, high-quality publications, and training for postgraduate students, RILA aims to enhance the competitiveness, reliability, and sustainability of China’s large aircraft sector, positioning Hong Kong as a significant contributor to both national and global aerospace innovation.

PolyU and Li Ning Group jointly establish sports science research centre to advance sports science and industry innovation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Li Ning (China) Sports Goods Co., Ltd (Li Ning Group) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science” (the Centre). The Centre aims to conduct fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, drive innovative design and optimisation of high-performance sports products, nurture talent in sports science and technology, and strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration, thereby enhancing technological application and promoting industrial transformation within the sports and health sector. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President and Mr Ning LI, Founder of the Li Ning Brand and Executive Chairman of Li Ning Group, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Yuru HONG, Vice President and Chief Sports Officer of Li Ning Group, officially marking the establishment of the “Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science”. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is committed to nurturing sports talent and advancing research innovation and technology transfer in sports. Focusing on interdisciplinary research in sports science, the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) under the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) is dedicated to delivering advanced solutions for the sports sector. The newly established Li-Ning – PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science will harness the University’s robust research strengths and Li Ning Group’s extensive market expertise to drive innovation in sports science and technology, fostering positive impacts on industry and society and contributing to the Nation’s technological self-reliance and high-quality development.” Mr Ning Li said, “Innovative applications derived from sports science are essential for sports brands to upgrade their research and development capabilities and are critical for driving the innovative development of China’s sports industry. PolyU’s research excellence and academic impact in sports science and related interdisciplinary areas are among the best in the world. This opportunity enables us to fully leverage our understanding of industrial trends, experience in industrial applications, and sports and market resources to initiate deep collaboration with PolyU. Together, we will advance research at the forefront of sports science and create an internationally competitive innovation ecosystem.” Jointly operated by PolyU RISports and Li Ning Group, the Centre aims to contribute to the Healthy China Initiative and foster innovation in the sports industry. The inaugural centre coordinators are Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of RISports, Head of the PolyU Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chair Professor of Biomechanics, and Prof. Ye TIAN, from Li-Ning Sports Science Research Center. The Centre will conduct fundamental research in sports science and ergonomics, focusing on areas such as elite athlete performance, exercise characteristics and musculoskeletal health in youth, and exercise pattern in women, supporting the innovative design, functional validation and optimisation of high-performance sports products. The parties will also jointly nurture research and engineering talent in sports science and technology, and promote industry-academia-research collaboration to enhance technological applications and drive industrial transformation in the sports and health sector, thereby achieving synergistic innovation. PolyU will leverage its academic strengths by assembling a team of scholars, researchers, sports experts and industry professionals to pursue impactful research. Meanwhile, Li Ning Group will utilise its extensive resources in product development, market demand and user feedback to provide practical direction for the research and support the smooth implementation of the projects.  

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.