New research centres in Qianhai catalyse industry-academia-research collaborations for Shenzhen-Hong Kong technology hub
The unveiling ceremony for the QHRC and PolyU InnoHub@Qianhai was officiated by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President (6th from right), Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT (6th from left), together with other PolyU representatives.
PolyU is set to enhance its impact on innovation and collaboration in the thriving Shenzhen-Hong Kong technology ecosystem. The newly established PolyU-Qianhai Disruptive Technology and Innovation Research Centre (QHRC) and the PolyU Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (Qianhai) (PReCIT-QH), supported by the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality (Qianhai Authority), aim to create a technology hub that drives industrial development in both regions.
The official establishment of the Centres was graced by the presence of officiating guests, including Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President; Mr Wang Shourui, Member of the Standing Committee of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Director-General of Qianhai Authority and Secretary of the Bao’an District Committee; Ms Wen Ping, Member of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone Work Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and Deputy Director General of Qianhai Authority; Professor Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, together with other esteemed guests who participated in the unveiling of the two new centres.
Empowering technological advancement and cross-border knowledge transfer
Leveraging PolyU’s robust research capabilities, QHRC will advance development of AI sensors, smart manufacturing, intelligent medicine and healthcare, and innovative design. Through industry-academia-research collaboration, the Centre will incubate technology startups via the new PolyU InnoHub@Qianhai, enhancing industry upgrades with cutting-edge technologies. Meanwhile, PReCIT-QH will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and impactful research, serving as a platform for regional policy experts to develop strategies for technological growth in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Both Centres will explore innovative technologies, nurture talent and accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes to strengthen industrial development in the GBA.
Signing MoUs to cultivate industry-academia research collaboration
During the unveiling ceremony, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed with industry partners, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing industry-academia-research collaboration. QHRC signed MoUs with the China Construction Science and Industry Corporation Limited (CSCEC) and three venture capital firms, Shenzhen Angel Capital Guiding Fund, Hony Capital, and Hina Investment. Additionally, PolyU executed MoUs with the Shenzhen Reform and Opening Up Executive Leadership Academy and the HKCPPCC (Provincial) Members Association.
The event also marked the launch of the PolyU International Future Challenge (IFC) Qianhai Region, supported by strategic partner CSCEC. This initiative offers an integrated platform for attracting top technology talents, project teams and startups to develop innovative solutions in fields such as AI-powered smart construction, the metaverse, augmented reality/virtual reality, intelligent wearables and big health. It aims to address industry challenges and accelerate commercialisation of technologies.
During the ceremony, attendees visited Wiselaw Digital Technology, Hong Kong’s first tech company innovatively applying cross-border legal and compliance large-model intelligent agents. This successful startup, nurtured by PolyU in Qianhai, exemplifies how these centres will provide comprehensive support, including research and development, commercialisation, expansion and financing for PolyU’s innovation teams in the region.
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In his opening remarks, Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President, stated, “The establishment of the two centres in Qianhai marks a pivotal milestone in the University’s collaboration with the Qianhai Authority to propel industrial innovation. By leveraging the resources and strengths of the GBA, these Centres will accelerate the development of cutting-edge interdisciplinary technologies, deepen industry-academia-research collaborations and serve as strategic platforms connecting technology enterprises and innovation teams from across the GBA, thereby fostering high-level expertise in technology policy and reinforcing regional and national development.” | The QHRC unveiling ceremony was officiated by Prof. Teng (5th from left); Mr Wang Shourui (5th from right); Ms Wen Ping (4th from right); Prof. Christopher Chao (4th from left); Dr Laura Lo, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) (3rd from right); Prof. Ling Kar-kan, PolyU Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) and core member of PReCIT (3rd from left); Prof. Yang Qiang, Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (2nd from right); Prof. Li Xiangdong, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Construction and Environment (2nd from left); Prof. Tommy Wei, Director of QHRC (left) and Prof. Harry Qin, Associate Director of QHRC (right). |
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Witnessed by Prof. Teng (2nd from left, back row); Prof. Chao (left, back row); Mr Shuhua Yang (2nd from right, back row); and Mr Li Jiang, Deputy General Manager of CSCEC, the MoU between QHRC and CSCEC was signed by Prof. Tommy Wei (left, seated) and Mr Renge Li, Director of the CSCEC Innovation Research Institute (right, seated). | The PolyU IFC Qianhai Region was launched at the unveiling ceremony of QHRC and PReCIT-QH. |
