In Autumn 2023, a new chapter began for both Jinjiang and PolyU with the inauguration of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute—PolyU’s first Mainland Translational Research Institute (MTRI). More than a ceremonial milestone, the launch reflected a shared vision for innovation and transformation, with the research institute offering a blueprint for other cities navigating modern economic challenges.

Jinjiang, a manufacturing powerhouse in Fujian, is rapidly modernising through innovation-led development. The city’s economy is driven by around 96,000 private enterprises which contribute over 90% of local GDP and jobs. Its entrepreneurial success, with global brands like ANTA, defines the nationally recognised “Jinjiang Experience” in county-level growth.

Elevating the “Jinjiang experience”

PolyU’s first research institute beyond the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is accelerating Jinjiang’s transformation into a hightech hub by integrating academic research with industry. A landmark collaboration between PolyU and the Jinjiang Municipal Government, the MTRI supports the city’s R&D in textile materials, microelectronics, future food technology, and policy research.

To date, the Jinjiang MTRI is partnering with over 40 entities, launching innovative projects such as thermal comfort evaluation methodology with ANTA, novel antimicrobial materials with Fynex Textiles, a pilot service platform for innovative R&D of medicine-food homologous functional beverages jointly established with Panpan Food, and functional confectionery products development with Qi Feng (Fujian) Food Co., Ltd. PolyU researchers have also achieved breakthroughs in healthcare applications using optical fibre interferometers.

Professor Yu Changyuan, Director of the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute, noted Jinjiang’s industrial strengths align closely with PolyU’s R&D priorities.

Professor Yu Changyuan (first from left) introducing the projects undertaken by PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute to a Fujian governmental delegation led by Mr Zhou Zuyi (second from left), Secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee

Vibrant development in Nanjing

Sharing the Jinjiang experience, the Gulou District of Nanjing Municipal People’s Government pledged support for the PolyU-Nanjing Technology and Innovation Research Institute at its unveiling ceremony in July 2024. A hub for cross-border collaboration and scientific excellence, the Nanjing MTRI becomes a dynamic platform for pioneering research, talent cultivation, and industrial innovation in the fields of intelligent robotics, AI and IoT, smart construction, and vision health technologies.

The Institute is currently developing humanoid robots with an orthopaedic device company for applications in rehabilitation and elderly care, and is leveraging Nanjing resources to develop a UAV-UGV Air-Ground Collaboration System for district patrolling. It also delves into drug discovery with a Chinese medicine university for macula treatment.

The Nanjing MTRI is developing a UAV-UGV Air-Ground Collaboration System for district patrolling.

Huizhou: Tackling new-economy challenges in the Greater Bay Area

Located in east-central Guangdong bordering Daya Bay, Huizhou has positioned green petrochemicals, advanced materials, and next-gen IT as strategic industries. Since its launch in September 2024, the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute has become a key platform for green energy and technological innovation between Hong Kong and Huizhou.

Recently, the Institute has established an Artificial Intelligence Research Centre and the Seton-PolyU Daya Bay Institute AI Intelligent Light Health Laboratory. It also signed cooperation agreements with local enterprises, including Kingbali New Material Company and COMAC Beijing Civil Aeroplane Technical Research Centre. These efforts support the GBA’s ambition to become a global hub for science and technology.

The PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute was launched with the support of the Huizhou Municipal People’s Government and the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone.

The MTRI formula: A blueprint for transformation

Over the past two years, PolyU has established 12 MTRIs and one Mainland Translational Research Centre in 13 cities across China. Each of these units adapts PolyU’s expertise to the unique challenges and opportunities of its host city. This growing network of MTRIs and MTRC is fast becoming a cornerstone of PolyU’s strategy to drive high-quality development nationwide. At the heart of the MTRI model is a simple yet powerful formula: PolyU research + Chinese Mainland industrial chain + Chinese Mainland market = societal benefit.

Nurturing innovation across borders

With the MTRI network, transformation is taking place not only in the Chinese Mainland cities but also among startups nurtured by PolyU. For these enterprising ventures, the Chinese Mainland offers more than scale—it’s a launchpad for growth. With a vast consumer base, robust government support, and thriving tech ecosystems, startups gain access to funding, talent, and commercialisation platforms.

Harnessing the network, PolyU has recently organised the International Future Challenge (IFC) in Hong Kong and six Chinese Mainland cities: Huizhou, Jinjiang, Nanjing, Shanghai, Wenzhou, and Qianhai (Shenzhen) to empower students and startups to transform ideas into impact.

A dynamic platform that integrates education, research translation, incubation and investment, IFC has attracted more than 700 outstanding teams worldwide. The winning startups will gain international exposure and exciting opportunities for trial adoption, funding, fundraising referrals, and access to the incubation centres of the MTRIs.

The MTRI network’s role in nurturing student entrepreneurs is further manifested with the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship programme, which requires students to develop startup projects at MTRIs, offering hands-on experience in market dynamics and venture building.

The International Future Competition (Shanghai Region) held in August 2025 was sponsored by Flair Capital.

PolyU’s Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRI) and Mainland Translational Research Centre (MTRC) and their research focuses