By presenting its latest technological advancements both at home at LEAP East 2026 in Hong Kong and abroad at BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, PolyU has further strengthened its position as a global innovation hub. Through these platforms, the University not only highlights the real-world impact of its research but also actively connects its innovations with diverse international industries, investors, and partners, enabling its technologies to reach wider markets and accelerate global adoption.

PolyU startups tap into the Middle East

The University made a strong debut at LEAP East 2026 this month, showcasing its growing influence in global innovation and entrepreneurship. As one of the leading participants in this flagship Middle Eastern technology expo, PolyU brought 14 startups and four award-winning projects from the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, demonstrating its strength in translating research excellence into real-world impact.

A key highlight of PolyU’s presence was the “CEO Spotlight: Startup Innovation Challenge“. Jointly hosted with the PolyU CEO Club, the event drew more than 100 participants. It opened with remarks from Professor Cheng Dong, PolyU’s Associate Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), who highlighted how today’s booming AI market creates ideal conditions for startups. This set the perfect stage for nine PolyU teams to present their cutting-edge AI and healthcare technology innovations.

The event also provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange. In a thought-provoking panel discussion, Professor Yang Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence (PAAI), Associate Dean (Global Engagement) and Chair Professor of Generative Artificial Intelligence of the PolyU Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and Founder of InfiX.ai (a PolyU startup), shared insights on the future of AI and the importance of cross-border collaboration. Her perspective highlighted a critical shift: innovation is no longer confined within national boundaries but is increasingly shaped by global networks and shared expertise.

Through LEAP East 2026, PolyU startup teams showcased cutting-edge technologies while securing access to Middle Eastern opportunities and advancing their global expansion.

Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU (right, centre) and Prof. Zheng Zijian, Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) of PolyU (left, centre), joined startups of PolyU showcasing the latest technologies at LEAP East 2026.

Driving medicine-engineering integration at BIO 2026

Earlier on, PolyU transitioned to the life sciences sector by participating in the BIO 2026 from 22 to 25 June in San Diego, California. As an event drawing over 20,000 industry professionals from 76 countries, BIO 2026 provided an unmatched stage for PolyU to display its interdisciplinary excellence in biotechnology, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Joining a comprehensive Hong Kong delegation led by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) for the first time, which included four other local universities and more than 40 health tech firms, PolyU occupied a central position within the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion.

The University displayed nine groundbreaking health innovations spanning first-in-class drugs for obesity and solid tumours, advanced diabetes and neurological therapies, and next-generation medical devices like ultra-fast diagnostic systems. Developed by interdisciplinary teams across health technology, rehabilitation, and optometry fields, these projects demonstrated the University’s robust pipeline in translational medicine.

Highlighting the commercial viability of PolyU’s biotechnology spin-offs, startup ABRAM Therapeutics was selected to present its inventive drug candidates directly to global investors during an exclusive pitching session. The delegation also solidified international research ties through strategic site visits to the Salk Institute and high-level networking events hosted by Business France and Simcere Pharmaceutical.

By bridging academia, industry, and global investors, PolyU continues to reinforce its commitment to nurturing innovation and enabling its ventures to scale internationally, contributing to both regional and global technological advancement.

At BIO 2026 in San Diego, PolyU presented its latest life sciences and healthcare innovations to global industry leaders, highlighting its advanced capabilities in technology transfer.