Dr Lam Tai-fai (3rd from right), Prof. Christopher Chao (2nd from right), Prof. Fan Jintu (1st from right), Mr Li Jiangui (1st from left), Mr Lei Ming (2nd from left), and Ms Yan Yan (3rd from left) officiated at the unveiling ceremony in Xingguo.

Knowledge transfer lies at the heart of the PolyU mission. The establishment of technology and innovation research institutes in strategic cities exemplifies the University’s commitment to translating research into tangible impact. Two new institutes – the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute and the PolyU-Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Futian) – were recently launched, further expanding PolyU’s network across the Chinese Mainland.

By engaging closely with local government, industry partners and community stakeholders of the host cities, each institute is uniquely positioned to ensure that the targeted solutions they deliver address the specific needs of the communities they serve. Building on the collective synergy of these individual endeavours, PolyU not only inspires innovation but also contributes to shaping the future of China.

Advancing textile innovation with Xingguo

Decided to driving innovation and high-quality development in the textiles and apparel industry, the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute brings together Xingguo's vibrant industry ecosystem and PolyU's world-class research expertise in fashion and textiles, smart manufacturing, and materials technology. The Institute is poised to become a dynamic hub for translational research and development, practical application, talent cultivation and startup incubation.

Mr Liu Zhanghong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Xingguo County Committee, engaged in fruitful discussions with the PolyU delegation, led by Dr Lam Tai-fai, regarding the Institute’s development.

The Institute comprises four core platforms: Research Centre for Advanced Textiles; Centre for Intelligent Wearable Technology for Future; Smart Design Platform; and Entrepreneurship Centre. Each platform focuses on a distinct domain, including technological innovation, smart manufacturing, and sustainable materials. 

The unveiling ceremony in Xingguo was officiated by Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman; Professor Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Professor Fan Jintu, Director of the PolyU-Xingguo Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Mr Li Jiangui, Secretary of the CPC Xingguo County Committee; Mr Lei Ming, Vice Mayor of the CPC Ganzhou Municipal Government; and Ms Yan Yan, Vice President of the China National Textile and Apparel Council.

A national powerhouse in quality apparel manufacturing, Xingguo is instrumental in steering the advancement of the industry. At the ceremony, Dr Lam stated that the Institute would leverage PolyU research strengths to meet the evolving demands of the sector, supporting long-term industrial transformation and economic growth.

Agreements were signed between the Institute, two leading enterprises and an educational institution to jointly create an innovative research-academic-industry-application ecosystem.

Accelerating innovation and technology application with Shenzhen

To strengthen PolyU’s research presence in the Greater Bay Area, the PolyU-Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Futian) was launched in March. With funding support from the Development Authority of Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone (Hetao Development Authority), the Institute leverages the University’s cutting-edge research alongside Shenzhen’s industrial strengths to support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub, while facilitating cross-border exchange and unleashing new quality productive forces.

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (3rd from left), Prof. Christopher Chao (2nd from left), Prof. John Shi Wenzhong (1st from left), Mr Zhong Hai (3rd from right), Ms Li Huilai (1st from right), and Ms Wang Yaowen (2nd from right) officiated at the unveiling of the PolyU-Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Futian).

The Institute focuses on research into artificial intelligence, smart cities, robotics, aerospace engineering and autonomous vehicles. Positioned to drive large-scale research applications in Shenzhen, it aims to raise productivity across GBA, not only delivering benefits to the country but also strengthening its connections with the world.

The inauguration ceremony took place in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong International Science and Technology Park in Futian District and was officiated by PolyU President Professor Jin-Guang Teng; Professor Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Professor John Shi Wenzhong, Director of the PolyU-Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Futian); Mr Zhong Hai, Director of Hetao Development Authority; Ms Li Huilai, Deputy Director of Hetao Development Authority; Ms Wang Yaowen, Deputy Director of Shenzhen Municipal Government Services and Data Management Bureau.

Professor Teng noted in his address that the Institute reflected PolyU’s strategic move to further integrate into the GBA and align with the Nation's development priorities, marking a new phase of deeper collaboration between PolyU and Shenzhen in advancing industry–academia–research integration and coordinated innovation.

With more research initiatives in the pipeline, the University is proactively building a strong platform in the country to facilitate effective knowledge exchange and real-world application.

Agreements were signed between the Institute, and an enterprise and a research centre to enhance collaboration in technological innovation.