PolyU recently signed a collaboration agreement to establish the PolyU-Zibo Technology and Innovation Research Institute, marking its twelfth Mainland Translational Research Institute (MTRI). This latest addition, located in the vibrant city of Zibo, Shandong, will focus on deepening industry-academia-research collaboration in areas such as micro-nano technology, industrial artificial intelligence, rehabilitation therapy, digitalisation, and cultural tourism.

A new hub for innovation

The Institute serves as a bridge connecting PolyU’s world-class research with Zibo’s robust industrial base, promoting synergistic development and growth between Hong Kong and Zibo. The Institute will capitalise on PolyU's strengths to develop key core technologies, supporting the transformation of Zibo’s industries and fostering new productive forces, contributing to the city’s sustainable development.

An agreement was signed between PolyU and the People's Government of Zibo Municipality to jointly establish the Institute. The signing ceremony in Zibo was witnessed by Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President; Professor Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Mr Sun Haisheng, Director of the Science and Technology Department of Shandong Province; Mr Ma Xiaolei, Secretary of the Zibo City Committee; and other distinguished guests. The agreement was signed by Professor Dong Cheng, PolyU Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement), and Mr Li Xinsheng, Vice Mayor of the Zibo Municipal People’s Government.

Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (6th from left); Prof. Christopher Chao (5th from left); Mr Sun Haisheng (6th from right); Mr Ma Xiaolei (5th from right), and other distinguished guests, the collaboration agreement was signed by Prof. Dong Cheng (4th from left) and Mr Li Xinsheng (1st from right).

Professor Teng highlighted that the Institute will combine Zibo’s industrial strengths with PolyU’s research excellence to support the Nation’s innovation-driven development strategy. Mr Ma expressed hopes for the Institute to become a globally influential centre for technological advancement, attracting top researchers and resources to foster high-quality regional economic development.

The event also featured innovation and entrepreneurship matchmaking conferences, where PolyU startups showcased their latest technologies and projects to local universities, technology enterprises, and industry partners through on-site roadshows, facilitating innovators to connect with potential collaborators and investors, ensuring that great ideas make their way into the marketplace.

A growing network of impact in the Mainland

At other MTRIs, efforts are actively underway to foster new partnerships and collaborations. These institutes are sharing their latest research outcomes with local enterprises to drive innovation and industry development, while also engaging with Chinese government officials and community stakeholders to strengthen ties and promote knowledge exchange.

To date, PolyU has signed detailed agreements with twelve selected Mainland cities – Jinjiang, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Huizhou, Nanjing, Zhongshan, Wuhan, Shaoxing, Hefei, Ganzhou, and Zibo – to set up MTRIs, some of which are already in operation. The University has also established a Mainland Translational Research Centre (MTRC) in Qianhai. Through these collaborations, PolyU aligns its research capabilities and outcomes with local industrial and societal needs, enhancing the impact of our research and each host city's development through targeted solutions. While partner cities provide research space, facilities, and funding, PolyU contributes expertise, intellectual property, and manpower to translate research into impactful outcomes.