A new era of cross-continental research innovation has begun at Dassault Systèmes’ Paris headquarters. Bridging academic research with industry-leading expertise, PolyU has finalised a landmark tripartite strategic alliance with global virtual twin pioneer Dassault Systèmes and PAIEvo (HK) Limited, an advanced deep-tech subsidiary of the Hong Kong-listed XtalPi Holdings.

Witnessed by Professor Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Mr Nicolas Jeannee, Vice President 3DEXPERIENCE Edu of Dassault Systèmes; and Dr Kevin Tsai, Vice President of XtalPi and CEO of PAIEvo, the MoU was signed by Professor Zheng Zijian, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU; Ms Joanne Li, 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Sales Director of China, Dassault Systèmes; and Ms Ruyu Wang, Senior Director of External Affairs and Communications of XtalPi.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a strategic framework to drive collaboration in research innovation and talent development, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, advanced materials, and next-generation scientific discovery. It also represents a major step in PolyU’s internationalisation strategy, with Paris serving as its first innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Europe.

Under this framework, the three parties will jointly advance initiatives such as the digitalisation of smart laboratories, expanding research and development (R&D) in new materials, developing proprietary computing and molecular simulation tools, building an ecosystem for new substance discovery, and nurturing relevant professional talent.

The significance of this collaboration lies in the complementary strengths of the partners. PolyU contributes its strong capabilities in impactful research and knowledge transfer, leveraging its experience with an expanding network of Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) and establishing incubation centres, InnoHubs, across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and beyond. Dassault Systèmes, a global leader in virtual twin technology and 3D design platforms, brings cutting-edge solutions that are transforming industrial design and manufacturing. PAIEvo, leveraging XtalPi’s “AI for Science” platform, integrates quantum physics, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic experimentation to accelerate R&D in new materials.

PolyU expands its global footprint by building its first overseas innovation hub.

Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Professor Christopher Chao noted that the University has been progressively expanding its global footprint by building overseas innovation hubs, with Paris serving as the first stop in Europe. He added that by combining the strengths of academia and industry, the collaboration will not only advance the development of the three parties, but also bring tangible benefits to society.

As global challenges demand increasingly collaborative and technology-driven solutions, this alliance demonstrates how cross-sector and cross-continent partnerships can generate meaningful impact, positioning Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and Europe at the forefront of innovation.

PolyU’s role as “super-connector” at VivaTech

Making its debut at VivaTech 2026, PolyU captured the interest of numerous international visitors, expanding its global network and strengthening ties with European markets.

Meanwhile, PolyU expanded its international footprint further by debuting at one of the world’s most influential innovation platforms: Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2026 in Paris. By showcasing breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, PolyU reinforced its institutional capability to act as a technological “super-connector”, seamlessly bridging academic research, global markets, and industrial networks.

Led by Professor Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), and Professor Zheng Zijian, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), the PolyU delegation joined the Hong Kong Pavilion organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The University spotlighted five high-growth ventures specialising in AI, optoelectronic tech, health tech, sustainability, and smart manufacturing. Demonstrating global competitiveness, two PolyU-nurtured ventures, Bacbudy Limited and LeafIoT Technology Limited, were named among the organiser’s top 400 participating startups for utilising sustainable innovation to tackle climate, healthcare, digital inclusion and education challenges.

Beyond showcasing the latest innovations, PolyU drove high-level ecosystem dialogues. During a thematic session titled “Breaking Barriers with Autonomous Systems: Transforming Industries with AI Innovation”, Professor Chao emphasised that cross-continental collaboration is vital for shaping future technologies. He noted that international platforms empower academic startups to expand overseas, access new markets, and enhance Hong Kong’s global stature.

Professor Zheng expanded on this vision during his keynote address, detailing how international firms can employ PolyU’s expansive network of 12 Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs) and over 1,000 partner universities and research institutes to integrate cutting-edge research with the vast industrial scale of the Chinese Mainland. Furthermore, at an HKTDC seminar focused on talent and infrastructure, Professor Chao explored how academic-driven, cross-border synergies allow Hong Kong to excel in its strategic role as a regional tech hub.