To advance the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies, PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish the “PolyU and Ant Digital Technologies Joint Lab on AI and Web3”. The Joint Lab aims to become a global innovation hub, propelling innovations in these cutting-edge fields.

Ant Digital Technologies, a digital technology subsidiary of Ant Group, plans to invest up to HK$100 million over the next three years to support the Joint Lab’s research and project incubation. The Lab will focus on driving breakthroughs in advanced technologies, the innovation ecosystem and incubation, as well as serving as a source of innovation and technology. Its three core domains are trustworthy AI agents, AI-enhanced blockchain security architecture, and data privacy verification technologies.

An “AI + Web3 Education Fund Platform” will also be established to nurture talent and support innovation and incubation. By leveraging PolyU’s strong research capabilities and Ant Digital Technologies’ extensive industry resources, the platform will help position Hong Kong as a leading digital technology talent hub. The Joint Lab will further strengthen the city’s world-class academic brand by hosting international technology seminars and innovation competitions.

The signing of the cooperation agreement was witnessed by Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government; Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President; and Mr Eric Jing Xiandong, Chairman of Ant Group. The agreement was signed by Professor Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr Zhao Wenbiao, Chief Executive Officer of Ant Digital Technologies.

Professor Teng said, “We anticipate this strong partnership will drive deep integration and breakthrough innovation in AI and Web3 applications, yielding globally impactful solutions that accelerate the growth of a digital economy in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Ant Digital Technologies was named a “Key Enterprise Partner” by the HKSAR Government and established its international headquarters in the city. Mr Zhao stated that the collaboration with PolyU will accelerate breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies and facilitate their widespread commercial implementation. Mr Jing also mentioned that Ant Group is optimistic about Hong Kong’s future and remains committed to investing in the city.

Reflecting its academic leadership in AI and Web3 technologies, PolyU was ranked first in CoinDesk’s Best Universities for Blockchain 2022, outperforming 240 other universities globally. The University offers comprehensive programmes to develop future-ready technologists with both visionary thinking and practical skills. All these efforts create an ideal platform for this collaboration.