PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies signed a strategic co-operation agreement to establish the "PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies Joint Lab on AI and Web3" on 29 July 2025. 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.

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. LUO Xiapu Daniel, Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Professor of the Department of Computing at PolyU, and Prof. AU Man-ho Allen, Associate Head (Research and Development) and Professor of the same department, will assume the role as Co-directors of the Joint Lab.

PolyU was ranked first in CoinDesk’s Best Universities for Blockchain 2022, outperforming 240 other universities globally. PolyU also 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.