As global healthcare systems face mounting pressure from ageing populations and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, innovation in medical technology and service delivery has become increasingly critical. The Asia Summit on Global Health, held on 11 and 12 May, brought together leading experts, investors and institutions to explore solutions, providing a valuable international platform for advancing collaboration and showcasing breakthroughs in healthcare innovation.

Building on these global conversations, PolyU highlighted at the event how its interdisciplinary research is translating innovation into significant healthcare solutions. By integrating strengths in artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare and biomedical engineering, the University showcased its contributions to driving research, knowledge transfer and real-world applications, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub.

PolyU’s participation spanned thematic forums, exhibition showcases and startup pitching sessions, enabling meaningful engagement with global stakeholders. Professor Christopher Chao, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), chaired a key session titled “Unlocking Growth in Silver Health: From Precision Medicine to Smart Ageing Innovations”. The discussion explored how advanced technologies can enhance quality of life for the elderly while addressing broader societal and economic implications of demographic change. Professor Chao noted that PolyU is committed not only to advancing research excellence but also to building a dynamic ecosystem that translates innovation into impact.

Adding to the academic dialogue, Professor Ma Cong, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, joined the session “Transforming Healthcare through Digital Health and AI Innovations”. He examined both the potential and the challenges of leveraging AI in healthcare, particularly in bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications. His contribution underscored the importance of responsible innovation in accelerating medical advancements.

The InnoHealth Showcase served as another key highlight, featuring seven PolyU startups, three research teams and the InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR). Their exhibits covered diverse areas including ophthalmology and vision health, innovative therapeutics, biomedical treatment, smart medical devices, home-based rehabilitation technologies and sports technology, as well as skin repair and medical aesthetic technologies. They reflected the University’s ability to translate cutting-edge research into impactful solutions with tangible societal benefits.

Three PolyU startups also participated in pitching sessions, presenting their technologies to investors and industry leaders. These sessions not only demonstrated the commercial potential of their innovations but also created opportunities for collaboration and investment, further strengthening the pathway from research to real-world applications.

Through its active engagement at the Summit, PolyU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing healthcare innovation through research, entrepreneurship and global collaboration. This commitment is underpinned by PolyVentures, its signature startup ecosystem, which supports startups at every stage—from ideation and incubation to acceleration and fundraising—thereby accelerating the commercialisation of research outcomes and contributing to the advancement of healthcare technologies in Hong Kong and beyond.