PolyU’s research prowess in medicine-engineering integration and AI-powered medical advancements were on show at the 2025 ZGC Forum Annual Conference in Beijing. Following the theme of “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Science and Technology Cooperation”, the event brought together global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors and technical experts to exchange insights and explore collaborative opportunities. 

The University demonstrated its ability to translate cutting-edge research into practical medical solutions that make a genuine real-world difference. PolyU also received three individual accolades on the “List of 100 Best Innovative Technologies for International Cooperation”. Notably, it was the only institution from Hong Kong to be honoured among 1,472 submissions from more than 40 countries and regions.

The three research projects on the 100 Best list included:

High-Definition Corneal Topographer “K-Shape”

Principal investigator: Professor Kee Chea-su

Head and Professor of the School of Optometry; K. B. Woo Family Professor in Optometry; and Associate Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV)

 

Innovation:

Employing AI algorithms to accurately measure corneal power, providing early diagnosis of vision problems such as corneal astigmatism and corneal ectasia. Simplifies the diagnostic process, enabling completion in as little as one minute.

 

Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton

Principal investigator: Dr Hu Xiaoling

Director of Research Postgraduate Studies and Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering

 

Innovation:

A wearable robot for stroke rehabilitation that combines an exoskeleton, pneumatic muscles, sensory feedback, and electrical stimulation, enabling remote patient management via Internet of Things technology.

 

Liverscan®

Principal investigator:Ir Professor Zheng Yongping

Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Director of Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub

 

Innovation:

A palm-sized, real-time ultrasound system that measures liver fibrosis non-invasively. The portable, wireless design enhances accuracy and convenience.

 

 

Approximately 60 parallel forums were held during the ZGC Forum, Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation), addressed at the Beijing-Hong Kong Technology Innovation Forum and emphasised how cross-regional partnerships advance China’s “dual circulation” strategy. He highlighted the Greater Bay Area’s role in international tech cooperation and stressed the importance of connecting Beijing, the Greater Bay Area, and global innovation networks. These connections create vital technology hubs under the “Belt and Road” initiative, enhancing China’s position as a global innovator.

Additionally, Mr Kelvin Wong Ka-tat, Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship at PolyU, shared some of the University’s achievements in promoting knowledge transfer at the Global Forum on Promoting University Technology Transfer.

Since its inception in 2007, the ZGC Forum has evolved into a global platform for innovation and development. The recognition received at this prestigious event underscores PolyU’s leading position in medicine-engineering integration and the development of AI-powered medical advancements that benefit society.

Prof. Christopher Chao delivered a keynote address at the Beijing-Hong Kong Technology Innovation Forum (Photo provided by the ZGC Forum Annual Conference). 

Mr Kelvin Wong Ka-tat shared some of PolyU's achievements in promoting knowledge transfer at the Global Forum on Promoting University Technology Transfer.