PolyU’s innovative spirit and strong research capabilities were demonstrated at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics exhibitions. The University led a delegation of 19 startups to Las Vegas, joining over 4,500 exhibitors. They showcased cutting-edge technologies in areas ranging from human security and digital health to energy optimisation, and brought home three prestigious awards, including the “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best-ever result at this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation.

Professor Christopher Chao, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU’s research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”

PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at CES this year, underscoring the University’s excellence in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The three award-winning innovations were:

Smart Firefighting Robot

Developed by Mr Wang Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering and Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, this AI-driven robot earned the “Best of Innovation Award” in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category. The robot can autonomously patrol smoke-filled environments, classify burning materials, extinguish fires, and share real-time data, which protects both firefighters and the public.

Prof. Christopher Chao (2nd from left); Ms Iris Wong, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (1st from left); and Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (3rd from right), with representatives from Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited.

Powered Rehab Skateboard

Developed by a team led by Professor Kenneth Fong, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, this portable robotic system won an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. Designed for stroke patients, the portable skateboard supports home-based and community rehabilitation, helping users recover motor function in their upper limbs through effective therapy.

The Powered Rehab Skateboard received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category.

FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device

Spearheaded by Professor Zheng Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Founder and Chief Scientist of Eieling Technology Limited, this device received an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category. Weighing just 120 grams, FattaLab® is the world’s first lightweight, intelligent system for fatty liver detection, delivering medical-grade accuracy in just 30 seconds.

The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

Click here to see the list of PolyU startups featured at CES 2026.

Supported by PolyVentures’ robust entrepreneurship ecosystem, PolyU research teams and entrepreneurs receive strong backing to turn their ideas into impactful solutions. Participation in major international innovation events, along with collaboration with industry, academia, research institutions, and investors, creates valuable opportunities for PolyU startups to expand globally.