PolyU research projects win funding support from RAISe+ Scheme

Project Title

Project Leader

Project Description

High-Speed 3D Stacked AI Vision Sensors

Prof. CHAI Yang
Associate Dean of Faculty of Science; Chair Professor of Semiconductor Physics in Department of Applied Physics; Director of Joint Research Centre for Microelectronics; Management Committee Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR); and Member of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things (RIAIoT), Photonics Research Institute (PRI), and Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE)

This project focuses on the development and commercialisation of an advanced AI vision sensor with high-speed operation, high dynamic range, and ultra-low power consumption. The sensor overcomes key limitations of conventional image sensors, particularly motion blur in high-speed scenarios. Key applications of the AI vision sensor include security surveillance systems, autonomous navigation, and motion analysis in extended reality devices and smartphones.

The sensor achieves high-speed, high-dynamic-range, and low-power imaging through the integration of conventional image sensors with dedicated visual information processing chips.

Novel Nutraceuticals for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen
Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation; Chair Professor of Biomedical Sciences in Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Director of PolyU–BGI Joint Research Centre for Genomics and Synthetic Biology in Global Ocean Resources (RCOcean); Management Committee Member of Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI); and Member of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood) and Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA)

This project develops novel nutraceuticals and drugs derived from natural resources for treating neurodegenerative diseases. It establishes the LifeChip technology platform, combining next-generation DNA sequencing, AI-driven discovery, advanced chemical separation, high-throughput in vivo screening, and synthetic biology. Focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as neurological disorders including insomnia, depression, and anxiety, this integrated approach delivers a comprehensive solution for both prevention and treatment using innovative nutraceuticals with unique mechanisms of action. For instance, the development candidate Oxyphylla® is a first-in-class drug targeting α-synuclein, an emerging therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease. Oxyphylla® is anticipated to become a disease-modifying therapy, offering a breakthrough in neurological health.

Tunable Laser Chip Based on Metasurface Structure and its Application

Prof. YU Changyuan
Director of PolyU–Jingjang Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Professor of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Management Committee Member of PRI; and Member of RI-IWEAR, Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE)

This project pioneers a novel broadband tunable laser chip that, for the first time, integrates both a metasurface reflector and phase-change materials within a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser. This enables an ultra-high quality factor resonant cavity and dynamic continuous tuning of the output wavelength over an exceptionally wide bandwidth (40nm).

Compared to traditional laser structures, the chip not only features a more compact design but also achieves the same kHz-level tuning speed as leading international competitors. With the cost just one-twentieth that of existing market solutions, the chip is expected to achieve widespread adoption in battery monitoring systems, industrial production processes, autonomous driving technologies and high-speed optical communication modules.